The official groundbreaking for VSU’s new $36.5 million performing arts center was celebrated on Friday, Oct. 25. It will be the 43,128 square foot home for theatre and dance programs. 

State officials, VSU President Richard Carvajal and others picked up shovels and tossed dirt in the air signifying the marking of history. 

The new performing art center will be the official musical theatre of the State of Georgia, attracting tourism and further strengthening the musical and theatre programs at VSU. The theatre plans to open in Spring 2026. 

It is being constructed near the intersection of Northside Drive and Ashley Street, near North Campus. 

Dr. Carvajal explained the necessity for a new theatre, as the old one was outdated. 

“We had a theater that was dated,” said Dr. Carvajal. “It didn’t have the technology needed to offer the kind of shows that the caliber of the actor was ready to deliver.” 

He believes that it will attract and increase tourism to shows and concerts. 

“Imagine with me, if you will, the number of tour buses that will drive down Ashley Street and drive into this parking lot, and they will come and they will stay here,” said Dr. Carvajal. “They will stay in our hotels, they will eat in our restaurants, they will go out to Wild Adventures and they will play our championship golf courses.” 

The Master of Ceremonies and Associates Professor or Theatre Voice and Acting, Ian Anderson, led the event. 

“This will become an artist beacon for all of the communities in the South Georgia Region,” said Anderson. “We are here today to enrich this community, to invest in this community and to grow with this community.” 

Numerous organizations came together to make this dream a reality. The Georgia’s Board of Regents, the university system of Georgia’s Office of Real Estate and Facilities, the Georgia State Financing and Investment, the VSU Foundation Board of Trustees, the VSU Alumni Association Board, the Peach State Summer Theatre Board and others joined together to support the funding for the new theatre. 

Government officials also joined together to support the theatre’s workings. State Representative John LaHood, Representative John Corbett, Representative Dextor Sharper, Senator Russ Goodman and Jodi Redding, the Director of Office of Gov. Brian Kemp, united in the groundbreaking. 

Blake Pearce, of Academic Affairs and University Advancement, made remarks explaining the difficulties of planning for such a large project. 

“This has been a long and arduous process,” said Pearce. “We’ve navigated a global pandemic, a global supply chain shortage, a skilled labor shortage, unprecedented inflationary costs, countless revision sessions, design planning projects, and budget reviews.” 

He then shared his vision for the future once the building is completed. 

“It’s going to become a destination for local, regional and national visitors experiencing our performances,” he said. “This building will serve generations of students, introducing them to contemporary practices within their respective fields of study.” 

Chancellor Sonny Purdue supported the construction of the theatre and spoke at the event. 

“I look forward to coming back, my wife and I, and enjoying one of those performances that this great school of arts will put on as we go forward and see what can happen. Part of a great education, well-rounded, for many types of disciplines here that students from across the state, across the country, are enjoying here at Valdosta State University.” 

Story and photo by Jenna Arnold, Editor-in-Chief.