Facilities

The Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Art serves as home to the Department of Theatre & Communication Arts at Whittier College. Opened in 1990, this state-of-the-art facility includes the following:

  • Robinson Theatre, a mainstage with maximum seating capacity of 403, variable by configuration*
  • Studio Theatre, a "black box" theatre with maximum seating capacity between 72-100, also variable**
  • One traditional classroom
  • Five faculty offices
  • A Greenroom/Seminar Room
  • Two Large Group Dressing Rooms
  • Scenic and Costume construction studios
  • Main Lobby and DramAlum Lobby
  • Founders Room, for meetings and special functions
  • Nixon Scholars Center, featuring collection of signed works.
ROBINSON THEATRE

Robinson Theatre at the Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Variable Configuration and Acoustics in Robinson Theatre

Standard Proscenium Configuration (typical stage arrangement)
Proscenium with Orchestra Pit
Proscenium with Extended Apron
Shakespearean-style Thrust Stage
"Cabaret-style" with small apron extension, orchestra seating area chairs removed and replaced with tables and chairs
Ballroom configuration (stage extended throughout entire orchestra seating area)
Acoustical control via seven (7) green velour banners around the auditorium:

  • Banners Down for spoken drama & amplified sound.
  • Banners Up for acoustical music (orchestra, voice, piano).
STUDIO THEATRE

Studio Theatre at the Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**Variable configuration in Studio Theatre

Completely movable platform and seating system for a wide variety of seating and performance configurations.
Unique "Tension Grid" system in Studio Theatre enables complete access to overhead equipment without the use of ladders, while maintaining transparency for stage lighting.