Champaign, IL – The Champaign Park District has announced that the Virginia Theatre will receive a major upgrade to the computer-control elements of its motorized arbor system, or “fly” system, as part of the Park District’s current capital improvement plan for fiscal year 2025. GHR Engineers and Associates of Champaign are designing and managing the project with the Park District. On-site work is scheduled to begin at the historic theatre in early January, 2025, with completion set for mid-April, 2025, in time for the next Roger Ebert‘s Film Festival, which runs April 23-26, 2025. The Virginia will be dark during the three-month period required to complete the project, and the theatre’s usual schedule of late winter programming will shift to other spots on the calendar or to other venues.
A theatrical fly system raises and lowers items over the stage, including set pieces, backdrops, light fixtures, speakers, curtains, and screens. And while the Virginia’s existing fly system is meeting the theatre’s needs, its computer-control elements are aging and in need of replacement.
Commenting on the project, theatre director Steven Bentz stated, “We’re confident that this planned maintenance will provide long term, continued effectiveness and safety with even greater flexibility and features. The project to replace the Virginia’s existing, aging computer-control elements with new, state-of-the-art equipment will better serve the facility and its productions for many years to come.”
The historic Virginia Theatre will continue to host high-caliber events through December, 2024, including The Wallflowers, Buddy Guy, Celtic Thunder, Mike Birbiglia, as well as their popular movie series events, Youth Theatre performances, and more.
To see the full schedule or purchase tickets, visit thevirginia.org.
For media inquiries, photos, and interview requests, please contact Mitch Marlow at mitch.marlow@champaignparks.org or 217/819-3936.
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