Description and Features of the Theatre
As the Illinois was nearing completion, The Champaign Daily Gazette ran a story on February 11, 1908 that included good descriptions of the theatre’s functions. Here are highlights: 1
The "Illinois" sign on the front of the building has 18-inch letters and includes three hundred lights of various colors. There were 1,900 lights used to light the entire theatre.
Toilet facilities for both ladies and gentlemen were provided on each floor.
Total seating capacity of the house was 1,400. The parquet and dress circles sloped gently to the front and accommodated 500. The chairs were leather.
“Six boxes that are a dream of art have been provided, one being on each side below and two on each side on a level with the first balcony. Two of the upper boxes are double. Elaborate furnishings have been purchased for each box.”
The first balcony seated four hundred people, the second balcony three hundred, and the gallery 100.
The full house could be emptied in two minutes. Four exits were provided for each section of the building.
The orchestra pit was large enough for forty musicians. There were two entrances from under the stage.
The stage was large at 43 feet deep and 67 feet wide, intended to be large enough for any road production. The proscenium arch is 35x37 feet. There were two stage curtains, the fire proof asbestos curtain and one of canvas. No evidence remains to prove or disprove it, but it is likely that the canvas curtain had a decorative scene painted on it. It seems unlikely that it would have been left plain. It would have also been possible to have advertising on it as had been common in earlier opera houses.
Fourteen dressing rooms were located at the rear of the stage, separated from the stage by a fire wall. The rooms were large and equipped with hot and cold water.
The construction was originally expected to cost about $40,000, but ran over $60,000 as the building committee wanted the theatre to be as nice and well equipped as possible.
The article in the Champaign Daily News in April, 1909, reflects some variance in the numbers. 2
ENDNOTES
1 The Champaign Daily Gazette, Tuesday, February 11, 1908. Page 6. The Illinois Nearly Done
2 Champaign Daily News, Saturday 10 April 1909 page 2. Well Equipped Play House