Chi Omega Greek Theatre facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Chi Omega Greek Theatre
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville |
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Location | Dickson St., Fayetteville, Arkansas |
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Area | less than one acre |
Built | 1930 |
Architect | Jamieson and Spearl |
Architectural style | Greek |
MPS | Public Schools in the Ozarks MPS |
NRHP reference No. | 92001101 |
Added to NRHP | September 4, 1992 |
The Chi Omega Greek Theatre is a special outdoor stage and seating area. You can find it on the University of Arkansas campus in Fayetteville, Arkansas. This beautiful theatre was a gift to the university from a group called Chi Omega. It was finished in 1930. Because of its history and design, the theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. This means it is recognized as an important historical site in the United States.
Contents
Building the Theatre: A Dream Comes True
Who Had the Idea?
The idea for the Chi Omega Greek Theatre came from two people: Mary Love Collins and Dr. Charles Richardson. Mary Love Collins was a very important leader for the Chi Omega women's group for many years. Dr. Charles Richardson was one of the people who helped start Chi Omega. They both dreamed of building a theatre at the University of Arkansas. They wanted it to look like the ancient Theatre of Dionysus in Greece. This famous old theatre is near the Acropolis, a famous hill in Athens, Greece.
Making the Dream a Reality
The first group of Chi Omega members at the university started in 1895. Many years later, in 1930, the national Chi Omega organization made Mary Love Collins and Dr. Charles Richardson's dream come true. They decided to build the theatre as a gift to the university. The Young-Bryan Construction Company was hired for the job. The theatre cost $31,225 to build. On June 28, 1930, the university president, John C. Futrall, officially accepted this wonderful gift.
What Is the Theatre Used For?
Events and Gatherings
The Chi Omega Greek Theatre is a busy place! The University of Arkansas uses it for many different events. You might see concerts, plays, or even graduation ceremonies there. It's also a great spot for pep rallies to cheer on the university's sports teams.
Special Events and History
Every fall, a group called Cross Church holds a special worship service for college students. This event is called C3 at the Greek. It happens on the first Wednesday of classes and brings together more than 2,000 students each year.
The theatre has also seen some very large crowds. During World War II, over 6,000 people gathered there. They came to watch a performance by the Army Air Corps Band. This is thought to be the biggest crowd the theatre has ever hosted!