Jerry Herman Ring Theatre facts for kids
The Jerry Herman Ring Theatre is the student theatre at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. It's a special place where students learn about acting and put on plays.
History of the Ring Theatre
The Jerry Herman Ring Theatre first opened its doors in 1946. The building you see today was finished in 1953. Many famous actors started their careers here. These include Steven Bauer, Ray Liotta, and Sylvester Stallone.
The theatre is named after Jerry Herman, who graduated from the University of Miami in 1953. Jerry Herman was a very famous composer for Broadway shows. He wrote music for popular musicals like Hello, Dolly!, Mame, and La Cage aux Folles.
Over the years, the Ring Theatre has been in three different places. Before its current home, it was in a circus tent! It was also in a round building. That building was once used to train pilots during World War II.
The name "Ring" comes from how the first shows were performed. The audience sat in a "ring" around the stage. This was a new and exciting way to watch plays. The current building was designed by Robert M. Little and Marion M. Manley. Its unique round shape and flexible seating made it famous in the theatre world.
The main building has a strong roof made of concrete. It's held together by a large steel band, like the bands on old wagon wheels. This theatre was built to be very strong. It can even stand up to hurricanes with winds up to 250 miles per hour!
In the 1970s, the theatre changed its seating. It became a "three-sided thrust" stage. This means the audience sits on three sides of the stage. After a big update, the Ring Theatre can now change its stage and seating in many ways. This allows for different kinds of performances.
The theatre's new stage is called the Alvin Sherman Family Stage. It is named after Alvin Sherman. He helped support the theatre's renovation.
You can get to the Ring Theatre easily by public transport. The Miami Metrorail stops at the University Station.
Famous Alumni from the Ring Theatre
Many talented people who studied at the University of Miami performed at the Ring Theatre. Here are some of them:
- Steven Bauer - actor, known as "Manolo Ray"
- Jeff Coopwood - actor, voice of "The Borg" in Star Trek: First Contact
- Gail Edwards - actress, known as "Vicky Larson" in Full House
- Joshua Henry - actor, known as "Haywood Patterson" in The Scottsboro Boys
- Dawnn Lewis - actress, known as "Jaleesa Vinson-Taylor" on A Different World
- Ray Liotta - actor, known as "Henry Hill"
- Ernie Sabella - actor, known as "Mr. Petrachelli" on That's So Raven
- Saundra Santiago - actress, known as "Det. Gina Navarro Calabrese" in Miami Vice
- Sylvester Stallone - actor, known for the Rocky movies
