The Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
Count yourself lucky if you’re across the street from one of the finest performing facilities anywhere in the country. We do, in the School of Music, because our students, faculty, and audiences can use the facilities of the Krannert Center every day for performances, rehearsals, and classes. Our choral, opera, and orchestra faculty offices and studios are located in myriad rooms below the vast lobby. Industrialist Herman Krannert and his wife, Ellnora, spearheaded the financing of this architectural splendor, with its excellent acoustics and elegant public spaces. A two-square-block theatre complex, it covers nearly ten acres and consists of four indoor theatres, an outdoor amphitheater, and ensemble rehearsal rooms.

A popular gathering place, the main lobby is designed for easy access, special exhibits, jazz improvisation or preconcert mini recitals, food, drink, and conviviality. It even has an international gift shop. The Foellinger Great Hall seats nearly 2,100 and hosts world-renowned visiting orchestras, guest artists—and definitely our local performers. We’re spoiled by the excellent acoustics and recording facilities, sometimes used by the Chicago Symphony and frequently admired by visiting ensembles. For operas, ballet, and modern dance the smaller Tryon Festival Theatre offers a wide and deep stage, great for special scenic effects and quick scenery changes. Still more intimate, Colwell Playhouse hosts jazz ensembles, smaller performance organizations, soloists, and more. The Studio Theatre is the smallest space and the site of experimental theater, poetry, and opera scenes, and other music productions.

For more information, visit the Krannert Center for Performing Arts web site.