UDM's New Black Box Theatre Takes the Spotlight

The University of Detroit Mercy has unveiled its new Black Box Theatre on the McNichols Campus, marking a significant milestone for the institution's performing arts community.

 

Located on the lower level of the Student Union, this state-of-the-art venue is designed to be a flexible, professional-quality space that allows students and faculty to explore innovative forms of storytelling.

 

President Donald B. Taylor expressed enthusiasm about the opening, stating, "We’re thrilled to bring live theatre back to campus. This will enhance our student engagement on campus and provide community engagement opportunities for our neighborhood in ways we are only beginning to imagine."

 

The theatre will serve as the new home for the award-winning Detroit Mercy Theatre Company (DMTC), which will inaugurate the space with a fresh adaptation of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" on November 7.

 

Associate Dean Greg Grobis highlighted the theatre's potential, noting, "The new Black Box Theatre will be a catalyst for creativity. Its flexible design ensures that no two productions will ever feel the same, empowering students and faculty to dream bigger, take risks, and explore new forms of storytelling."

 

The 13,000-square-foot facility, constructed at a cost of just under $3 million, features adaptable seating for up to 109 patrons, advanced lighting and sound technology, a costume shop, individual changing rooms, and a greenroom.

 

Dean Jocelyn Boryczka emphasized the theatre's broader impact, stating, "The Detroit Mercy Black Box Theatre will energize arts and culture on UDM’s McNichols Campus, in our Northwest Detroit neighborhoods, and across metro Detroit."

 

With this new addition, the University of Detroit Mercy reaffirms its commitment to fostering artistic expression and community engagement, providing a dynamic platform for both students and local artists to showcase their talents.