Performance Spaces | Production Spaces | Classrooms

Center for Performing Arts

The Center for Performing Arts is the home of the Department of Theatre. It houses all our faculty and staff offices and most of the production facilities, including the Gates-Abegglen Theatre, W. Paul Zimmerman Experimental Theatre, scene shop, costume shop, and prop shop. 

Opened in the fall of 1969, the CPA sits on the Fine Arts Plaza, adjacent to Hiestand Hall (home to our classrooms) and the Art Building (home to the Art Department). Directly across the plaza from the CPA is the Shriver Center, which houses the Haines Food Court, the Miami University Bookstore, Miami University Box Office, a convenience store, and many other services for students.

Performance Spaces

Gates-Abegglen Theatre

The Gates-Abegglen Theatre is a traditional proscenium theatre that seats 385 patrons.

It is comfortably equipped with a 35 line fly system, hydraulic pit lift and modest wing space. A new Strand 520i light board was installed in 2001.

Our Mainstage Season is presented in Gates, typically three or four fully-mounted faculty-directed productions per academic year.

Booking an MUT Theatre space >>

W. Paul Zimmerman Experimental Theatre (Studio 88)

Many classes and workshops are held in 88, and it is the home of the SecondStage Season. The SecondStage allows advanced undergraduate and graduate students the chance to realize their creative vision through complete, fully-mounted productions. It is also typically the first venue in which student designers are given design assignments in scenery, costumes, lighting or sound.

Currently configured as a 3/4 thrust theatre, Studio 88 is really a "flexible" space seating115 patrons. Physical renovations done during the summer of 2005 included new seating, new audience risers, and installation of an ADA compliant wheelchair ramp. And for our technicians, lighting control was improved in 2005 with a new ETC Express 48/96 light board.

Booking an MUT Theatre space >>

Production Spaces

The Scene Studio

Most of the scenery used for our productions is built and painted right here in our own scene studio.

Equipped with contractor grade construction tools, we build with wood and with steel. A major renovation in 2009 tripled the space for scenic construction, integrated a metal working area, added a props construction area and a dedicated paint shop. Lab students and student staff build scenery under the guidance of a staff Shop Supervisor.

Any student can earn practicum credit in the shop (THE 200) as well.The shop is adjacent to Gates-Abegglen theatre.

The Costume Studio

The costume shop is well equipped to meet the needs of our busy production season.

Industrial sergers, computerized machines, laundry facilities are just a few of its amenities! Like the scene shop, we employ a professional Shop Manager and hire a staff of student workers. Any student can earn practicum credit in the shop (THE 200) as well.

Classrooms

Acting Studio

The acting studio in 207 Hiestand Hall was designed to meet the needs of performance classes and rehearsals. The dance floor makes the space comfortable to move in, and a dedicated set of rehearsal blocks and props make for effective scene study. Students can sign the space out to rehearse scenes for class.

Design Studio

Located in 203 Hiestand, the design studio is open 24/7 for students to work on projects for design and technology classes. Its equipped with drafting tables, a stock of drafting equipment, a sink, and plenty of bulletin board space. A small video lab and computer area are integrated into the room.

Playwriting and Lighting Lab

Hiestand 100 is a great combination of classroom, lab and small performance site. The space is open and flexible, and seats are easily set up to accommodate play readings. The basic lighting system is used not only to light shows, but also to complete projects for lighting classes.