School of Theatre Facilities

The School of Theatre has excellent facilities that service its academic and production programs.

Performance Spaces, Shop Facilities, & Specialized Classrooms

Performance Spaces

Center for the Performing Arts

The Center for the Performing Arts (CPA) opened in the fall of 2002. This state-of-the-art facility offers a proscenium stage with full fly capabilities and a moveable orchestra pit that can seat forty musicians. House seating for 525 is divided into three tiers, providing for an intimate experience from any seat. The CPA is home for four of our annual MainStage productions as well as both dance concerts.

Westhoff Experimental Theatre

This former proscenium stage was renovated in 2002 to create an intimate 175 seat performance space. Seating can be configured to allow for thrust or arena staging. Stage size and shape approximate Chicago storefront theatres, serving as a model for our students, many of whom pursue post graduate careers in Chicago. The Westhoff Experimental Theatre hosts four SecondStage and two MainStage shows every year.

Mabel Claire Allen Theatre

Formerly known as the Studio Theatre, the new Allen Theatre offers “black box” opportunities for performance. The space serves as a rehearsal hall for CPA productions, as well as classroom space for movement, creative drama, and lighting classes.

The MFA Directing Studio

This renovated classroom space serves the undergraduate and graduate directing programs. The room features a proscenium stage with an audience area that can seat 50. The room is equipped with a control booth, sound system, and light grid.

The Theatre at Ewing

This 450 seat facility houses the Illinois Shakespeare Festival’s outdoor performances. Opened in June 2000, the space provides excellent technical capabilities with an intimate performance environment.

Shop Facilities

Scene Shop

The scene shop’s location offers easy access to the Center for the Performing Arts and the Westhoff Experimental Theatre. The scene shop’s capabilities are enhanced by a designated metal shop area, a spray booth, and a large storage area.

Prop Shop

Both a prop construction area and a separate storage facilities provide space for the work of props artisans.

Costume Shop

The costume shop, along with a separate dye room and craft room, offers a spacious and well-equipped environment for the construction of costumes. Storage areas provide easy access to costume stock, including a collection of antique pieces.

Light Storage

Light storage and repair is located in the basement of the Center for the Performing Arts.

Stage Management Office

A stage management office provides working space along with computer and telephone capabilities for stage management staff.

Specialized Classrooms

Computer Labs

Centennial West 303 serves as a satellite computer lab for use by design/production students. The lab features nine Emac work stations with up-to-date design software. The room also houses a laser printer and an ink jet plotter for large-scale documents.

The computer lab in Room 50 of the Center for the Visual Arts (CVA) is used extensively for teaching and for a variety of student needs. The room features more than 20 PC stations with the latest audio and visual design software.

Audio Room

Room 15 in the Center for the Visual Arts houses a Digital Audio Workstation and an isolation-recording booth. This space is available to School of Theatre students working on sound designs.

Drafting Room

The drafting room is located in Centennial West 303A. The room contains fourteen drafting tables and a central conference area.

The Dance Studio

The Dance Studio is located in McCormick Hall 104. This room is used for dance classes and as a dance rehearsal space.