Elta Joyce Murphey Auditorium

The transformation of the Elta Joyce Murphey Auditorium shows what’s possible when the Ram Family invests in creative opportunities for students. Angelo State supporter and community arts enthusiast Elta Joyce McAfee showed her dedication when she made a generous gift toward the renovations to what was then the University Auditorium. With new technology, enhanced accessibility, audience-centered changes and key structural upgrades, the venue is now a vibrant, state-of-the-art facility – a home for the Arts at ASU.

Dating back to 1947, the University Auditorium featured terrazzo front-entry steps, minimal lighting and a small flat sign, with no wheelchair access. The exterior had deteriorated over time, with aging materials and an uninviting appearance that no longer reflected the facility’s significance. Now, the Elta Joyce Murphey Auditorium welcomes visitors with stained and etched concrete surfaces, updated signage, new handrails, enhanced landscaping and a wheelchair access ramp. New pathway lighting and exterior repairs have strengthened the building’s presence and will help preserve its legacy for years to come.

The original lobby area was very simple in both appearance and function. It lacked a dedicated box office, instead featuring a lone desk for ticketing personnel. Now, visitors are welcomed by a secure box office and inviting lounge area. The new space also offers expanded, ADA-compliant bathrooms, including a new family restroom, and a large TV monitor that displays a live feed from the main stage. To honor the building’s history, the original 1947 terrazzo flooring was restored to its former glory.

Modern updates have transformed the Control Room, with new surfaces and lighting, as well as larger viewing windows. It also includes an industry-standard ETC ION XE light board and integrated ACE sound board. Previously, students worked with systems that lacked interconnectivity. Now, they benefit from a new wireless system that streamlines communication between the Control Room and crewmembers throughout the entire facility. The upgrades support an enhanced learning environment where ASU students can succeed.

The University Auditorium seating area underwent an extensive overhaul to incorporate a two-tiered configuration that accommodates eight wheelchair spaces. Originally, the area had only two, and the garishly-colored seats were outdated with serious signs of wear. There was minimal lighting and no handrails to guide audience members once the main house lights were turned off. Now, the space is equipped with step lighting, handrails and center-aisle electrical outlets for judged events – essential upgrades that elevate the functionality and professionalism of the venue.

Once an overlooked space used mainly for random storage, the backstage area for the University Auditorium was not equipped to be used intentionally. Its full potential was realized in its renovation. A data rack has been installed with touchscreen controls for the lighting, audio and projection systems, and a new wheelchair lift has been added. Several elements were replaced, including the backstage wall. The overhead garage door has been upgraded with an automatic opener, and the piano storage platform has been rebuilt for the concert grand piano.

Long overdue, the single dressing room was remodeled to provide separate, functional spaces for both men and women. Each dressing room is also equipped with monitors and speakers that can broadcast a live feed from the main stage, along with a new communication system connecting them to the Control Room. With only a few showers – that were often out of service – and limited restrooms, a full renovation has been completed to meet ADA standards. The aging plumbing system has also been upgraded for the comfort of all performers.

The University Auditorium originally featured out-of-date incandescent lighting and spotlights. They were unreliable and counter-productive, making it a challenge to incorporate new colorways or even count on consistent functionality. Now, thanks to a combination of new LED lighting fixtures and systems, Control Room technicians can change presets to any color imaginable. The new setup also allows for simple control via touch panels and includes an automatic shut-off system to preserve bulb life.

After many years without use – serving mostly as a glorified storage space – the Orchestra Pit has been fully restored and returned to working order. Surfaces have been refreshed throughout, with the addition of new lighting and speakers and modern orchestra furniture. The new acoustic panels will also enhance the overall sound quality, elevating the performance experience for the audience. This renovation not only benefits the community, but also provides a more professional, real-world environment for student musicians to learn and grow.

After almost 80 years of service, the University Auditorium’s main stage had fallen into disrepair, including aging and fading curtains and drapery, scuffed and marred flooring, and failing acoustics. Today, there’s renewed life in the Elta Joyce Murphey Auditorium. New acoustical clouds and 20-foot-tall acoustical shells have been installed to enhance musical performances and concerts, and the new data rack backstage modernizes lighting, audio and projection systems. The restored auditorium is now ready to support student performances and local events, strengthening the bond between Angelo State and the broader community.