Sophia Gordon Center for the Performing Arts, State University Building Development, American Architecture, Images
Sophia Gordon Center for the Performing Arts in Salem
American Building in Massachusetts, USA ? design by Leers Weinzapfel Associates
11 Sep 2017
Sophia Gordon Center for the Performing Arts
Architects: Leers Weinzapfel Associates
Location: Salem, Massachusetts, United States of America
Sophia Gordon Center for the Performing Arts in Salem

The renovation of the Sophia Gordon Creative & Performing Arts Center transforms a mid-century theater facility into vibrant theatrical teaching, performance, and support spaces for a new generation of students. Originally constructed in 1958 as a general use auditorium on a developing campus, the 650-seat Mainstage Theater building was ripe for reimagining, longer meeting the current needs of the theater department and the wider university.
The design for the project reflects Salem State?s departmental goals and maximizes the program space within the existing building shell by providing a balcony and a more intimate theater. The public approaches a transformed exterior terrace and enters a generous lobby, which leads to a 490-seat theater with a balcony and galleries. The theater affords good sightlines and ceiling height, providing an enveloping space for student performance and instruction. The program also includes a large rehearsal room, green room, dressing rooms, scene shop, sound lab, light lab, prop storage, c...