The Miller Performing Arts Center is undergoing renovations and is expected to reopen in November

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Miller Performing Arts Center, home to many community theater and school music productions, is closed this summer.

The nearly 100-year-old building is currently undergoing renovations to the auditorium. Renovations will cost $1.5 million, coming from a bond issue approved by 68% of voters. The renovation work started on Monday and will be completed in October. The next performance is expected to take place in November.

Miller Performing Arts Center is used for educational, community and professional arts programs. The Performing Art Center opened in 1926, where it was first known as Jefferson City Junior College, according to the Jefferson City School District website. The center is used by students from multiple levels of the Jefferson City School District.

According to Gabrielle Wittenberg, director of the Miller Performing Arts Center, the renovations were necessary because of the increasing number of students in the Jefferson City School District interested in visual arts such as orchestra, band, choir and theater.

“They were really happy and interested and very positive about including the Miller Center and updating us.” Wittenberg said. “So that we’re kind of an industry standard, so that we can teach our kids what they could use if they start doing this once they get to college. And that’s where you know the voters of Jefferson City said yes.”

Some of the renovations include new curtains, LED lighting and upgraded ropes and cabling to improve safety.