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Tonight it is only fitting that we dedicate the Louis O. Erdmann and William H. Zucchero
Theatre. Two of our greatest professors and mentors to literally hundreds of students.
[ Clapping ]
Welcome everyone to The Louis O. Erdmann and William H. Zucchero Theatre.
[ Clapping ]
Affectionately known to our students as the EZ Theatre. We're here to pay tribute to two extraordinary men
and the legacies, traditions and rich, rich history they created for us. Our students
will thrive in this space. It inspires them as the lives of these two men inspired all of us
Lou and Bill laid the foundation that ensured the success of the theatre and dance programs
at Kent State. Through their accomplishments developing both the school and Porthouse Theater,
they touched countless lives. I know that Lou and Bill would be thrilled and proud
to know that theatre and dance are under one roof, that the school boasts several Tony Award
winning actors and the Porthouse Theatre has grown to be the premier summer theatre in the area.
Doctors Lou Erdmann and Bill Zucchero had influence on their students that as many here
can attest was positive, profound and permanent. They contributed a combined total of more
than 60 years to nurturing Kent State's Theatre program, nurturing talent, nurturing the joy
of performance and enriching our lives.
It's only fitting that Kent State's new Black Box Theatre bears the names of Erdmann and
Zucchero in continuing the tradition of the school. They were best friends, they shared
responsibilities and leadership together and they often appeared in programs and shared
bios. On behalf of the entire Erdmann family (and Zucchero family) we are deeply humbled
and honored by this extraordinary gesture to name the Black Box Theatre after Lou and Bill.
Thank you.
[ Clapping ]
Hi, I'm Lou Erdmann and welcome to the Porthouse Theatre, the summer home of Kent State University
Theatre [?]. I'm standing with Tevvia, well it's not exactly Tevvia, it's Bill Zucchero
and this will be his final performance with us at Porthouse Theatre, at least for a short
time, since he's taking off for California. You wanna tell them what you are gonna do in California?
Well, so far, I know what I'm going to be doing next year. (well that's good enough)
I'm going to be teaching at California State University Northridge, Lou, and I'll be teaching
Theatre History and directing a play there next year, next spring, for their theatre
department program. That looks like it's a very exciting experience and an adventure.
After 30 years in one place you need an adventure.
(you need a different kind of adventure, we all do, right?) yeah.