Facilities
Communication Studies and Theatre Arts Center (CSTAC)
Communication Studies and Theatre Arts Center (CSTAC) located on the south end of Longwood University’s campus, next to the Bedford building.
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Student sitting in reading a book at the entrance - A student sits on a bench reading outside a glass-walled campus building entrance. Large windows reveal an interior hallway beyond the doors. Brick and stone walls frame the covered walkway. The quiet space provides a place to study or relax between classes. -
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Image of Hallway in CSTAC
Main Stage Theatre
The Main Stage Theatre is home to Longwood University Theatre productions. It is a fully flexible 110-seat Black Box Theatre.
Flexible Performance Space
The design of the theatre allows for adaptable stage and audience configurations to meet the unique needs of each production.
Theatre Levels
The Main Stage features three distinct levels:
- Stage Floor: Connected directly to the Scene Shop
- Mezzanine Level
- Catwalk Level: Fully stocked with lighting equipment
Sound and Media Technology
Students gain hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment, including:
Audio Equipment
- Allen & Heath QU-32 sound console (brand new)
- Apple Mac Pro computer with QLab 5
- Variety of speakers
- Amps
- Wireless microphones
- Additional sound equipment
Projection and Media Design
- Hippotizer Boreal media server with 4-DVI outputs
Lighting and Control
Catwalk
The catwalk is fully equipped with lighting tools used in both design and production work.
Dimmer Room
- Over 130 ETC Sensor+ 2.4kw dimmers
Student Experience
Longwood students receive hands-on training in:
- Lighting design and implementation
- Sound operation
- Projections and media integration
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Theater lights and seating - Stage lighting fixtures glow along a rig above a black box theater. Rows of blue audience seats are visible below the lighting grid. Colored stage lights shine toward the performance area. The overhead rigging supports lighting equipment for theatrical productions. -
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Theater seating and view of stage with lights - A black-box theater stage is set with scaffolding, ladders, and unfinished scenery. Two people stand on the stage floor discussing the set construction. Rows of blue audience seats curve around the performance area. Overhead lighting grids and catwalks surround the theater space. -
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Theater seating from a different angle with lights pointing at stage - Tiered rows of blue seats face a stage in a black-box theater. Lighting trusses and stage lights hang overhead from metal rigging. Catwalks and railings line the sides of the performance space. The view looks from the stage toward the audience seating area.
Main Stage Catwalk
The Main Stage Catwalk is where the magic of theatrical lighting comes to life. It serves as a vital space for lighting control, design, and projection.
Key Areas of the Catwalk
- Lighting and Gel Storage
- Dedicated Electrics Area
- Lighting Control Area
Lighting Design and Control
Students learn the art and craft of theatrical lighting design using industry-standard equipment, including:
- ETC Ion Xe
- GrandMA2 Ultra-light
Lighting Instruments
A wide range of professional lighting tools are available for student use, including:
- Martin Mac Aura LED moving lights
- Martin Mac 101 LED moving lights
- Martin SmartMac moving lights
- ChromaQ Colorforce 72” LED strip light
- Over 60 ETC Source 4 Ellipsoidals
- ETC Source 4 PARs
- Selecon Pacific 8” Rama Fresnels
- Selecon Pacific 6” Acclaim Fresnels
- HUI cyc lights
- iCue Moving Mirrors
- LED tape
Projection and Media Equipment
- NEC and short-throw projectors
- ImageCue
- Hippotizer Boreal media server (also used in projection design)
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Light positioning and view from top - Lighting instruments hang from metal pipes on an overhead theater grid. Cables and rigging surround the catwalk above the stage area. Below, a partially built set with ladders and framing is visible. The technical space supports stage lighting and production work. -
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Computers to calibrate the different lights colors and brightness - A theater lighting control console sits in a technical booth above the stage. Two monitors display digital lighting control software and cue settings. Cables, lighting instruments, and rigging fill the dim backstage environment. The workstation is used to program and operate stage lighting for productions. -
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walking path for the setup of stage lights - A narrow catwalk runs above a theater stage within a lighting grid. Metal railings line the walkway, surrounded by cables and lighting equipment. Stage lights and rigging hang below the platform on both sides. The catwalk provides access for technicians to adjust theater lighting.
Makeup Room/Dressing Rooms
There is a large makeup area and two dressing rooms, complete with lockers and showers.
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Dressing room lights with chairs and mirrow - A row of stools sits at a long dressing counter with lit mirrors. Round vanity lights line the mirror used for stage makeup and preparation. Wigs on mannequin heads rest on a shelf above the mirrors. The backstage dressing room supports performers preparing for productions. -
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Dressing room lights - A row of illuminated vanity lights runs along a dressing room mirror. The mirror reflects a long counter with stools for performers preparing backstage. Metal shelving above holds wigs and costume pieces. Warm lighting creates a theatrical backstage dressing area. -
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Dressing room lights - A theater dressing room features a long counter with black stools and a wall-length mirror. Bright vanity lights line the mirror for performers preparing backstage. Shelving above holds wigs and hairpieces used in productions. Doors, a wall clock, and storage drawers appear in the reflected room behind. -
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Full detail dressing room lights - A theater dressing room features long counters with mirrors and rows of black stools. Bright vanity lights line both walls for performers preparing backstage. Shelves above the mirrors hold wigs, hairpieces, and storage bins. Two doors, a wall clock, and a rolling drawer cabinet sit at the back of the room.
