Flooding forces venue changes for UR Modlin Center for the Arts performances

A faulty sprinkler at the Alice Jepson Theatre is apparently to blame.

August 31, 2015; 10:49 AM • by Trevor Dickerson

From the University of Richmond:

A faulty sprinkler has caused extensive damage to the Modlin Center for the Arts’ Alice Jepson Theatre, prompting the Modlin Center to adjust the Fall 2015 performances scheduled for the theatre.

“We’re working with university facilities, our insurance company, our production staff, and the affected departments to make the necessary repairs as quickly as possible,” stated Deborah Sommers , Executive Director of the Modlin Center for the Arts. “We anticipate re-opening the theatre for Ricochet, A Circus of Two, Smoke and Mirrors on January 22-23, 2016.”

The fire suppression system, located above the stage, did extensive damage to portions of the ceiling, the stage, sound and light equipment, electrical systems and the hydraulic lift system necessary to raise and lower the theatre’s orchestra pit. In addition, flooding caused damage to a collection of the University of Richmond Theatre Department’s props that were located in storage below the stage.

“Our top priority is to ensure the safety of our guests, performers, and staff, and that all theatre equipment and functions are working properly,” says Sommers. “In the interim, we are doing everything possible to minimize the impact on our patrons. To that end, having saved the schedule for all of the performance, we are in the process of re-seated subscribers and ticket buyers in comparable seats in the adjusted venues. In addition, for performances that have been moved to the Carpenter Theatre or the Altria Theater, we are offering a complementary bus services.”

Click here to see the full season lineup and venue changes.