Leach Theatre awaits new seating. The old seats were removed from the theater on June 27.

When Leach Theatre reopens in August, patrons will notice a center aisle, railings and new seats. The theater, which closed June 25, is undergoing renovations. Plans call for new, wider seats with backs that provide lumbar support.

The changes are designed to better accommodate both theater-goers and students taking classes in the auditorium, says Emily Brickler, managing director of the theater. The seats will also include discreet, fold-down tablet arms.

“This is a nice way we can offer a multi-purpose space but still maintain the integrity of the theater,” Brickler says.

One downside, she notes, will be reduced seating. The larger seats will range in size from 20-22 inches wide, replacing current seats that are 18-20 inches wide. This will drop the number of seats from approximately 650 to 560.

The 27-year-old theater is also getting its sound system updated. The third and final phrase of this project will be completed by the end of 2018.

The theater will reopen in August and the first event in the 2018-19 Campus Performing Arts Series, a performance by Black Violin, is set for Friday, Sept. 28. For more information about Leach events and tickets, please visit leachtheatre.mst.edu.