UpDate - Vol. 12, No. 13, Page 6                       
December 3, 1992                                       
Mitchell renovations under way                         
                                                       
     Mitchell Hall is currently undergoing a two-phase refurbishing
project aimed at improving both the appearance and comfort of the 
auditorium as well as improving the technical aspects of the stage
rigging and lighting systems, according to Charles E. Dobbs, project
design manager in facilities planning and construction.      
     The first phase of the Mitchell Hall project, Dobbs said, is an
upgrading of the auditorium-its appearance, acoustics and seating.
     New lighting will be added in the auditorium, as well as a new
sound system and new control booths. Other  improvements will include
handicapped restrooms and a new box office that will restore the lobby
to its original size. The second phase will include an upgrading of
the stage lighting system and other on-stage and backstage functions.
     The stage itself will get new rigging and access and there will
be new dressing rooms. In addition, office and classroom areas will be
renovated.                                                   
     In preparation for construction, the box office for the
University's Performing Arts Series and productions of the   
Professional Theatre Training Program has been moved to Hartshorn 
Gymnasium.                                                   
     Phase one began this fall and is expected to be completed by the
second semester.                                             
     There are plans to use Mitchell Hall for some performances before
stage two of the refurbishing begins in the summer of 1993.  
     All the anticipated changes have been planned with a sensitivity
to the building's historic character, Dobbs said.            
     Mitchell Hall was originally completed in 1930.         
      It is named for Dr. Samuel Chiles Mitchell who served as
president of then Delaware College.                          
     In 1965 the building was enlarged and renovated, including
modification to the stage space and the addition of the two side wings
for classrooms and offices.                                  
                                        -Beth Thomas