A single, integrated facility that houses the Department of Music and the Department of Theatre, Dance, and Film, this 2 1/2-story, 55,000-square-foot building on lower campus provides a full range of quality teaching, rehearsal, production, and performance spaces to enhance the academic pursuit and extracurricular enjoyment of the performing arts.

Smith Center for the Arts Dedication Ceremony - October 29, 2004

The Very Rev. D. Dominic Izzo, O.P. (second from left), prior provincial of the Province of St. Joseph and chair of the College Corporation, brought the greetings of the College trustees.The Most Rev. Robert E. Mulvee, D.D., J.C.D., bishop of the Diocese of Providence (pictured third from left), delivered the invocation; the benediction was offered by the Most Rev. Kenneth A. Angell, D.D. (fourth from left), bishop of the Diocese of Burlington, Vermont, and brother of David Angell.

Members of Rhode Island's Congressional delegation spoke at the dedication ceremonies, as well as Rhode Island Governor Donald L. Carcieri (fourth from left)and Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline (third from left).

Smith Center for the Arts features:

Angell Blackfriars Theatre

A gift of the Angell Foundation in memory of David Angell - Class of 1969 and Lynn Angell

The 283-seat Angell Blackfriars Theatre is a dynamic performance space combining the best elements of thrust stage and proscenium arch designs. It features fixed seating, an orchestra pit, innovative audio-visual and lighting controls, a comprehensive network of stage rigging and open catwalks, and a trap room beneath the stage.

Immediately behind the stage is a spacious scene shop where sets and props can be conveniently constructed and dismantled. A full costume shop is located nearby. These amenities - all significant enhancements to current facilities - will improve the quality of production values and increase opportunities for students to learn the various theatre crafts with state-of-the-art equipment.

Concert Hall

The concert hall - with fixed seating for 272 - was designed to provide optimum acoustics for choral and instrumental recitals and concerts. The stage features a permanent choral loft that allows up to 40 singers to perform on stage with a full orchestra. The concert hall also has been equipped with a projection screen for film presentations.

Studio Theatre

A gift of John Bowab - Class of 1955

The studio or "black box" theatre is a flexible rehearsal, teaching, and performance space that can be configured to provide stage settings appropriate for specific performances and seating for up to 110.

The studio will be a laboratory where students in performance courses will learn how to act, produce, and light stage productions by exploring various techniques and methods. The space also will be used to stage student-directed productions.

Dance Studio

A gift of Mary Higgins Clark -Providence College Trustee

The dance studio features a sprung floor, ballet barres, and a wall of mirrors. Numerous large windows provide extensive natural light in the studio.

The Reilly Art Gallery

A gift of Robert F. Reilly - Class of 1942D and Mary Anne Reilly

The gallery is located to the left of the lobby and box office, at the main entrance to the building.

Other Academic Features

• Piano laboratory with 20 keyboards and headsets
• Film screening classroom
• Music library for storage, retrieval and review of thousands of vinyl records and CD's
• Secure storage cages and lockers for musical instruments
• Dedicated file room for storage and retrieval of sheet music
• Numerous choral and instrumental practice rooms
  

You can be a part of the campaign for the Smith Center for the Arts Campaign.