Lab Theatre
The Lab Theatre is a fully functioning classroom and lab theatre space designed to support student productions and performance-based learning.
Instructional Features
- Teaching station
- Projector and screen
Audio Equipment
- iMac with QLab 4
- Mackie mixer
- Amplifier and speakers
Lighting Equipment
- ETC Element lighting console
- 96 ETC Sensor+ dimmers
Rep light plot includes:
- Selecon Pacific Zoom Ellipsoidals
- Selecon Pacific Acclaim 6” Fresnels
Student Use
This space supports:
- Student productions
- Theatre classes
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Seats - Blue audience seating sits on tiered risers inside a black-box theater. An open performance floor stretches across the foreground. Stage lighting instruments and rigging hang from the ceiling above. Black walls and movable set pieces frame the flexible theater space. -
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Stage and seats - Rows of blue theater seats face a small black-box stage. A painted backdrop of a lake and mountains hangs at center stage. Stage lights and rigging fill the ceiling above the performance space. Set pieces, including a couch and flats, sit on the stage during setup. -
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Stage and seats - A student works carefully at a large drafting table in a theater design studio. He measures and draws with a ruler and pencil under adjustable desk lamps. Bright ceiling lights and tall windows illuminate the open workspace. Other drafting tables and studio equipment are visible throughout the room.
Scene Shop
The Scene Shop is where much of the behind-the-scenes magic of theatrical production comes to life. Spanning 2,000 sq ft, it supports scenic construction, prop building, painting, and 3D fabrication for both productions and coursework.
Key Areas and Features
Fully Stocked Paint Shop
- Includes all Rosco Off-Broadway and SuperSat scenic paints
- Dedicated Props Shop
- 3D Printing Capabilities
- 2 Ender-3 3D Printers
- 2 Longer Orange 30 SLA 3D Resin Printers
Tool Highlights
The shop is equipped with a range of professional-grade tools, including:
- Millermatic DVI 2 Welder
- Baileigh CS 275 EU 11" Cold Saw
- Powermatic 10" 5 HP Table Saw with 52" fence
- Powermatic 24" 5 HP Bandsaw
- Powermatic BD 31A 1.5 HP Sanding Station
- 12" Sliding Compound Miter Saw
- DWV010 8-Gallon HEPA Dust Extractors
Props and Furniture Storage
In addition to the Scene Shop, Longwood University Theatre maintains 2,200 sq ft of props and furniture storage located in the university’s warehouse.
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Workplace for creating background - Scene shop workspace with large worktables and power tools in the foreground. Shelving holds lumber, plywood, and supplies used for building stage sets. A metal staircase leads to a mezzanine storage area above the shop. Workbenches and organized tool racks line the back wall of the theater production space. -
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Workplace for creating stage theme - A large theater dressing room has long mirrored counters on both sides. Bright vanity lights illuminate rows of black rolling stools. Shelves above the mirrors hold wigs, hairpieces, and labeled storage bins. Two gray doors, a wall clock, and a rolling drawer cabinet sit at the back.
Costume Facilities
Longwood University Theatre's Costume Facilities are fully equipped to support costume construction, design, and maintenance for productions and coursework.
Costume Shop & Craft Room
- Separate, dedicated spaces
- Equipped with top-of-the-line Bernina sewing machines and sergers
Dye Room
Features a full-sized industrial dye vat for fabric dyeing and textile treatments
Makeup Room
Used for both classes and productions, the Makeup Room supports:
- Construction and maintenance of prosthetics
- Wig styling and care
- Hand-tied/ventilated facial hair
- Use of a professional-grade wig dryer cabinet
Costume Storage
There are three specialized costume storage rooms for:
- Hats and bags
- Shoes
- General costume stock
The collection features a fully-automated, barcoded inventory system with more than 5,000 costume items.
