Black box credit

Dear Editor,

Thank you very much for the wonderful editorial and front page article on the new black box theater at McCook Community College.

The credit for remodeling Tipton Hall and creating the new Weeth Theatre belongs to Dr. Richard Tubbs, McCook Community College CEO.

Dr. Tubbs is very modest with regard to his participation in the design and construction of the theater. As he is fond of saying, "all I did was say 'I want this.'"

Not everyone knows that Richard is a seasoned theater designer, having spent many years designing sets for theater companies, and in designing the wonderful set for the Southwest Nebraska Community Theater Association's production of "Arsenic and Old Lace."

So it is no surprise that Richard would be very active in designing the new theater space. And of course Jon Burkey, Facilities Director, is also an experienced theater person, so Jon worked with Richard closely on the design, and then on the implementation. Jon has been instrumental in selecting everything from flooring to wall-coverings to seating styles. His crew of Jim Hamilton and Richard Burton, with help from the Work Ethic Camp, has worked very hard, long hours to bring the dream to reality.

I'm always surprised and delighted when I walk in the space in Tipton and see what has been accomplished, what new rooms or floor coverings or storage space has been added.

The new Weeth Theater at MCC will be one of just four black box theaters in Nebraska, and it will be a state-of-the-art facility, as only Richard Tubbs and Jon Burkey can envision and then bring to reality.

I am so pleased and excited for the new theater to be ready for the spring play in April, as it will be a great asset to the college and to the community. And all the credit for this marvel goes to Richard, Jon and the crews.

Sue Watts

McCook