Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) has announced the reopening of the Science Center on its Blue Bell campus. Renovated and modernized over a four-year period, the 118,689-square-foot building houses MCCC’s science, engineering and mathematics programs, as well as a 563-seat state-of-the-art theater. The theater is the centerpiece of the recently established Monco Cultural Center, which encompasses all of MCCC’s arts and cultural programs.
“We are very proud to celebrate the official reopening of the Science Center and invite our students, faculty, staff, and community members to experience all that the Science Center has to offer,” said MCCC President Dr. Victoria L. Bastecki Perez. I feel inspired and energized,” he said. “From state-of-the-art learning environments to world-class performance spaces, this building represents Monco’s next-generation commitment to providing holistic and transformative opportunities for all.”
regarding science center
First opened in 1972, the Science Center has been completely rebuilt to give students hands-on access to the latest science and engineering technology, including robotic arms and 3D printers. The office suite has also been converted into a student hub, where classmates can engage and learn from each other in a space specifically designed for collaboration and camaraderie.
MCCC’s Sustainability Lab provides students with experiential learning opportunities in sustainable practices such as hydroponics and aquaponics. Students also grow plants, protists, and other aquatic organisms in the sustainability lab to support their STEM biology lab work. Students applied the engineering skills they learned in the redesigned engineering lab to design and build a concept vehicle powered by hydrogen fuel. innovathat they were competing in the 2023 Shell eco marathon competition. Vehicles and vehicles that win second place in their categories will be on display during tours of the building.
This renovation will support the growth and development of these programs as they provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for priority careers in STEM fields that provide family-sustaining wages.
“Our goal has always been to prepare our students well for what comes next, whether it’s in the workforce or continuing education, and to set them up for success, and this new science center will do that even more. ” said Dr. James Bretz. , dean of science, technology, engineering and mathematics at MCCC. “Through an intentional redesign process, we breathed new life into this building, providing abundant space for students and faculty alike to explore and succeed in and out of the classroom.”
About the Monko Cultural Center Theater
The centerpiece of the Science Center is the Monko Cultural Center Theatre, a 563-seat technologically advanced performing arts space. The theater’s immersive technology, designed by Spielman Farmer Architects and equipped with industry-leading acoustics, sound, equipment, lighting and video systems by internationally renowned Walters Storyk Design Group, Audiences can see and feel art in a whole new way. This space will operate as a multipurpose venue capable of hosting live theater performances, concerts, lectures, film screenings, and more.
“The theater at Monco Cultural Center is the crown jewel of a science center, something you would never expect to find in the middle of a community college campus,” said Dr. Celeste M. Schwartz, Pottstown Campus Vice President for Information. Technology and organizational effectiveness in MCCC. “Attention to detail is paid to the tiniest details to ensure that our audiences have the most engaging and awe-inspiring experience. Our theater is a great place for our friends and neighbors in Montgomery County. will provide the Broadway-quality experience you can expect from Philadelphia’s premier performance space without having to drive into the city.”
Seating capacity in the redesigned theater has increased from 398 to 563, including 500 seats in the orchestra seating and 63 seats in the brand new balcony section. The skybox has 24 seats on each side, and the VIP section has 15 seats. A larger stage allows for more diverse performances. The venue has new and improved seating for spectators, a new lobby and bathrooms, and improved wheelchair accessibility. The theater not only serves as a performance destination for the Philadelphia area, but also provides real-world learning experiences for students.
“We worked hard to stock the theater with top-notch equipment, equipment that most students don’t have access to until much later in their careers,” said David Ivory, director of recording and music technology at MCCC. I am. “For example, our live mixing console is a DIGICO SD7T, which is a very modern system designed specifically for sound mixing in a live theater situation. Along with our video, lighting and rigging systems, I Our students will engage in unparalleled experiential learning that rivals many four-year universities in the region.”
Theater opening night performance – Presentation by lao teaser band – It will be held on Wednesday, September 20th to kick off the Monko Jazz Fest.
Additional performances celebrating MCCC’s past, present, and future will be held on September 21, September 22, and September 23. On September 21 at 6:30 p.m., MCCC will honor its past and recognize two influential African American women, Judith Willoughby and Helen Haynes. , made a significant contribution to the development of art and culture at the university. Audiences can also enjoy their performances. philadelphia boys choir and elegance string quartet. On September 22 at 7 p.m., MCCC will honor this gift with a free performance by faculty, staff, students, and the community. On September 23rd at 7pm, MCCC will host a special concert celebrating the future. rock femmesbass accompaniment by MCCC assistant professor of music Michael Kelly.
about Monko Cultural Center
The theater is the centerpiece of Monco Cultural Center, MCCC’s new platform encompassing all arts and culture venues, series and programs. Designed as an interconnected campus, the cultural center features a main stage theater plus intimate black box theaters and fine arts galleries, community spaces and learning environments at his MCCC campuses in Bluebell and Pottstown.
“Our goal is for Monco Cultural Center to be a change-maker in the Philadelphia region, allowing people to experience the thrill and wonder of live music, theater, dance, art, and ideas in entirely new ways.” said Brent Woods, senior director of the center. MCCC Arts and Culture. “I’m so proud of the way we’ve reimagined the modern cultural experience, making outstanding theatrical performances and fine arts more accessible and affordable for everyone. We’ll be working with some very exciting artists in the near future. We’re coming to Monco and can’t wait to welcome art lovers from around the region to spend a night or more with us at the Monco Cultural Center.”
Monco Cultural Center’s Lively Arts Series celebrates 40 years of providing artistic talent through programming that ensures diverse representation of backgrounds and cultures. Highlights of the 2023-2024 anniversary season include:
- NEA Jazz Master and five-time Grammy Award winner Diane Reeves
- Philadanko
- Martha Redbone Roots Project
- Vinicius Cantuaria Quartet
- SF JAZZ Collective: 20th anniversary celebration
For a complete list of performances and to purchase tickets, visit mc3.edu/livelyarts.
Photo: MCCC
