Groups upset by Revlon delays

Six years after the Revlon Center was first proposed, University President Judith Rodin and Provost Stanley Chodorow announced last Wednesday that the Center, along with all other capital projects, is going to be completely re-examined. The delay comes at a time when students say there is a drastic lack of rehearsal space on campus, placing an added burden on performing arts groups. Performing Arts Council Chairperson Rosalie Will said she is frustrated by the situation. According to plans approved by former Interim Provost Marvin Lazerson, the Center was to include the Black Box Theater and meeting space for the groups. "I was convinced last year that even though I was never going to see the building, it would start this year," said Will, a College senior. She said the problem of limited rehearsal space is becoming more serious as the number of performing arts groups steadily increases. Will added that off-campus practice space is very expensive. "We shouldn't have to pay an hourly fee to rehearse," she said. "My hope is that if Revlon isn't going to happen for awhile they can help us in finding temporary space or by giving us money so we can afford off-campus space." College junior Eric Conner, an active member of the performing arts community, said campus locations, such as the Nursing Education Building, rent out auditoriums to these groups. He said the University should either give the groups a discount on spaces that charge rent or give students a few free nights. "There is potential for more groups to start up, and this presents a problem unless the space is increased," he said. College senior and Bloomers Chairperson Liz Rudnick said a lot of performing arts groups saw the Revlon Center as a good sign of what was to come. Given the probable delays, she said the administration and groups should meet. "What we all need to do is sit down in some sort of forum and come up with solutions," Rudnick said. She added that the groups are being forced to settle for locations. "We adapt, but we wind up rehearsing in places that are not meant for performance," Rudnick added. These places include rooftop lounges, lobbies of buildings and people's houses, Will said. She added that her biggest hope is that communication remains strong. "I am fairly optimistic, but I am still very concerned and am not going to give up if I get pushed away," Will said. The University Assembly is equally upset about the recent announcement by Rodin and Chodorow. In a letter to the provost yesterday, the UA said that "without the Revlon Campus Center, there is very little hope for creating this community atmosphere we so desire." The group urged the provost to make the Center "the heart of any plan for facilities." Several students said they are upset by the delay of this project. "The Revlon Center seemed to be an excellent facility for students," College sophomore Sabrina Flaum said. "It's very unfortunate that current Penn students probably won't get the opportunity to enjoy it." But, some students are still very apathetic about the entire situation. "I'm never going to see the results of this, so it is not something pressing in my life now," said College junior Melissa Kaplan.