SGA to revamp campus theatre

The University of Southern Mississippi's Student Government Association is planning  to renovate  the Thad Cochran Center's theatre, with help from private funding. Seth Barron, SGA senator-at-large, said that, originally, the theatre wasn't being utilized and couldn't be finished due to lack of funding from Southern Miss.

"When talking to College of Health dean, Ryan Kelly, it gave me the idea of a public-private partnership," Barron said.

A chosen organization would finish everything necessary to turn the building into a functioning theatre.

"The company would get a cut of the money from any events that take place there," Barron said.

The theatre would be used housing events for student organizations and colleges at the university.  Barron has contacted the Grand Theatre's corporate office in New Orleans and asked if they would be interested in doing the public-private partnership.   

"It is just a vision I see," Barron said. "I hate to see that great space not being utilized due to lack of funding."

SGA is currently seeking faculty members who want to help  with the project.

SGA Vice-President Jeffery McClendon said that once finished, the theatre would be a great source of entertainment for students.

"Students would have a fun place on campus that would provide them with entertainment," McClendon said. "We look forward to learning about what this building could do for the Southern Miss campus."