Center For The Performing Arts
With construction planned to begin mid-Fall 2020, the $8.9M Center for the Performing Arts (formerly known as the Performing Arts Center), will support the academic mission and programs in Western Illinois University‘s College of Fine Arts and Communication and is the first Macomb campus building constructed with public funds in nearly 40 years.
The 130,000-square foot Center for the Performing Arts will include an approximately 1,400-seat proscenium theatre auditorium, a 250-seat thrust stage and a 150-seat studio theatre. The theatre complex serves as the premier performing arts facility in the region, for live theatre performances and major music performances. The theatre features a modern theatre fly-loft and backstage area, superior sound and lighting systems, an acoustic orchestra shell, climate-controlled piano storage and a large loading dock to allow the Center for Performing Arts to accommodate the often complex requirements of touring performances.
There also will be dance, jazz, percussion and theatre rehearsal studios and classrooms to facilitate the academic mission of the building, which complements numerous academic programs; dressing rooms adjacent to the theatre; a scenery/design workshop and a costume shop; a box office; administration offices and a loading dock that will accommodate semis and buses for professional touring companies and orchestras. The CPA will also include rehearsal spaces, gallery, scene shop, lounges, VIP room and green rooms.
The Center for the Performing Arts, which will be located on the southwest side of campus along Western Avenue, will connect to Browne Hall and consolidate performance spaces close to classrooms in Browne, Memorial and Sallee halls. Corbin Hall is adjacent to the center and includes a fine arts floor for students to complete the living and learning aspect of an arts quad.
