ABOUT THE FERGUSON CENTER

The Ferguson Center was designed by Henry N. Cobb of Pei Cobb Freed & Partners. The center was constructed in two phases. The first phase of construction was completed in the summer months of 2004. The first phase completed the 450 seat Music and Theater Hall and a 200-seat Studio Theater. The second phase of construction was completed a year later. This added a 1,700-seat Concert Hall that was acoustically designed for stage performance. The phased openings were led by two opening acts. Tony Bennett opened in the Music and Theater hall on September 1, 2004. During the show, Tony Bennett remarked: "They don't make theaters like this anymore!". Actor and singer Michael Crawford opened the Concert Hall on September 12, 2005. The New York Pops accompanied him that night.

“A combination of new construction and renovation, this 250,000 square foot, multi-venue arts center was completed in two phases. The first phase included new construction of a studio theatre, dance studio, rehearsal and support spaces, and the renovation of an old high school gymnasium into a versatile multipurpose theatre. The second phase, completed a year later, included a larger, 1,750-seat multipurpose theatre. With intimate seating arrangements and demountable orchestra shells in both theatres, the university can accommodate nearly any user, no matter the type or size—including everything from student symphonies and choral ensembles to full-scale national touring acts.”
- Theatre Projects