Acadiana Center for the Arts

The new Acadiana Center for the Arts Theater, with seating for 300 and state-of-the-art acoustics, is a jewel in the heart of downtown Lafayette, Louisiana. Its re-configurable space can accommodate every type of performance theater, dance, film, and musical from a full orchestra to a Cajun or zydeco band. The new space also will house AcA's well-known programs, such as Louisiana Crossroads and the Arts in Education Family Performance Series, providing a much-needed hub for arts in the heart of Acadiana.

"Businessman and patron of the arts James Devin Moncus made a gift of $1.5 million to the art center, and with it was honored with the naming rights to the new theater. The gift will be used to create an endowment. "It is through James Devin Moncus' extraordinary generosity that our organization is able to meet long-range financial goals, says Gerd Wuestemann Executive Director. "We are humbled by Jim's trust in our mission and in how we serve the community. We are honored to place his name on the new Moncus Theater at the AcA."  "It's hard to believe that we are finally realizing the dreams people have had for so many years" says Ed Abell, chairman of the AcA board. James Moncus gift "lends credibility to what we're doing and leads other people to participate." - Mary Tutwiler   Other naming rights patrons include Sharon Moss for the glass-enclosed ArtLoft meeting space; Coca Cola Bottling Co. and Paul Favaron for the Coca Cola studio, a room predominantly serving education; and James S. Mallia for the new Galleria, a casual gallery space. Other naming rights opportunities, including gallery spaces and the new atrium, still remain available, Wuestemann noted.

The AcA Theater can transform completely, from an open room with up to 6,000 square feet of flat floor space to almost any type of seating arrangement imaginable proscenium, thrust, black box, or theater in the round. The new space was designed by the award-winning Architects Southwest team, and the internationally acclaimed theater design firm TPC (Theater Projects Consultants) advised on the project.

A café located in the AcA's day lit atrium will be open to the public six days a week, serving gourmet coffee and offering free Wi-Fi. During evening performances and special events, this space will become an elegant lobby for socializing and sipping cocktails.

City-Parish president Joey Durel believes the new theater will be a valuable asset to the community, saying, "This facility is for all of Acadiana. The AcA Theater will provide citizens the opportunity to enjoy arts and culture in the area while showcasing state-of- the-art technology, fostering educational opportunities and preserving our distinct cultural heritage.

Phase II - 300-seat, State-of-the-art Theater:
    �    World-class theater consulting company, acoustics firm
    �    Flexible floor plan and acoustics, multi-purpose functionality
    �    Studio quality, silent A/C system, high definition A/V system
    �    Professional theater quality fly system, lighting, back-stage areas
    �    Extraordinary sound and visuals from anywhere in the house
    �    Accommodates range of disciplines from spoken word to dance, un-plugged or amplified music
    �    Phase II encompasses theater, foyer and atrium, a beautiful, central and accessible public space

Use of space, mission and concept:
    �    Daytime children's workshops, school projects, art programs
    �    Afternoon youth group meetings, theater rehearsals, meetings
    �    Evening recitals, concerts, events, film screenings, presentations
    �    Public gatherings, meetings, banquets, pageants
    �    Film and Music recording projects, production/editing facility
    �    Permanent home to Louisiana Crossroads, Louisiana Folk roots, resident theater company
    �    Theater available to outside presenters, other regional arts organizations

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