2008 Woodie Awards
Director seeks suggestions from students
Aidan McGuire
Issue date: 1/22/08 Section: News
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"I'd love to have students let me know what type of events they would like the center to bring to Florence," she said.
Sims said performers for the center likely will need to be booked a year in advance, and she is encouraging students to contact her with ideas and suggestions for what they would like to see upon its opening next school year.
The Performing Arts Center has reached a new phase in its development.
The design-development phase is complete, and construction is scheduled to begin in May, Sims said.
"The next step is to have contractors bid on the project," Sims said. "Once a contractor is awarded the project, a ground breaking will take place."
Florence received a $300,000 interest-free loan recently with help from Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. The money will go toward adding additional parking, renovating sidewalks and planting street trees near the center and in surrounding downtown Florence.
"This project will encourage an overall beautification of downtown Florence," Sims said.
Sims has been sharing a PowerPoint presentation depicting what the center will have to offer with various organizations throughout the Pee Dee.
Some suggestions of possible entertainers include the Harlem Boys' Choir, The Atlanta Symphony and comedian/actor Tyler Perry.
Sims said al the suggestions all are viable possibilities.
Different from the Florence Civic Center, the Performing Arts Center will not be able to host large rock 'n' roll or rap groups. It will be a more intimate facility with higher quality sound and lighting, Sims said.
Junior Liza Bryant said she would like the center to feature new talents.
"I would like to see up-and-coming bands that are trying to get started, even some plays that FMU does on campus so larger audiences could attend," Bryant said.
The center's mission is to make the arts affordable and accessible to everyone in the Pee Dee region.
Its construction will be one step toward giving the region options in entertainment, Sims said.
She also hopes it will help link Francis Marion's campus to Florence.
"Turning Florence into a fun college town is one of my goals," Sims said.
She said she hopes the center and an overall revitalization of downtown Florence eventually will give the campus and community multiple options when it comes to entertainment.
Contact Sims with suggestions for upcoming events at lsims@fmarion.edu or (843) 661-1720.
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