Groundbreaking Set Tuesday for The Genesius Project

A groundbreaking ceremony for The Genesius Project, a multipurpose theater, is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15.

The groundbreaking will take place on Seitz Street, adjacent to the School of Music, where the new brick and glass theater will be erected. During the ceremony, University President Charles J. Dougherty will deliver remarks about the theater and its potential for enriching the Duquesne community, and the Rev. Daniel Walsh, C.S.Sp., University chaplain and director of Spiritan Campus Ministry, will offer prayers and perform a blessing. John Plante, vice president for university advancement, will introduce the special guests who will be invited to step forward and turn ceremonial spades of earth.

At the close of the ceremony, light refreshments will be served to either at the ceremony site or, in case of inclement weather, in the PNC Recital Hall lobby of the music school.

When completed in the 2015–2016 academic year, The Genesius Project will provide seating for up to 160 people in a space that can be adapted to a wide variety of performance needs. The building will also have a set-building shop and dressing rooms, as well as areas for classes, rehearsals and storage.

The Genesius Project derives its name from Genesius of Rome, a third-century actor. According to legend, in a satire mocking Christianity staged for the Emperor Diocletian, Genesius underwent a transformative religious experience and converted to Christianity. Defying orders to renounce publicly his new faith, he was tortured, executed and was eventually named the patron saint of actors and other performers.

Members of the Duquesne community can register to attend the groundbreaking here.