Remodeled in 2001, the Theatre Arts Department includes a new state-of-the-art lighting system for The Playhouse and remodeling of the Dungeon Theatre, Scene Shop, Design and Lighting Classroom, and the Tully Memorial Design Studio.
The Theater Arts Department also has outstanding support spaces for performance and rehearsal, including a complex of dressing rooms. Technical facilities include costume and scene shops, welding and pneumatic air tools, a lighting lab, a properties shop, and a historic costume collection.
The Light Fine Arts Building also features many music practice rooms, a photography studio, the Connable Recital Hall, and more!
The Playhouse
Address: 129 Thompson Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49006
The Playhouse, opened in 1977, was the first thrust stage in the state, modeled after the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis and the Festival Theatre in Stratford, Ontario. The Playhouse has a new state of the art computerized lighting system and a four-channel sound system. The Playhouse has an authentic thrust stage and is the home of the main stage performances of Festival Playhouse. Seats 299.
Dungeon Theatre
Address: 139 Thompson Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49006
The Dungeon is a black box experimental arena which received a sound and light booth and a new entrance during the recent renovations. An extensive computerized lighting system was installed several years ago. A large room with flexible seating, the Dungeon can be rearranged for each production. The Dungeon Theatre is the main venue for our Senior Performance Series, is also used as classroom space, and is occasionally used for main stage productions or guest shows. Seats 99-115 (depending on staging).
Dorothy U. Dalton Theatre
Location: 139 Thompson St., Light Fine Arts Building
Dating back to 1964, the Dorothy U. Dalton Theatre is a proscenium stage that was the home to our main stage productions before The Playhouse opened. Today, this auditorium is mostly used for guest artist performances, music concerts, and student organization shows such as A Capella, Monkapult, and Frelon.
Charles Tully Design Studio
Location: Light Fine Arts Building
Charles Tully Design Studio is a design studio specializing in lighting, sound, and scenic design. The studio features many programs including Auto CAD and Vectorworks. The studio was named in honor of Charles Tully, a former student who passed away from cancer.
Deliveries
All deliveries for the Department of Theatre Arts should be brought to 138 Acker Lane, Kalamazoo, MI 49006, to the Theatre Arts Offices. Elevator access is located through the 139 Thompson Street entrance, just off the Dalton Lobby.