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The Theatre at Ewing
Completed in June of 2000, the Theatre at Ewing is owned and operated
by the Illinois
State University Foundation. While built as the home of the Illinois
Shakespeare Festival, the theatre is also available for rental
to organizations for educational and cultural performances.
 The
$2 million project was funded through privately raised funds. No
tax dollars or student fees were used for construction of the new
facility. Some of the funds have come from organizations such as
Country Companies, Mitsubishi Motor Manufacturing of American,
National City/First of America and the State Farm Companies Foundation.
Contributors of $1500 or more have their names inscribed on a donor
plaque installed on the exterior of the theatre. Funds were also
raised in $500 and $1,000 increments by “selling” seats
in the new theatre. People who participated have their names displayed
on those seats. Fundraising is ongoing for improvements to the
theatre, and anyone interested in contributing to the project can
contact University
Advancement at (309)438-8184 or by fax at (309)438-5748.
The new theatre is architecturally compatible with Ewing Manor.
Its limestone façade, half-timber detailing and wrought
iron elements echo various features found in the adjacent manor
house,
which was built in 1929. The theatre design features descending
concrete tiers in the Roman theatre tradition, 430 comfortable
seats, underground passage ways, a continuous elevated lighting
catwalk, dressing rooms, green room, scene shop and public restrooms.
The theatre is fully accessible to persons with disabilities.
Information regarding the rental of the Theatre at Ewing may be
obtained by contacting the Director of Ewing Cultural Center.
Theatre Amenities:
 Seating
capacity of 430 in comfortable stadium-style seats.- Fully accessible to persons with disabilities. Handicapped
designated seating for up to 10 with companion seating; 14 seats
on tracks can be removed to increase handicapped seating. Equipped
with assistive listening devices.
- Air-conditioned dressing rooms equipped with showers.
- Air-conditioned green room with telephone and bathroom.
- Accessible public restrooms (6 stalls in women’s, 3 stalls
in men’s).
- Backstage loading dock with turn around.
- Parking (200+) spaces is provided at St. John’s Lutheran
Church.
- Backstage scene shop for prop and equipment storage.
Stage
 Mainstage
projecting into “moat” area. - 33 foot high back wall.
- Second floor balcony with wrought iron railing; accessed by
onstage and backstage steps.
- “The heavens” or upper balcony can be popped out.
- Stage extensions to increase onstage capacity and fill in apron.
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