The Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center bridges the professional world with NSU programs

By Bryce Johnson and Nirvana Rojas

Roughly five years ago, Shannon Hall became the general manager of the Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center.

“I, of course, thought that was a great opportunity. I love the college campus atmosphere, and it suited my personality. I’m a people person, and I’m good with numbers, so it was a great fit,” Hall said.

The Miniaci Center is a venue connected to the Alvin Sherman Library, Research, and Information Technology Center. Affiliated with the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the theater at NSU was funded by the Miniaci family, who often donated to the university and South Florida.

“It’s important for me that it’s more than just a theater. It’s an expression of the caring of the Miniaci family,” Brad Williams, senior vice

president for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, said. “They are amazing people. They give to the community. They give to Nova Southeastern University. This university is such a better university because of them.”

Dan Gelbmann, associate professor of technical theatre and design, has hosted several events there and recommends the space.

“We have done musical theater there. We’ve done music concerts, with various instruments. We’ve done dance concerts, and then they have actually employed me in the past to be a sound engineer and a lighting designer for them,” Gelbmann said. “We, as a department, try to use that space at least a couple times a year if possible.”

Williams oversees several events that take place in the Miniaci, including the Student Life Achievement Awards.

“For 25 years, I’ve watched students, faculty, staff, administration and alumni go up on that stage and receive that award,” Williams said.

Williams also organized Life 101, a series that brought celebrities and guests to the Miniaci Center to speak with students. Some of the people included James Earl Jones, Alyssa Milano, Gabrielle Union and Michael Phelps.

“This program got way too expensive, and we ran out of funding for it. But we used to bring some really cool people to campus, and we would do these programs in the Miniaci,” Williams said.

The Miniaci Center hosts events outside of NSU, including plays, comedy shows and ballet performances.

One of Hall’s favorite shows is “Mutts Gone Nuts!,” which will be performed on Jan. 26 at 7:30 p.m.

“I don’t know if it’s the title or the show or what, but it’s a lot of fun. There’s a comedian that tours with them. It’s all ages. So I think that’s a really cool thing,” Hall said.

For student organizations looking to host events in the Miniaci Center, they can contact the Office of Campus Life and Student Engagement.

“Check out the website, www.miniacipac.com. We’re constantly updating it with shows and events,” Hall said. “I’m just looking forward to the future and how we can build and partner between the university and the Broward Center.”

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