People often say you can’t know your future without knowing your past. And the same can be said for the future of an academic institution continuing to shape future generations. But, as students, faculty, staff and alumni of the University of Toledo, how well do we know its history? This series, entitled #RocketBlastFromThePast, was started by Juice House as a social media series to discover our shared legacy as Toledo Rockets by diving into the digital archives of the Canaday Center and sharing interesting tidbits and fun facts of UToledo’s rich history that encourages a sense of pride in our institution. Now brought to you as a collection, it’s more than a trip down memory lane; it’s an exploration and transportation from the past to the present, with a vision and inspiration guiding us into a bright future and beyond.
Ever wonder what it takes to build a stage that outlasts the Great Depression? This week’s #rocketblastfromthepast 🚀 spotlights Doermann Theatre, located within the majestic University Hall. Built in 1931, Doermann Theatre initially opened as University Hall’s grand auditorium and was later renamed in honor of the sixth president, Henry Doermann, who oversaw the construction of University Hall during his term. With personal experience as a Shakespearean actor during his own college years, he even directed a rendition of Hamlet on its stage as president.
Following his sudden passing in 1932, the space was dedicated to his enduring legacy. The theater underwent restoration in 1995, a project costing $1.75 million to update technology and interiors. Further renovations for handicap accessibility were completed in 2013. In recent years, Doermann Theatre has primarily served as the venue for performances put on by the Department of Music and Department of Theatre and Film, as well as other campus events.
This series is continuing to grow! To stay up to date with new posts in this social media series, follow Juice House at @thejuice.press.
