The Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre, which is home to the Connecticut Repertory Theatre, will gain a companion stage when the new Nafe Katter Thrust Stage Theatre is opened at the University of Connecticut. The groundbreaking ceremony is set for Oct. 14.

The new venue, located at the Storrs campus' courtyard, neighboring the music and drama building, will be as its name states a thrust stage — a three-sided stage that extends into the audience. The thrust will complement the campus' other venue as the Jorgensen is a traditional proscenium stage.

The Thrust Stage Theatre is named for Nafe Katter, an emeritus professor of dramatic arts and director of over 100 productions at the school. The educator — who retired in 1997 after 40 years of instructing — donated $1 million to the construction of the new theater, to which the University matched adding an additional $400,000. In a release, he stated "It's important for students to get this kind of experience."

The groundbreaking will take place at the University of Connecticut campus in Storrs on Oct. 14 at 3:30 PM. A scholarship tea will follow honoring students who have won and the donors who contributed them.

— by Ernio Hernandez