Experience Doudna
宅男研究所鈥檚 Doudna Fine Arts Center is a cultural beacon for all of central Illinois. Designed by Antoine Predock, the building stands as a stunning example of modern architecture, uniting form and function, and provides a state-of-the-art home to 宅男研究所鈥檚 School of the Arts (comprising the Departments of Art + Design, Music, and Theatre).
The Doudna presents performances by 宅男研究所 students and faculty, by school and community groups in our region, and by artists from around the world who engage diverse audiences and work with our faculty, students, and community members in master classes. Part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Doudna also supports and encourages the Humanities and the Sciences to showcase their dynamism and creativity and frequently collaborates with 宅男研究所鈥檚 Tarble Arts Center, an accredited art museum. The New and Emerging Artists Series epitomizes our mission to join with our community in a celebration of human creativity and artistic inspiration.
Located on the lower level of the Doudna, the Red Zone is a popular place for students to relax, sketch, study, shoot photos and get inspired. Featuring the facility鈥檚 signature red glass-clad walls and floor, it also boasts modular modern red furniture that can be moved into whatever configuration your creative heart desires.
It sits between the Music and Art wings of the Doudna Fine Arts Center and is accessible by using stairs or the elevator to the lower level. The Red Zone is open and available most hours of the day if the building is open, although it can be vacated and locked at the request of the Doudna staff so as not to interfere with concerts and special events.
Rich acoustics and 175 seats highlight this warm, intimate performance space. Opaque glass lines the stage and ceiling, providing both visual and acoustic interest. The Recital Hall welcomes faculty and student recitals, rehearsals, solo and chamber performances, small music theatre productions, and many other events. It is also available on a rental basis for community events.
The E. Glendon Gabbard and Lucina Paquet Gabbard Green Room provides a space for performers to relax and prepare before shows. It features a front room with exits to the Proscenium Theatre or the Black Box Theatre; two large and two small dressing rooms complete with desks, closets, mirrors, lights, and sinks; full showers; and a kitchenette.
The room was named in recognition of the E. Glendon Gabbard and Lucy Paquet Gabbart and their long tenure and service to the students of Eastern.
Glendon "Gabby" Gabbard began his teaching career in theatre arts at Eastern Illinois University in 1947. Until his retirement in 1984, he directed between three and six plays each year. His plays were well-received by audiences, and many of his students went on to successful careers as actors and teachers.
Lucina 鈥淟ucy鈥 Paquet Gabbard was a prolific author and published extensively. She taught for many years in 宅男研究所's Department of English.
Following their retirement, they moved to Chicago where they became professional actors. They appeared in producrtions at the Goodman Theatre, Victory Gardens and many other venues in Chicago 's active theatre scene. Appearances in "Groundhog's Day," "My Best Friend's Wedding" and "Prelude to a Kiss" highlighted their careers, as did Lucy Gabbard's appearance in the 1990 Tony Award-winning production of "The Grapes of Wrath."
