E. J. Thomas Hall
E. J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, more commonly known as E. J. Thomas Hall, is a performing arts hall located in downtown Akron, Ohio on the University of Akron campus.
 E. J. Thomas Hall | |
| Address | 198 Hill Street Akron United States |
|---|---|
| Owner | University of Akron |
| Type | Concert hall |
| Capacity | 2,955 |
| Opened | 1973 |
History
Opened in 1973, The University of Akron's E. J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall is a 125,000-square-foot (11,600 m2) hall, that can seat up to 2,955 people, depending on the arrangement of the facility. It seats 2,955 with the ceiling at full height, 2,343 with it at the front edge of the flying balcony, and 743 when the grand tier is entirely closed off.[1]
On October 9, 1973, the hall opened "with a world premiere by Mexican composer Carlos Chavez," performed by the Akron Symphony Orchestra.[2]
The first director of The University of Akron's E. J. Thomas Hall was Clint Norton, followed by Robert D'Angelo, co-producer of Mummenschanz on Broadway in 1979 and Dan Dahl in 1991.
The University of Akron named the facility in honor of Edwin J. Thomas, the former Chairman and CEO of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., who later served on the university's board of trustees.[3]
References
- "Akron: Photo Tour e. J. Thomas Hall". akronohio.gov. Archived from the original on 17 April 2012. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
- "Milestones in Akron Symphony Orchestra's history". Akron Beacon Journal. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
- http://www.ejthomashall.com/pages/info/aboutej.html Archived 2011-07-10 at the Wayback Machine Accessed June 23, 2010