Facilities
The Michael D. Eisner Center for Performing Arts
The Eisner Center houses state-of-the-art stages and rehearsal spaces, numerous classrooms and offices, as well as many open spaces especially configured to encourage interdisciplinary activity, offering performing arts students, faculty and programs more than 108,000 square feet of transformational space.
The building is named for Michael D. Eisner ’64, a Life Trustee of the college, a former chairman and chief executive officer of the Walt Disney Company, and founder of the Tornante Company.
Professional mentorship and creative partnerships
Professional production staff mentor students by teaching the creative, technical, and organizational skills that enhance live performance. With support from dance faculty and the Eisner Center’s experienced professionals, dance students gain practical experience, confidence, and the professional production skills needed to bring their artistic work to the stage.
- Designers and production specialists guide students in lighting, costumes, audio, and visual presentation, helping them understand how production elements enhance choreography.
- Stagecraft and technical instructors provide hands-on training in backstage practices, equipment, cueing, and safe production workflows.
- Production managers coach students in communication, scheduling, and the collaborative problem-solving essential to running rehearsals and performances smoothly.
Thorsen Dance Studio
The Thorsen Dance Studio, which seats up to 156 people, is an extremely versatile studio. High windows provide natural light while protecting dancers’ privacy. Multiple connection points along a grid for lighting, audio, and projection, allow choreographers to orient performances virtually any direction. The Harlequin sprung-floor system offers the latest technology with three layers of basket-weave substructure, subfloor, and vinyl flooring. In addition, radiant heating in the floor the dancers’ comfort and to reduce risk of injury.
