Brooks Center for the Performing Arts

History

The dedication of the Robert Howell Brooks Center for the Performing Arts on April 15, 1994 launched a new and exciting phase in Clemson University's dedication to the performing arts. The opening of the nearly 90,000 square feet facility was the result of almost two decades of petitioning, strategic planning, fundraising, and construction. However, the performing arts at Clemson can be traced to the early part of the century. The establishment of the Brooks Center was a clear sign that Clemson University recognized the essential role of the arts in a great university community.

Specialties

The Brooks Center for the Performing Arts is the home for the performing arts at Clemson University. The state-of-the-art facility serves as a roadhouse to many nationally and internationally acclaimed dance companies, theatre troupes, and music ensembles of all types. The center is comprised of a 968-seat proscenium theatre that serves as the main stage, a 100-seat black box theatre, and a 100-seat recital room. National tours of Hairspray, Avenue Q, and H.M.S Pinafore have recently performed here. Other recent concerts include the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra featuring Wynton Marsalis, the Ailey II dance ensemble, pianist Lang Lang with conductor Christoph Eschenbach with the Schleswig-Holstein Festival Orchestra, the Eroica Trio, and the National Symphony Orchestra.