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Different color of threads - Colorful spools of thread are arranged on wooden racks in a costume shop. Threads in shades of red, green, yellow, purple, black, and white are visible. Different sizes of cones and spools are organized for sewing projects. The supplies are used for costume construction and garment repairs. -
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Different color fabrics - Folded pieces of fabric and lace are arranged on a worktable in a sewing studio. Light blue, cream, and patterned textiles sit beside scissors and sewing tools. In the background, sewing machines line a long workstation beneath a gray wall. Hats, materials, and costume pieces hang neatly along the wall above the machines. -
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Sewing machine - Sewing machines sit on a worktable in a costume design studio. A wooden mannequin figure, pin cushion, thread spool, and sewing tools rest nearby. Dress forms and costume pieces are visible in the background. The bright workspace is set up for sewing and costume construction. -
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Different color threads from a different view - Dozens of colorful thread spools sit on a tiered wooden rack. Threads include green, purple, yellow, orange, black, white, and red. Large cones and smaller spools are arranged for easy selection. The sewing supplies are used in a theater costume shop. -
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Sewing machine from a different angle - Several sewing machines sit along a long worktable in a costume shop. Fabric swatches, sketches, and reference images are pinned to a bulletin board above. Thread spools and small speakers sit beside the machines on the table. The workspace is used for constructing and altering costumes for theater productions. -
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Different wardrobe hung up - Rows of colorful costumes hang on racks inside a theater costume storage room. Garments are organized by type and color with tags attached for identification. Sweaters, jackets, dresses, and coats fill the tightly packed racks. The space stores wardrobe pieces used for stage productions. -
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Sewing machine in table with treads - Sewing machines line a long worktable in a theater costume shop workspace. A bulletin board above displays sketches, photos, and pinned fabric swatches. Tools, thread, and materials are arranged for garment construction. The space supports costume design and fabrication for stage productions. -
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Different outfits hung up and tag - Circular costume racks hold rows of labeled garments in a theater wardrobe storage area. Clothing items including dresses, jackets, and uniforms hang on tagged hangers. Clear bins and shelves store additional costume pieces nearby. The space organizes wardrobe inventory for stage productions. -
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Different outfits hung up and tag 2 - A circular wardrobe rack holds rows of labeled costumes in storage. Garments including dresses, jackets, and skirts hang on tagged hangers. Additional racks line the narrow aisle of the costume storage room. The organized space houses wardrobe pieces for theater productions.
Design/Drafting Studio – CSTAC202
The Design/Drafting Studio is a dedicated working space for Theatre Design & Technology students, designed to support both traditional and digital design work.
Drafting Workstations
- Multiple drafting tables, each equipped with a 42" Alvin Para-Liner Parallel Straightedge
Digital Design Tools
8 Apple Mac Pros loaded with professional software
- Vectorworks
- DaVinci Resolve
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Additional design programs
3D Printing Capabilities
- iMac connected to a MakerBot Replicator (Fifth Generation) 3D printer for model building and prototyping
Design/Drafting Studio
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Students at the drafting board - A student concentrates while drawing at a large drafting table in a design studio. He uses a ruler and pencil beneath adjustable task lamps. Bright overhead lighting and tall windows illuminate the workspace. Additional drafting tables and studio equipment fill the room behind him. -
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Students at the drafting board - A student works at a large drafting table in a theater design studio. He uses a ruler and pencil beneath bright adjustable desk lamps. Additional drafting tables and lighting equipment surround the workspace. A Longwood University banner and costume forms appear in the background. -
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School picture of the pathway to the different colleges - Elevated view of a campus lawn with intersecting walkways and brick academic buildings. Students walk along the paths between classes under a partly cloudy sky. A statue stands near the foreground beside newly planted trees. Large leafy trees frame the scene on the right side of the quad.
Theatre Library/Conference Room-420x280.jpg)
The Theatre Library/Conference Room is a multifunctional space that supports both academic and production needs within the Theatre program.
Theatre Resources
- Houses a variety of theatre texts and plays
- Available for student research and project work
Multi-Use Space
- Used as a seminar classroom
- Hosts production meetings and other collaborative sessions
Scenic View
- Features an amazing view of Brock Commons, creating a bright and inspiring environment for learning and discussion
Computer Lab (CSTAC 202)
Located on the second floor of CSTAC, the Computer Lab provides students access to industry-standard tools and software.
Features
- iMac computers
Professional software including:
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere)
- Vectorworks
- DaVinci Resolve 16
- SketchUp
- Audacity
- And more
Rehearsal Studio (CSTAC 129)
The Rehearsal Studio is a dedicated space for physical performance work.
Key Features
- Designed for acting and movement classes
- Equipped with a sprung Marley dance floor
Jarman Auditorium
Jarman Auditorium is Longwood University’s large proscenium theatre located on the north end of campus. It hosts large-scale productions, concerts, and special performances.
Theatre and Performance Use
- Used for Longwood Theatre’s large-scale plays and musicals every other year
- 1100-seat proscenium theatre
Performance venue for:
- Choir Concerts
- Longwood Company of Dancers shows
- Children’s Theatre
- University events
Technical Equipment
- Motorized fly system
- Yamaha sound mixer
- ETC Ion lighting console
- PixelFLEX LED Video Wall
- Large inventory of lighting, sound, and video equipment
Stage and Space Features
- Stage dimensions: approximately 40' x 30'
- Floating Harlequin dance floor
- Wenger Forte acoustical shell
- Variety of staging platforms
Dressing Rooms and Backstage
- 2 chorus-style dressing rooms
- 2 diva-style dressing rooms with adjoining restrooms and showers
- Green room located at stage level
Student Experience
Longwood Theatre students work in both the flexible Main Stage Black Box and the Jarman Auditorium proscenium space during their course of study.