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News Releases 
Ready, Set, Grow! The Children's Theatre Company celebrates groundbreaking with wrecking ball festivities 
CTC announces its second theater space as The Cargill Stage
Final designs by Michael Graves & Associates released
For Immediate Release: March 11, 2004
Minneapolis, MN - Although the ground is already broken, The Children's Theatre Company signals the beginning of its building demolition today with a symbolic wrecking ball ceremony. The event also includes the announcement of CTC's second theater space as The Cargill Stage, the release of final designs by Michael Graves and Associates, guest speakers including Governor Tim Pawlenty, special acknowledgements and colorful, fanciful and surprising festivities.
"We are thrilled to be able to extend our work to teens and preschoolers in a newly created theater space that will be called The Cargill Stage," said Peter C. Brosius, CTC artistic director. "Cargill's long-term commitment to CTC's acclaimed critical literacy program, Neighborhood Bridges, has allowed so many inner city public school students – many new to this country - to find their own voices and increase their reading abilities in a positive, engaging way. We are thrilled now to have Cargill extend their support to the new audiences CTC will reach."
In April, 2003, Cargill, Incorporated announced a $2.5 million capital construction grant to support CTC's teen programming. This is the Cargill Foundation's largest grant to an arts organization.
"We welcome the opportunity to extend our partnership with The Children's Theatre Company, this country's acknowledged leader in theatrical productions and theater arts education for young people," said Warren Staley, Cargill's chairman and chief executive officer. "This project enables CTC to expand its services to core audiences while extending its reach to underserved teen and preschool populations. We are pleased to support this stellar organization's commitment to developing young people through theater arts."
The Cargill Stage is part of a 45,000 square foot expansion that will also house an education wing and rehearsal space. The existing facility, which will remain in operation during the 15-18 month construction period, will be renovated.
CTC's $27 million capital campaign, which has been underway for several years, has recently reached just over the $23 million mark. The construction cost remains at $24 million.
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The final designs by Michael Graves and Associates are also being released today, reflecting some minor adjustments to the designs that were previously made public.
"We are so happy to commence the construction work that will expand our ability to serve the community," said Teresa Eyring, CTC managing director. "Michael Graves and Associates have done a masterful job of balancing the design needs of CTC along with those of the campus, the neighborhood and the MIA. We are proud of the design and excited about the program which it will house in 18 months."
Joining in the celebration and on the stage will be CTC leadership: artistic director Peter C. Brosius, managing director Teresa Eyring, board chair Ken Piper, CTC capital campaign co-chairs Topsy Simonson and Jim Hale, Warren Staley of Cargill Corporation and Minnesota's Governor Tim Pawlenty.
Performances will include a short cheer by the student actors from PROM (CTC's current teen production at Franklin Art Works) and a brief poetry reading from Snapshot Silhouette, a world premiere production by Kia Corthron which opens on the CTC main stage on March 19, 2004. The Brass Messenger Marching Band will lead a parade of second grade students on their lunch break from CTC's neighbor - the Whittier Community School for the Arts. The students will signal the release of the wrecking ball (piñata) and then collect the treats inside. Also on hand will be Jack and Jill Hammer and Henry, the Witcher Watcher, CTC mascots who were introduced at CTC's Construction Open House last October.
The south stair tower, where the stage door entrance has been for thirty years, will physically begin to come down soon after this event, making way for a new entrance to backstage and CTC's new education center.
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| Michael Graves & Associates CTC Expansion Renderings: Exterior view from north on Third Avenue |
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| Michael Graves & Associates CTC Expansion Renderings: Theatre Interior |
Michael Graves & Associates CTC Expansion Renderings: Lobby Interior |
Michael Graves & Associates CTC Expansion Renderings: Lobby Interior |
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