Hilton U. Brown Theatre stage shortly before demolition

Description:	When the Butler Bowl opened in 1928 (renamed the Bud and Jackie Sellick Bowl in 2017), it could seat approximately 35,000 people and there was an option to add additional seating for a total capacity of more than 70,000 spectators. By the 1950s the need for such a large stadium was no longer necessary and in 1953, Butler University signed a contract with the city of Indianapolis, allowing them to build an open-air theatre at the southern end of the stadium. Indianapolis leased the land from the University, paid the construction costs, and had control of the theatre from around June 15th to September 1st each year, but it was available for University use at other times. Among other events, spring Commencement was held at the theatre for almost twenty years. Construction started in June 1954 on the approximately $350,000 to $400,000 theatre and roughly 16,000 seats were removed from the south side of the stadium, making way for the new theatre. Opening in 1955, the Hilton U. Brown Theatron was named for Hilton U. Brown (Class of 1880, M.A. 1882), President of the Butler University Board of Directors from 1903 to 1955. The structure was renamed the Hilton U. Brown Theatre circa 1963 and from 1955 to 1992 it was the home of Starlight Musicals who produced musicals and concerts each summer. Designed by Lennox & Matthews & Associates, Inc., the 148 by 500 feet theatre stage forms a roof over a two story structure, accommodating features such as dressing, rehearsal, and storage rooms; a scenery and prop construction space; and a freight elevator for moving sets and equipment. The 50 feet long by 8 feet deep orchestra pit includes a passageway under the stage to the orchestra room. At the back of the seating, an approximately 272 feet long esplanade (not shown here) covers the ticket office, concession stands, restrooms, and the sound, lighting, and projection rooms. In 1964, 1,080 permanent seats were added to the top of the esplanade and in 1979, a roof was added over the seats and the stage, providing protection from rain. The theatre was demolished in 2005, in preparation for the construction of the Apartment Village.
Origin:	2005
Source:	http://palni.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/BldgsGrnds/id/2871
Collection:	Butler University Buildings and Grounds Collection
Rights:	http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC-EDU/1.0/
Copyright:	In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
Geography:	Indianapolis, Indiana, United States, 39.843834, -86.165603 39.843834 -86.165603
Subjects:	Amphitheaters Theaters Handrails Trees Butler University--Buildings, structures, etc. Butler University--History Indianapolis (Ind.)--History Hilton U. Brown Theatron Hilton U. Brown Theatre Railings Starlight Musicals Stages Fairview campus

Further information on this record can be found at its source.