WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Imagine sitting under the stars watching a play, listening to a concert or enjoying a movie on a warm, summer evening. Such a relaxing proposition could become reality if fundraising efforts are successful for a new 850-seat amphitheater on the campus of Missouri State University-West Plains.
The Tuttle Amphitheater, named in honor of former long-time university employees Roger and Martha Tuttle, will be located on a hillside just west of the Smith-London Centennial Bell Tower utilizing the natural terrain and existing vegetation, university officials said. The facility will provide the university and the greater West Plains community with a state-of-the-art, theatrical-style outdoor venue for a variety of activities and events, they added.
“The amphitheater harkens back to classic times when the Greeks and Romans constructed external stone theaters throughout the Mediterranean,” said Elizabeth Grisham, director of development at Missouri State-West Plains. “Ozarks culture also has a tradition of valuing this same commitment to entertainment, as rich histories of stories and tunes have been passed from generation to generation through community music and gatherings.
“As architecture and technology have advanced over the years, outdoor entertainment has not gone away,” she continued. “Performers and audiences continue to share an appreciation for art presented in a relaxed, natural setting. Whether the featured performers are opera singers, rock stars, jazz combos, bluegrass groups, actors or a symphony, there is an undeniable allure to enjoying them beneath the stars or a clear blue sky.”
While seating will be provided as part of the venue, spectators also will be encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enhance seating on the nearby grass-covered surfaces, she said.
The amphitheater is being named in honor of the Tuttles as a reflection of their dedication to the university, Grisham explained. The Tuttles committed their professional careers to Missouri State-West Plains for a combined 61 years. Roger was hired in 1978 as a maintenance laborer and retired in 2010 as the superintendent of buildings, grounds and custodial services. Martha was hired in 1980 as a secretary and retired in 2010 as the purchasing/human resources assistant.
“Roger, an avid outdoorsman, and Martha, a people person, provide a perfect complement to one another,” Grisham said. “Martha sings and plays the piano at their church and performs occasionally with her family’s gospel singing group, The Howell Family. In the same manner, the outdoors will provide the setting for a stage and seating to accommodate social activities and events serving Missouri State-West Plains and the greater West Plains community.”
Only privately-raised funds, including a portion of the proceeds from the 17th Annual Auction on April 1, and grant money will be used to build the amphitheater, which has an estimated price tag of $195,000. All gifts, no matter the size, will be appreciated, Grisham said.
Area residents who would like to make a gift toward this project can contact the Missouri State-West Plains development office at 4417-255-7240. Online gifts can be made by going to the development office’s website, http://wp.missouristate.edu/development, clicking “Online” under the heading “Making a Gift” and selecting “Tuttle Amphitheater” from the menu.
For more information about the project or other giving opportunities, contact the development office at 417-255-7240.
THIS ARCHITECT’S RENDERING shows how the proposed Tuttle Amphitheater at Missouri State University-West Plains will use the site’s natural terrain to create an outdoor venue for concerts, plays, rallies and other events for the university and community alike on the local campus. The rendering was developed by officials in the planning, design and construction office at Missouri State University in Springfield under the guidance of University Architect/Director of Planning, Design and Construction Doug Sampson and Project Manager-Architect Terry Rowland. (Artwork provided)