For nearly a decade, the Jackman Dramatic Art Centre has housed the creative energy of UWindsor’s drama students, who make use of the building’s unique layout to develop their talents in acting, voice and movement.

Former UWindsor chancellor Frederic Jackman—together with his brothers, former Ontario Lieutenant-Governor Henry Jackman and the Rev. Edward Jackman—were a driving force in seeing a new building custom-made for one of the country’s finest institutions for education in the performing arts. The family committed $1.3 million to its construction.

“The School of Dramatic Art has been an outstanding program at the University of Windsor,” Frederic Jackman said at the time of the centre’s construction. “I have always enjoyed the arts and, as chancellor, knew first-hand the reputation of the program at Windsor. They needed a new home and my brothers and I were happy that we could respond.”

The 30,000-square-foot, two-storey building features spacious teaching studios, sprung floors, controlled natural and overhead lighting, superior acoustics and advanced classroom technology. The H. Clifford and Joan Hatch Studio Theatre located in the Jackman Centre provides an intimate performance space with seating for 79. This versatile, multi-use venue is employed for public and student presentations, as well as classroom and rehearsal activities. It is ideal for avant-garde and non-traditional performances and plays.

Construction of the Jackman Centre, which marked its grand opening on May 26, 2004, was also supported by the generous donations of Casino Windsor; the Estate of Ernest Waddell; the Joan and Clifford Hatch Foundation; Scotiabank; Universal Studios Canada Ltd.; Clare E. and Anne Winterbottom; Sun-Brite Canning Ltd.; and the University of Windsor Students’ Alliance.

—Tanya Michel