Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts

Location
Waterville ME

Institution
Colby College

Architect
William Rawn Associates

Acoustician
Kirkegaard Associates

This new building for Colby College gathers the performing arts and cinema studies programs under one roof, increasing the visibility of the arts and enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration. Nextstage collaborated with the college, architect, and acoustician to develop a unique suite of performance spaces. Three large studios, each with distinct characters and facilities, provide flexible rehearsal and performance environments for any art discipline, or for multi-disciplinary endeavors. The performance hall supports multiple performance and event types, while the screening room is optimized for film and media presentations. Both have fixed seats. In addition, the center houses multiple lab and shop spaces for craft-specific and interdisciplinary work. Construction operations will begin in early 2021.

Users
Theater, Dance, Music, and Cinema Studies

Construction Type
New construction

Square Feet
71,200

Cost
$60.5 million

Completion
2023

Spaces
300-seat performance hall
144-seat flexible studio (Sandbox Studio)
144-seat flexible studio (Dark Studio)
124-seat movement studio (Bright Studio)
50-seat film screening room
Studio production lab
Arts incubator lab
Video editing rooms, mix down and tracking studio
Rehearsal and music practice rooms
Scene and costume shops

Photography © William Rawn Associates