About the Center for the Performing Arts

The Center for the Performing Arts at Illinois State University showcases two spectacular performance halls. The Theatre has a hydraulic orchestra pit, a 76' fly loft with 68 fly-lines, three trap-able areas, double control room with recording capabilities and a separate booth for follow spots. The Concert Hall is acoustically tunable.

Located on the southeast corner of the Quad and at the corner of School and Beaufort Streets, the Center for the Performing Arts provides the campus and greater Central Illinois community with a wide variety of cultural activities. The new portion of the Center, which houses the proscenium theatre and concert hall, opened in the fall of 2002 and was funded by student fees. These two new performance spaces are among the finest of their kind in the country.

The Theatre can seat 450-500 depending on the configuration and use of loose seating.

The Concert Hall has three adjustable 'tuning' controls: The two adjustable 'clouds' over the stage, the louvers and the draperies on all three levels. It features a wrap-around balcony; a control room/recording studio and the hall can seat 630-830 people depending on the configuration of loose seating.

Both the theatre and the concert hall provide an intimate performance experience from any seat. All handicap and companion seating options are excellent. Special seats are available for patrons needing more leg room or a bit more personal space. State-of-the-art listening devices for the hearing impaired are also available. Please reserve listening devices in advance with the box office. For special seating needs, call the box office at 438-2535.

Project Architect: Greg Haley, Hamel, Green & Abrahamson of Minneapolis, MN.

Acoustic Consultant: David Kahn, Acoustic Dimension of New York, NY

Ground Breaking: February 16, 1999

Dedication: October 18, 2002

The Center for the Performing Arts is a facility initially funded with money from student fees beginning in 1991. The mission outlined by the Student Government Association and the Illinois State University administration regarding this building was that the CPA would showcase works of the students and faculty of the School of Music and School of Theatre. It would not serve as a primary roadhouse for touring shows or a lecture hall for other colleges, although guest artists would appear as scheduling allows.

Keeping with this mission, the needs of the Schools of Music and Theatre have priority in this facility. Events outside the two Schools must be submitted in writing to the Director of the CPA a minimum of three months in advance. The proposed event will be reviewed by the School Directors, the CPA Director and the Dean of the College of Fine Arts for approval. If the proposed event conflicts with a rehearsal, performance or preparation of a performance by either school, the request will be denied.

Reservations for the Lobby must be submitted in writing to the at least two months in advance.