People attending theater productions in Wilner Auditorium can expect to sit more comfortably this fall.

The home of WSU theater productions, built in 1938 and located on the south side of the Wichita State campus, is being renovated.

The interior of the 600-seat auditorium is scheduled for a facelift and carpet replacement in the corridor.

“The renovation has been going on for a month,” Renea Goforth, senior administrative assistant for the School of Performing Arts, said.

Goforth said the renovation is a definite improvement for theater patrons.

Linda Starkey, director of the School of Performing Arts, said there will be new paint, new carpet and new seats. Last year, the corridor in front of the hallway was painted.

“As Don Beggs was leaving, there was University money that was left, and he decided to allocate some to the renovation of Wilner,” Starkey said.

Starkey also said that Don and Shirley Beggs were active supporters of the theater and music productions.

Balcony seating is in disrepair and used for storage space. It is part of the renovation plan and will return to use.

Starkey said approximately the same number of seats will be available, but they will be modern and more comfortable.

“It’s supposed to be done by the beginning of the school year,” Starkey said.

The auditorium will host its first play of the school year, “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead,” in September.