Construction of the Hilton U. Brown Theatre

Description:	Construction of the Hilton U. Brown Theatre started in June 1954 at the southern end of the Butler Bowl (renamed the Bud and Jackie Sellick Bowl in 2017). Opening in 1955 as the Hilton U. Brown Theatron, the structure was named for Hilton U. Brown (Class of 1880, M.A. 1882), President of the Butler University Board of Directors from 1903 to 1955. When the Butler Bowl opened in 1928, 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 the University signed a contract with the city of Indianapolis, allowing them to build an open-air theatre at the southern end of the structure. Indianapolis leased the land from the University, paid the construction costs, and had control of the theatre from around June 15 to September 1, but it was available for University use at other times. Among other events, spring Commencement was held at the theatre for almost twenty years. To enable construction on the approximately $350,000 to $400,000 structure, roughly 16,000 seats were removed from the south side of the stadium. Designed by Lennox & Matthews & Associates, Inc., the theatre consists of a 148 by 500 feet theatre stage, which 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. Five flagpoles at the back of the stage support backdrops and more than 3,000 stadium style seats provide accommodations for the audience. At the back of the seats, an approximately 272 feet long esplanade covers the ticket office, concession stands, restrooms, and the sound, lighting, and projection rooms. 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. The structure was demolished in 2005, in preparation for the construction of the Apartment Village.
Source:	http://palni.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/BldgsGrnds/id/2874
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, 39.843805, -86.166518 39.843805 -86.166518
Subjects:	Construction projects Amphitheaters Theaters Trees Football stadiums Sports facilities Trucks Bridges Butler University--Buildings, structures, etc. Butler University--History Indianapolis (Ind.)--History Hilton U. Brown Theatron Hilton U. Brown Theatre Starlight Musicals Butler Bowl Bud and Jackie Sellick Bowl Fairview campus

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