The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Annie Russell Theatre

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Annie Russell Theatre (front facade), Rollins College

Annie Russell Theatre (detail, entrance), Rollins College

Annie Russell Theatre (interior), Rollins College

Institution Name: Rollins College
Original/Historic Place Name: Annie Russell Theatre
Location on Campus: east side of old Interlachen Ave.
Date(s) of Construction and Designer(s):

1931-1932	original construction Kiehnel, Richard Kiehnel & Elliot
1977	addition Unknown
1980	addition Unknown

Type of Place: Individual building
Style(s): (Glossary)
Materials:

Foundation: concrete

Walls: clay block; stucco (facing)

Roof: timber (frame); planking (tongue-and-groove); cork (insulation); clay barrel tiles

Function:

ca. 1932-present (2007)

theater

Significance: history
Landmark designation:

none

Narrative: see below
References: see below

Narrative:
The Annie Russell Theatre was designed by Richard Kiehnel, who was responsible for establishing the College's defining architectural style. The Theatre and the neighboring Knowles Memorial Chapel were constructed in tandem and celebrated a joint dedication. The buildings share a garden and are connected by a tiled loggia, typical of the Spanish Mediterranean architecture that characterizes the Rollins campus.

The Theatre was a gift of Mrs. Edward W. Bok in honor of her friend Annie Russell, an actress of international renown. Miss Russell returned to the stage to act in the Theatre's inaugural production and assisted in building the College's dramatic arts program, which has produced award-winning stage and film actors, directors, and writers.

References:

I. Bibliographic sources:

Campen, Richard N. Winter Park Portrait: The Story of Winter Park and Rollins College. Beachwood, OH: West Summit Press, [ca. 1987].

Kiehnel & Elliott, Architects. A Monograph of The Florida Work of Kiehnel and Elliott, Architects. Miami, FL: Miami Post Publishing Company, 1938.

Lane, Jack C., ed. & comp. Rollins College: A Pictorial History. Tallahassee, FL: Rose Printing Company, Inc., 1989.

MacDowell, Claire Leavitt. Chronological History of Winter Park. Winter Park, FL: Orange Press, 1960.

II. Location of other data:

University: Special Collections, Facilities Management Office