Known to the Harrisburg region for the past 28 years as the “voice of central PA,” Cary Burkett is a familiar voice on WITF’s “Center Stage” and on the news as an arts and culture producer for the station. Now in addition to his radio responsibilities, Burkett, who holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theater from the University of Texas, will return to his acting roots playing Mr. Zuss in Messiah College’s production of “J.B.” by Archibald MacLeish.

“J.B.” is a play within a play that is based on the Old Testament book of Job. J.B. is an upright man who continually faces catastrophe and therefore, after much steadfast faith, begins to question the presence of God in his life. Bringing to light the complex question of why God lets good people suffer, audience members watch as two circus clowns, Nickles and Mr. Zuss, who assume the roles of Satan and God respectively, debate J.B.’s devotion to God. (more…)

On Sunday, May 5, a crowd of generous donors, faithful college friends, dedicated public officials and talented students gathered to dedicate the Calvin and Janet High Center for Worship and Performing Arts. The day’s events began with college officials, a student and Calvin and Janet High officially cutting the ribbon to celebrate the completion of the building and its intended purposes of worship and performing arts.

Guests were then invited to a service of thankgiving and worship in Parmer Hall, the hallmark performance space of the new building. The Symphonic Winds, Men’s Ensemble and Women’s Ensemble accompanied the congregational singing of hymns and songs of praise. Theatre students performed a dramatic reading of Ecclesiastes 3 and offered prayers for creativity and imagination.

Following the worship service, the more than 400 guests toured the classroom, rehearsal and performances spaces in the building. A diverse menu of tapas, appetizers and desserts was offered throughout the space.

The dedication concluded with the President’s Concert, an annual event featuring the College’s talented vocal and instrumental ensembles, in the evening.

“It is my heartfelt hope that God will be honored in all events that take place in this space,” President Kim Phipps said of the magnificant building.

 View a photo gallery from the dedication events.

In his own words, artist and emeritus professor of art Ted Prescott describes the process and meaning of his High Center installation, “Psalm.”

The sculptural installation in the entrance to the Calvin and Janet High Center for Worship and the Performing Arts is composed of 14 linear forms that move throughout the entrance space. Each form was made from multiple pieces of apple wood that are fit together to create dynamic and expressive lines. More than 1,500-feet of apple limbs measuring between one and eight feet in length were cut from a local orchard that was being cleared to make way for a housing development. All of the limbs were peeled, and then dried for one to two years. From this inventory roughly 225 feet of various shapes were chosen for use. These pieces were modified by grinding and carving before they were joined together. Finally, each completed form was sanded, stained and sealed before being installed here. (more…)

On Monday, Jan. 14, the Messiah College community got its first peek at the nearly finished Calvin and Janet High Center for Worship and Performing Arts. The High Center is the hallmark project of the College’s Centennial Campaign—a fundraising effort that raised more than $46.2 million for the building as well as student-focused initiatives and scholarship endowments.

The High Center is open for classes and will host several public events this spring before the launch of the official inaugural cultural season in fall 2013.

“We are deeply grateful to the many alumni, parents and community friends who supported the Centennial Campaign,” said President Kim S. Phipps. “Their generosity ensures that Messiah continues to provide excellent facilities and competitive scholarship funding to make Messiah College an appealing, viable educational choice for students.”

The High Center contains a new recital hall, blackbox theatre, classroom and office spaces, a recording studio and an 825-seat performance venue—Parmer Hall—that is the public focal point of the building.

Watch a video of the opening of the High Center. Video courtesy of Sherri Hoffman.

See a photo album of pictures of the interior and exterior of the building. Photos courtesy of Robert Getty III `89.

Explore the main lobby, the instrumental rehearsal room and the public space between the High Foundation Recital Hall and Parmer Hall. Photos courtesy of Dan Custer `09.

While dance currently is an accepted form of both recreation and study — a dance minor began in the fall of 2010, and this past fall a dance major was added — for many years Messiah College, as a part of its founding Brethren in Christ denomination, took a firm standpoint against it. “The major source for opposition to dancing over the years basically came from the denomination, which was opposed to a number of ‘worldly’ activities, including dancing, playing cards, attending movies,” said Morris Sider, a member of the College’s faculty from 1963 to 2009. (more…)

On May 12 Messiah College publicly launched its Centennial Campaign—a $40 million fundraising effort to construct the Calvin and Janet High Center for Worship and Performing Arts and to raise funds for student-focused initiatives and scholarship endowments.

At a dinner and program with trustees and community friends of the college, Messiah President Kim Phipps announced that the College has raised more than $30.7 million towards the campaign’s $40 million goal.

“I believe that there is no better time in our history, and no better way to honor the courage and vision of our founders, than through the initiation and successful completion of the Centennial Campaign,” said Phipps. “This comprehensive, $40 million fundraising initiative, inaugurated during Messiah’s Centennial year, will enable the College to fulfill a long-awaited dream and promise of a new worship and performing arts center.”

(more…)