Take Your Seat: Act II

The Campaign for USD’s College of Fine Arts

Are you ready to "Take Your Seat" in Act II of this campaign?

From concerts to theatrical performances to art gallery exhibits, the fine arts are one of the foremost ways that the University of South Dakota connects with the community. The Warren M. Lee Center for the Fine Arts was constructed and specifically designed to serve the unique needs of the Departments of Art, Music and Theatre. Its facilities are impressive, from the 3,500 square foot sculpture studio with industrial woodworking and metalworking equipment to the 450-seat Wayne S. Knutson Theatre.

As the college celebrates over 90 years serving as a cultural hub for the state and region, the university will begin a $300K renovation that will include new art GA studio spaces and a complete rehaul of the lighting grid in the John A. Day gallery. These improvements are in addition to the $3.1 million renovations of the Wayne S. Knutson Theatre and Colton Recital Hall that took place a few years back, which were the original inspiration for the Take Your Seat campaign – an overarching effort to support the College of Fine Arts. The first Take Your Seat campaign provided over $120,000 in student scholarships and was a significant factor in our ability to rebound from the COVID years. Act II of the campaign will build on that success and will allow us to successfully recruit and retain the most artistically and technically talented students in our state and region.

Show your support for the USD College of Fine Arts by sponsoring a seat in the Colton Recital Hall or Wayne S. Knutson Theatre. Your sponsorship makes it possible for the College of Fine Arts to continue to offer students a rich liberal arts education that will prepare them for a successful future after graduation.

Get ready to Take Your Seat in the refurbished Colton Recital Hall or Wayne S. Knutson Theatre.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is required to sponsor a seat?

Seat sponsorships are available in both the Colton Recital Hall and Wayne S. Knutson Theatre. A gift of $500 or more will be recognized with an engraved plaque on the seat.

Will the seat I sponsor become my seat for shows?

No. Seating for university performances are on a first-come, first-served basis, and your sponsorship does not guarantee that you can sit in your seat when attending a show.

I’m in! What’s next?

You can purchase your seat today and our staff will contact you later regarding your recognition plaque. Guidelines for the recognition plaque will be set by the University of South Dakota Naming Committee. All inscriptions will be required to adhere to the guidelines outlined by the committee.

Is my gift tax-deductible?

The University of South Dakota Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. Gifts in support of the university’s mission, goals and programs are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please consult with your tax attorney or financial advisor to determine if your gift is tax-deductible.

Other Questions?

Contact Kacie Weatherly, Director of Development for the College of Fine Arts, at kacie.weatherly@usdfoundation.org or (605) 677-6708.