June 2: IHS Performing Arts venue renamed 'Irwin Center' to honor Diane and Chuck Irwin
THANK YOU, IRWINS! Tonight's opening of the IHS spring comedy, Noses Off, marks the first production in the newly renamed Irwin Center at Irondequoit High School. The facility’s name honors Diane and Chuck Irwin. The married couple are IHS graduates who have played critical roles for decades in West Irondequoit Performing Arts and music programs. “They’ve pretty much dedicated their lives to our programs. We are so fortunate to have them in our district,” said Steven Zugelder, WI Director of Music and Performing Arts. “This is just a small token of our appreciation. We are happy their legacy will live on at Irondequoit High School forever.”
Zugelder said he and teacher/producer Jim Thomas, who hatched the Irwin Center idea, are planning a formal dedication ceremony for the Irwins next fall. The Board of Education approved the name change last month and on May 11th Zugelder surprised the Irwins with an informal announcement in front of staff and students. Formerly known as the Black Box Performing Arts Center, the cozy venue has a smallish stage and limited seating compared to the IHS Auditorium. Chuck is a longtime Technical Director who focuses on set construction and set and lighting design. Diane zeroes in on costume design and is the Dake Jr. High School Musical Theatre Director. A teaching assistant at IHS, she is retiring at the end of this month.
Noses Off is a quirky play about an amateur theater company's murder-mystery charging toward its own opening night, but the real question is, can this cantankerous cast and crew can get this disaster to curtain call? Video below of rehearsal! Tickets are only $5. Performances are 7 PM today, Friday and Saturday. You can purchase tickets at the door.