Greek Theatre (Baton Rouge) facts for kids
The Greek Theatre in Baton Rouge, Louisiana is a cool outdoor theater located at Louisiana State University (LSU). It first opened way back in 1925. It was built to hold about 3,500 people, which was enough for everyone at the university back then! It used to be the main spot for big school meetings.
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Contents
A Look Back: The Theatre's Story
How It Was Built
The Greek Theatre was built right into a natural hill, making it like a big outdoor bowl. People used it for important gatherings, school events, and even graduation ceremonies.
The Sunken Gardens
In the early 1930s, the area behind the theater became a beautiful spot called the "Sunken Gardens." It had lots of plants and trees. There was also a long, shallow pool with a tall statue of a Spanish explorer named Hernando de Soto at one end.
Governor Long's Big Idea
When Huey P. Long was the Governor of Louisiana, he sometimes had big news for the students. A large gong on campus would ring, telling everyone to hurry to the Greek Theatre to hear him speak.
One time in 1934, Governor Long announced that he had arranged special, cheaper train tickets. These tickets would take all the students to an LSU football game at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. He even gave $7 to students who needed help paying, letting them pay him back later.
Governor Long was very good at getting what he wanted. When the train company first said no to the cheaper tickets, he found a way to convince them. He told them he would greatly increase the taxes on their railroad bridges in Louisiana. After that, the railroad quickly agreed to the lower fares for the students!
Changes Over Time
By 1960, the theater was still in use, but the reflecting pool was filled in. It was replaced with a "formal garden." Sadly, the statue of de Soto was removed and put into the Mississippi River.
Over the years, the paths to this garden became blocked. By the 1970s, the area felt very hidden and became known as the "Enchanted Forest."
The Theatre Today
Clearing the Way
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the areas that were once the "sunken gardens," "formal garden," and "enchanted forest" were cleaned up. Extra trees and plants were removed. Now, it's an open, shady space with lots of trees.
Modern Uses
The Greek Theatre is managed by the University Union. It's still a popular spot today! People use it for outdoor concerts, plays, and religious events. It's also a great place for students and others to meet up and relax.
In the fall of 2020, because of the Coronavirus pandemic, the LSU School of Music needed to practice outdoors. The Tiger Marching Band started holding their music rehearsals at the Greek Theatre. LSU's smaller music groups also used the theater to practice. Even though the pandemic is over, the Schools of Music and Theatre, along with student clubs, still use the Greek Theatre for rehearsals, performances, and other school activities.
Gallery
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Greek Theatre (Baton Rouge)
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Greek Theatre (Baton Rouge) - Front Stage View
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Greek Theatre (Baton Rouge) - Side Stage View
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Greek Theatre (Baton Rouge) - Side View
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See also
- List of music venues
- Theater in Louisiana
