Franklin’s Dean College opened a $12.8 million, 28,800 square-foot performing arts center today.
The new building is connected to Dean’s campus center, and includes a 150-seat theater. It also has space for dance practices and is equipped with high-technology speakers and lighting equipment.
Shawmut Construction of Boston built the facility, which Cambridge architcheture firm Bruner/Cott Architects designed.
The theater opening coincides with the college creating three new baccalaureate degree programs this year, including one in theater. The other new programs include business and liberal arts and studies.
The college has about 1,020 full-time students and another 500 part-time students.
