Ferst Center For the Arts

History

The idea for the Ferst Center became a reality when the Callaway Foundation donated $3.75 million (of the $7.5 million total) for a new three-building project on campus and successfully challenged the State of Georgia to match the donation. The Center officially opened on April 13, 1992, with a dedication performance by world-renowned pianist Andre Watts. Originally named the Georgia Tech Theatre for the Arts, the Center was renamed in memory of alumnus Robert Ferst, a man who gave his time, talents, financial support, and heart to his alma mater. In 2016 the Lobby of the Ferst Center received a major renovation to improve the space for use by students year-round, and to make it a more inviting space ideal for lectures, meetings, receptions, or gathering before and after performances. In 2018 a major renovation in the theater included all new seating, a new seating configuration, new accessible seating areas, a wheelchair lift, and new paint, carpeting and aisle lighting.

Specialties

Located in the heart of the Georgia Tech campus, the Ferst Center for the Arts serves as a showcase for the presentation of concerts, lectures, dance, film and theater. Filled with activity year-round, the venue is designed to provide a wealth of diverse and enriching opportunities for both Georgia Tech and the greater Atlanta community. The Office of the Arts operates the Ferst Center and presents the Arts@Tech Season of professional music, dance, and theater performances from September to April. The Georgia Tech School of Music performs several concerts at the Ferst Center throughout the year. DramaTech, the student theater group, performs in the James E. Dull Theatre in the Ferst Center. The Ferst Center is available for rental, and performances by student and community organizations are often open to the public. Tickets to all events at the Ferst Center are sold through the Ferst Center Box Office at 404-894-9600.