Center for Creativity’s Understory gets official launch

The Understory, the Center for Creativity’s newest space in the basement of the Cathedral of Learning will have its official launch party from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Jan. 31.

The event will include live music, a dance performance, cake and snacks, and an official Understory welcome by Provost Ann Cudd.

This new space is centered on, but not restricted to, performance arts. It opened last semester, but because of supply chain issues in receiving doors for the practice room, only one group at a time was able to reserve the space.

The monthly open-mic nights are already happening at the Understory. The next one is 8:30 p.m. Jan. 26.

The centerpiece of the room is a roughly 31-foot-by-40-foot rehearsal/performance space with a sprung floor that absorbs shocks, making it better and safer for dancers. This space can be used for music, dance, theater, spoken word or other performances. Four-person tables dot the area in front of the stage and can be reconfigured as needed.

There also are four practice rooms, a podcast studio, a colorful collaboration space seating area, a project room for creating sets, costumes or other props.

The room will have a professional lighting grid and sound system, a green screen for creating videos, and white and black backdrops for photo shoots. A real drum kit, pianos, guitars, electric violin and ukulele will be available to use.

The Center for Creativity spaces are open to Pitt staff, students and faculty in all schools and departments.