Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts

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

RENT

Set in the East Village of New York City, RENT is about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, RENT has become a pop cultural phenomenon. with songs that rock and a story that resonates with audiences.

Based loosely on Puccini's La Boheme, Jonathan Larson's RENT follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York's Lower East Side, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. The physical and emotional complications of the disease pervade the lives of Roger, Mimi, Tom and Angel. Maureen deals with her chronic infidelity through performance art; her partner, Joanne, wonders if their relationship is worth the trouble. Benny has sold out his Bohemian ideals in exchange for a hefty income and is on the outs with his former friends. Mark, an aspiring filmmaker, feels like an outsider to life in general. How these young bohemians negotiate their dreams, loves and conflicts provides the narrative thread to this groundbreaking musical.

Content Warning: The show features mature language, simulated drug use, and sexual situations.

Parental Guidance

While some parents may deem it appropriate for ages 13-14+ (similar to PG-13 film standards), the show is generally considered too mature for children due to explicit themes.

Tickets

$15 for general admission
$10 for faculty, staff, and alumni
$5 for students. Whittier College students get in free on Opening Night: Thursday, April 9, 2026 7:30 pm with student ID.

Tickets can be purchased on Purplepass.

Performances

April 10, 11, 17, 18: 7:30 pm

April 19: 2 p.m. matinee

If you have any questions, please call 562.907.4203 or send an email to rsilva@whittier.edu

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.