Texas Tech Maedgen Theatre Fire Ruled Arson

The State Fire Marshall’s office today (June 11) ruled arson in a fire in the Charles E. Maedgen Theatre on the Texas Tech campus.

The State Fire Marshall’s office today (June 11) ruled arson in a fire in the Charles E. Maedgen Theatre on the Texas Tech campus.

The fire started just before 5 p.m. Sunday. There were no injuries. Kelly Vandygriff, deputy state fire marshall, said he could not estimate damage since the building was under construction from a previous fire.

"Right now this fire is ruled to be an arson," said Vandygriff. "There is a possibility this fire is related to a January fire at the Boston Avenue Playhouse at 42nd and Boston and at the Maedgen Theatre. We’ll continue to follow up on that."

Officials are asking any one with information on the fire to call 1-877-4FIRE45 (1-877-434-7345).

No classes were being taught at the theater, but the fire forced the closure of the lab theater. The theater’s offices will reopen Tuesday morning.

Summer Rep ’07 will move to Boston Avenue Playhouse, located at 4230 Boston Ave.

Those interested in attending Summer Rep ’07 shows can purchase tickets one hour prior to curtain at the Boston Avenue box office. People with advance tickets can pick up their tickets at the Boston Avenue Playhouse box office on the night of their reservations.

This season’s lineup is as follows:
  • "Daddy’s Dyin (Who’s got the Will)" – 7:30 p.m., June 15, 20, 23, 25 and 28. Boston Avenue Playhouse, 4230 Boston Ave.
  • "Catfish Moon" – 7:30 p.m., June 16, 17, 21, 26 and 29. Boston Avenue Playhouse, 4230 Boston Ave.
  • "Bullshot Crummond" – 7:30 p.m., June 19, 22, 24, 27 and 30. Boston Avenue Playhouse, 4230 Boston Ave.
CONTACT: Linda Donahue, associate chair, Department of Theatre and Dance, Texas Tech University, (806) 239-0378 linda.donahue@ttu.edu.