“Love made all this possible.”

The new home of Tent Theatre is officially open.

Written by Michelle S. Rose

Tent Theatre audiences are used to braving the heat: The productions have been held outdoors in the summer since 1963. But there was a chill in the air and swirling autumn leaves during the most recent gathering of Tent devotees.  It was Oct. 30, and hundreds of Bears were together to dedicate the John Goodman Amphitheatre. This structure — the permanent home for Tent Theatre shows — is part of the Judith Enyeart Reynolds Arts Park. “This new space lives on the same ground that has provided our students and our audiences so much over the past 60 years,” said Joseph Price, head of the theatre and dance department. “It’s been a space where we’ve labored to build sets and erect a tent. It’s been a space where countless students have learned their craft, and where our faculty and staff have mentored those students. It’s been a space where our audiences were moved to laughter and tears. I’m proud to be a part of this history, and I am thrilled to be standing here today — thrilled to be standing in our future.”

A NEW SPACE FOR A LONG-TIME TRADITION 

A fixed, enduring home for Tent has long been a wish at MSU.  Most recently, it was one of the main goals of our successfully concluded Onward, Upward campaign. We broke ground on April 8, 2021, thanks to private donors. This includes John Goodman ’75, one of Tent’s most notable alumni. Goodman credits Tent and the late Howard R. Orms, longtime theatre faculty member, as feeding his passion for his career. Many of Goodman’s classmates and friends also went on to successful careers in film, television and stage. Cast members from other decades have also gone on to great things — Broadway shows, Emmys, Oscar nominees, Golden Globe wins and more. That may be because the students who participate get plenty of real-world experience.

• First, Tent is a professional theatre company with Actors’ Equity status. Actors’ Equity is a labor union for actors and stage managers. Since 2008, Tent has operated under an agreement with the union. This attracts professional actors and stage managers, who are brought in for performances. They interact with our students.

• Second, Tent is a full-time job for students, who are expected to work eight-hour days. They enroll in a practicum and receive course credit as well as a scholarship.

Claire Marshall, a musical theatre student, told the crowd how Tent has allowed her to build connections far beyond MSU and our region.

“I have met some absolutely stunning performers … but more importantly, I have made such genuine and personal connections with such kind and warm people. … My experience in this career as a performer is dependent upon all these connections within the industry. I know for a fact that I now have so many friends that I can call post-graduation, because my work experiences on this campus have been absolutely wonderful.”

WHAT’S IN THE NEW PERFORMANCE VENUE

Mark Templeton, the current managing director, has been involved with Tent since 1998. He fell in love with it the moment he saw a production: “I was so enamored with the experience that immediately I wanted to become a part of it.” That’s not to say that he didn’t realize the limitations of the past Tent structure. “I remember when there was a storm in the tent, I was on the outside just praying to God that it would not fall.” Of the new structure, Templeton said with emphasis: “This will not fall.” The 7,700-square-foot open-air area includes a permanent stage, tiers for 350 removable seats and high-tech sound and lighting. “Besides being the home of Tent Theatre in the summer, the amphitheatre can host other events, such as jazz festivals and comedy acts,” said Dr. Shawn Wahl, dean of the Judith Enyeart Reynolds College of Arts and Letters.

“THERE’S SO MUCH MORE TO COME” FOR THE ARTS

Wahl could see the progress of construction each day out of his office window. He was eager for the day he could celebrate the 60-year legacy of teachers, actors and arts champions. “This legacy lifts up all academic programs across this fine university. The teachers who shape this space remind us of what we can do rather than what we can’t do. … The John Goodman Amphitheatre at the Judith Enyeart Reynolds Arts Park makes our campus and community stronger.” To Price, the new space was a reflection of how much affection people have for Tent.

“There is so much love poured out right here, and there’s so much more to come. I want to thank our students for the love that they have put into every performance, through heat waves and monsoons. I want to thank our faculty and staff for the inspiration that they provide our students, even on the tough days. I want to thank our administration and our Board of Governors for believing in our mission to educate and train theatre and dance students. I want to thank each and every donor for pouring out your love to make this theater a reality.”

He singled out alumnus Goodman: “Thank you for the incredible generosity that you’ve shown to our university, to our department and to our Tent Theater. And thanks for your artistry. … Your love of craft shines through all of your work.” Lastly, he said: “Love made all of this possible.” Wahl said the facility was a turning point for the arts at MSU. “The next chapter in our story is going to be amazing, so get ready.”

Explore show schedules, get tickets and learn more about Tent’s history: TentTheatre.MissouriState.edu