Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts

Breadcrumb

For almost three decades, the Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts at Whittier College has offered outstanding programs that reflect the diverse interests and cultural backgrounds of Southern California.

In addition to serving as the home of Whittier College's Department of Theatre, Film, and Communication Arts, The Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts hosts cultural events, community productions, special performances, guest lectures, and holiday events.

Opened in 1990, the facility includes:

  • 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 - Variable Configuration and Acoustics

  • 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 - Variable Configuration and Acoustics

  • 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.

Location

6760 Painter Avenue, Whittier, CA 
562.907.4203
boxoffice@shannoncenter.org

Catch Me If You Can, The Musical 

Based on the hit film featuring Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio — and incredible true story — this musical is about chasing your dreams and not getting caught. Nominated for four Tony awards, including Best Musical, this delightfully entertaining show was created by a Tony Award-winning dream team with a book by Terrence McNally and a swinging score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

Whittier College's student production has been directed and choreographed by Jennifer S. Holmes with musical direction by Alexander Grabarchuk. It is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

Ticket prices are $15 for general admission, $10 for alumni, and $5 for students. Tickets can be purchased on Purplepass or at the box office (opens 30 minutes before each performance). For additional questions, please call. 562.907.4203. 

Venue: Robinson Theatre
Performances: April 4, 5, 6 at 7:30 p.m. and April 7 at 2 p.m.

The Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts is available for special events, concerts, recitals, and other performances. Please complete the form below to get in touch with Whittier's Office of Special Events and Conference Services.