About one and a half years after its groundbreaking, the John Goodman Amphitheatre in the Judith Enyeart Reynolds Arts Park at Missouri State University will be unveiled to the public.

A come-and-go open house is scheduled from 2-4 p.m. Oct. 23. Visitors will get a chance to explore the facility for the first time. It’s located in the plaza adjacent to Craig Hall.

“We’re excited to invite the community to this open house,” said Dr. Shawn Wahl, dean of MSU’s Reynolds College of Arts and Letters. “We remain grateful to our donors and friends who helped make our structural dream become reality.”

About the amphitheatre and arts park

The 7,700-square-foot open-air amphitheatre is surrounded by the arts park. It includes a permanent stage, tiers for 350 removable seats and high-tech sound and lighting.

It also offers a flexible environment that can serve as an outdoor classroom or multi-purpose performing and fine arts facility.

“Besides being the home of Tent Theatre in the summer, the amphitheatre can host other events, such as jazz festivals and comedy acts,” Wahl said.

The project was made possible by private gifts from donors, such as John Goodman, an actor and MSU alumnus, and Tim Reynolds and Judith Enyeart Reynolds. The Reynolds met and graduated from MSU. Judith also worked in the English department from 1966 until her retirement in 1994.