The
Little Country Theatre (LCT) was dedicated
at North Dakota Agricultural College on February 10, 1914. LCT's existence is
due to Alfred
G. Arvold, originally hired in 1907 as an Instructor in English and Oratory.
He rose to the rank of Professor of Speech and Chairman of the department, which
he held until his retirement in 1952. Arvold was extremely interested in the
theater and entertainment. At the time of his arrival at NDAC, there was no
theater of any kind on campus. The chapel in Old Main was not being used, and
Arvold decided that was the place to create a theater.
Primarily
through his efforts, the chapel was transformed into a theater. The college
carpenter built and stage and proscenium arch. The State Legislature appropriated
$3,000 to enlarge the seating capacity. However, this amount was not enough
to cover the cost of new seats, stage fixtures, and draperies. The seating capacity
was 200, later expanded to 350. The stage was 30 feet wide and 20 feet deep.
The proscenium arch was 10 feet high and 15 feet wide. The color was green and
gold, with the gold dominating. Within ten years the theater plant had grown
and occupied most of the second and third floors of Old Main, including the
theater proper, its adjuncts included the Lincoln Log Cabin, the Ibsen Room,
the Green Room, the Village, the Library, the Tower Study, the main office and
the makeup room.
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University Archives, 701-231-8914 Published by the University Archives, NDSU Last Updated: 8/27/04 |