Our Facilities
Riceland Hall
About Riceland Hall
Riceland Hall, a 970-seat auditorium, is acoustically designed and shaped for music functions, spoken presentations and public forums. The side walls feature motorized acoustical drapes to change the quality of the hall to accommodate various kinds of performing groups. Even the air-conditioning system was designed to provide air movement without distracting noise.
The 2,000 square foot oak hardwood stage will accommodate a large orchestra, an orchestra with choir, and a wide range of media presentations. Additional areas associated with the hall are humidity-controlled piano storage, riser storage, dressing areas, and a receiving area adjacent to the stage.
Riceland Foods
Riceland Hall is named in honor of Riceland Foods, Inc., a farmer-owned cooperative. Riceland markets rice, soybeans and wheat grown by its 8,000 farmer-members and is the world’s largest miller and marketer of rice. Riceland has offered an endowment to provide program costs associated with the “Riceland Distinguished Performance Series.”
Drama Theatre
An Intimate Space
In addition to its obvious importance to the university, the Drama Theatre has a far-reaching potential for community functions, as well. It is perfect for business and individual presentations, corporate meetings, and economic development forums, and can be used in conjunction with other areas within the center.
The Drama Theatre has been designed as an intimate space, with comfortable seating arranged near the stage. The 344-seat theatre features stepped seating to maximize sight lines and is acoustically designed for spoken drama productions. The proscenium features a 40’ x 20’ opening. The orchestra pit will hold up to 25 musicians. A stage apron can be placed over the orchestra pit to bring presenters to the front seats of the theatre.
A complete catwalk system above the ceiling provides access for lighting and rigging areas. It also connects the backstage area to the control booth. The stage house features a suspended floor and full fly-loft, rigged so that scenic properties may be “flown” out of view. In addition, a massive doorway connects the state to the scenic design studio, so that properties may be easily and quickly moved between the spaces.
The Simpson Theatre
An Experimental "Black Box" Teaching Theatre
The Simpson Theatre has a myriad of advantages, because of its flexible, functional layout. Its simple “Black Box” design permits the space to become anything its users want it to be. Tables, chairs, podiums, elevated platforms, lighting and sophisticated presentation can be arranged for classes, meals, receptions, product displays, exhibitions and smaller meetings. The theatre can seat up to 250 people in a variety of arrangements. A tension grid suspended 18 feet above the floor provides for variable configurations for lighting and sound.
Theatre Department faculty and staff are housed adjacent to the Simpson Theatre. Nearby are situated classrooms, costume and scenic design studios, dressing rooms and catering facilities.
Access to the Theatre Department and Simpson Theatre can be controlled using a separate entrance. This control will permit classes and other department functions to be conducted while the rest of the facility is closed.
Separate parking for the Theatre Department and Simpson Theatre is arranged on the south side of the Fowler Center, and patrons for the theatre will find parking availability at this location.
Bob and Molly Simpson
By action of the Board of Trustees at its meeting on Sept. 23 2016, the black box experimental teaching theatre in Fowler Center was renamed in recognition of the Simpsons’ distinguished service and support of the university.
The resolution recognizing the couple’s professional career noted Bob was a faculty member for 36 years, and his wife Molly served on faculty for 28 years.
The Grand Hall
About the Grand Hall
The Grand Hall is a place of hospitality and entertainment. Entrance to the concert hall, drama theatre, and experimental theatre can be gained through this space. It will also serve as a gathering space for receptions with a capacity of 650 people and can accommodate up to 200 for a seated dinner. The Grand Hall will be used for university and community functions, and may be reserved for special events.
Endowed through a gift by the Pugh family, the Grand Hall is a special gathering place unlike any other in the region. It features an elliptical ceiling with a large light rope chandelier.
The Rotunda
About the Rotunda
The Rotunda provides a dramatic arrival point for visitors to Fowler Center. The 50-foot circular entry features a 24’ x 20’ plaster dome overhead with light rope chandelier. On the floor in the center of the Rotunda is the university seal in terrazzo.
Access to the Grand Hall, Administrative Offices, and Bradbury Art Museum can be gained through this entrance.