Theatre Department Facilities

The Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts serves as home to the Department of Theatre & Communication Arts at Whittier College.

Opened in 1990, this state-of-the-art 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.