Hilton U. Brown Theatre as viewed from the east side of the Butler Bowl

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 (right) 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. Carol Burnett, Dick Van Dyke, Debbie Reynolds, Sammy Davis Jr., Liberace, Ethel Merman, Yul Brynner, and many other famous people appeared at the theatre. 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. Originally, more than 3,000 stadium style seats provided accommodations for the audience. In 1964, 1,080 permanent seats were added to the top of the esplanade at the back of the theatre and in 1979, a roof was added over the seats and the stage, providing protection from rain. In the background, a portion of Hinkle Fieldhouse is visible. 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/2920
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, 39.844132, -86.165323 39.844132 -86.165323
Subjects:	Amphitheaters Theaters Sports facilities Football stadiums Gymnasiums Basketball arenas Stairs Handrails Butler University--Buildings Butler University--Buildings, structures, etc. College buildings Butler University--History Indianapolis (Ind.)--History Hilton U. Brown Theatron Hilton U. Brown Theatre Starlight Musicals Butler Bowl Bud and Jackie Sellick Bowl Goalposts Bleachers Railings Hinkle Fieldhouse Butler Fieldhouse Fairview campus

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