Greek Theatre (Baton Rouge) Facts for Kids

Greek Theatre (Baton Rouge)

The Greek Theatre is a cool outdoor spot at Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It first opened way back in 1925. This theatre could fit about 3,500 people! It was built so the whole university could gather there. Big school meetings and events often happened here.

History of the Greek Theatre
Current Uses of the Theatre
- Music Rehearsals at the Theatre
Gallery
See also

History of the Greek Theatre

The Greek Theatre was built into a hill. This made it a natural amphitheater, like a big outdoor stage. It was used for many important events. These included school meetings, big gatherings, shows, and graduation ceremonies.

Sunken Gardens and Reflecting Pool

In the early 1930s, the space behind the theatre changed. It was cleared and beautiful gardens were added. This area was called the "Sunken Gardens." It had pretty shrubs and used the trees already there for shade. A long, calm reflecting pool was also built. This pool was about 150 feet long and 30 feet wide. At one end, there was a tall, 8-foot statue. It showed the Spanish explorer, Hernando de Soto.

Governor Long's Big Announcement

During the time Huey P. Long was Governor of Louisiana, he often used the theatre. If he had something important to tell all the students, a loud gong would ring. Everyone on campus would then rush to the Greek Theatre to hear him speak.

One famous event happened in 1934. Governor Long announced that he had arranged special trains. These trains would take all the students to an away football game. The game was against Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. He even gave $7 to any student who needed it. He accepted "IOU's" (promises to pay later) from students.

Getting the reduced train fare was tricky. The railroad company didn't want to lower their prices at first. But Governor Long was very powerful. He convinced them by threatening to raise the taxes on their bridges. After that, the railroad quickly agreed to the lower fare for students.

Changes Over Time

The theatre was still used in 1960. However, the reflecting pool was filled in. A "formal garden" was put there instead. Sadly, the statue of Hernando de Soto was destroyed. It was thrown into the Mississippi River. This was a strange end, as the real explorer also died near the river.

Over time, the entrances to this garden became blocked. By the 1970s, it was hard to get to. People started calling it the "Enchanted Forest." It became a very private and hidden spot.

Current Uses of the Theatre

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the area was cleaned up. All the extra trees and overgrown plants were removed. Now, it's an open, shady space. The Greek Theatre is still a busy place today.

It is used for many different events. You can see outdoor concerts and performances there. Religious ceremonies also take place. It's also a popular spot for students and others to meet up.

Music Rehearsals at the Theatre

In the fall of 2020, the LSU Greek Theatre got a new group using it. The LSU Tiger Marching Band started holding their music rehearsals there. This happened because of the Coronavirus pandemic. Music practices needed to be held outdoors for safety.

The Tiger Band used the Greek Theatre full-time for their music rehearsals. They practiced there throughout the 2020 season. They also used their outdoor practice field. After the Tiger Band's season ended, the LSU School of Music began using the theatre. Now, LSU's chamber music groups practice there. This will continue until the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.