The Thrust Theater
The Bernhard theater is the largest auditorium on campus and seats 354. It is designed to be used as a thrust theater with seating wrapped around three sides, but is adaptable to a limited proscenium configuration. The proscenium opening is thirty-six feet wide and eighteen feet high. The twenty foot deep forestage consists of a series of platforms with adjustable heights. The depth of the fully excavated orchestra pit is eleven feet below the stage floor.

The twenty foot deep stage house upstage of the seven foot apron has a grid height of forty-five feet and contains a total of twenty-one line sets on a combination of six inch and one foot centers. There is ample wing space both left and right and a sixteen foot high electric door leads to the scenic shop and loading area.

The auditorium contains an extensive catwalk system for safe and easy access to most of the lighting instruments and circuitry.

The lighting system consists of a large range of luminaires and a state-of-the-art memory-assisted computerized control system. The sound system allows for numerous inputs, outputs and individual control. Playback equipment includes reel-to-reel and cassette recorders, compact disc players, and turntables.


The Studio (Black Box) Theater
The Studio Theater or "Black Box" is a flexible performance space in which a number of different actor/audience relationships can be explored through the use of a series of risers (shown below in arena configuration - the shaded area indicates the catwalks above). Generally, this theater seats between eighty and one hundred audience members. An overhead catwalk system and mezzanine provides safe and easy access to all lighting positions. A number of productions are designed for this space utilizing a system of standardized scenic units. The Studio theater has a complete sound system as well as a large compliment of lighting instruments operated by a computerized control board.

The Rehearsal Studios
The two rehearsal studios are located on the second level of the theater building. Each room is approximately thirty feet by forty feet. These rooms are used for most acting, directing, movement and voice courses. Throughout the academic year nearly all of the workshop productions rehearse and are presented in these rooms. The use of scenery and lighting is limited in both studios

Studio A is equipped with limited equipment including drapery, lights and dimmers for workshop productions.


The Scenic and Paint Shops
The scenic shop is where all scenic elements are constructed, painted and assembled for all productions. It is equipped with a number of large power tools for all types of carpentry. A large tool cage is used for all tool storage and a mezzanine above is used for hardware storage. Access to and use of the scenic shop and paint shop is restricted to times when adequate staff supervision is available. The shop generally operates between 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM on weekdays.


The Green Room
The green room is located between the two theater spaces and is used as a resting area for cast and crew members working on current productions. The room contains lounge furniture, a lavatory, and a small kitchenette.


The Dressing Rooms
Two large dressing rooms are located in the basement of the building. Both contain makeup tables, clothing storage, bathrooms and showers. Each room comfortably accommodates twelve performers.


The Costume Area
The costume area is located in the basement and consists of a costume room, office and costume storage area. All costumes used in Skidmore productions are built, altered and stored here. The costume area operates on a limited schedule during workdays.

The Property Storage
Stage properties are stored in the Prop Room off of the Scenic Shop. Access to this area is limited and requires the permission of the Technical Director of Design Director.


The Office Area
All departmental and faculty offices are located on the second floor of the building. The large outer office is used as a reception area and an active work space. The theater library contains an extensive script collection and is used for meetings and small seminar classes.


The Lobby and Lounge
The main lobby and the second floor lounge are large public areas. The lobby is shared by both theaters and includes a box office, concession area, and lavatories. Seating, bulletin boards, lavatories, and vending machines are located in the lounge.


The Design Studio  
The design studio is used for all scenic, costume and lighting design and production classes. It contains drafting stations, work tables, storage facilities, a light lab, a drafting room, and a production office.