Theatre Facilities

Hartung Theater

The 417-seat Hartung Theater, built in 1973, is an intimate space in which to experience theatre. It is one of two main stages for academic productions.

Features

• The Hartung Shop allows students to work on set design
• A semi-thrust proscenium stage which is trapped and features an orchestra pit
• Two backstage and two vomitory entrances
• ETC dimmer /circuit digital lighting and an inventory of 200 lighting fixtures and six intelligent lighting fixtures controlled by a Whole Hog IPC.
• Digital sound system controlled by a Yamaha OM1-V
• Five over house catwalks, stage right and stage left cheek positions, three over stage electrics, and far upstage cyclorama and strip light lighting positions
• Newly renovated counterweight fly system

Backstage includes fully-equipped shops for both set and costume construction, prop storage, dressing rooms and makeup studios. The front-of-house features two small galleries for display of production designs and a spacious lobby that functions as an art gallery during production runs.

Grab Your Seat Today!

In December, 2021, the Department of Theatre Arts held a dedication ceremony and renamed the auditorium in the Hartung Theatre as the Fagerbakke Stage. Star of stage and screen, U of I alumni Bill Fagerbakke's generous gift allowed us to purchase new theatre seats, re-carpet and paint the interior of the auditorium.

Now that the Fagerbakke Stage at the Hartung Theater has a fresh look and brand new seats, it's the perfect time to make one yours!

Starting at $350, your name or the name of a person you would like to honor will be engraved on a plaque affixed to the armrest on one of the brand new chairs.

This seat naming opportunity is a great way to:

• Pay tribute to your years of enjoyment at The Hartung Theater
• Give a unique gift
• Honor a loved one
• Commemorate a special occasion
• Celebrate the arrival of a child or grandchild

To reserve your seat, make a gift here.

Thank you!

The Forge

The Forge (map) is a 90-seat multi-configurable theatre space located at 404 Sweet Avenue at the east end of campus on the corner of Sweet Avenue and Railroad Street, next to the Intermodal Transit Building. The space was designed to inspire experimentation in a theatrical “laboratory” where process is valued over product. To that end, Forge productions are often staged simply, without reliance on elaborate sets, costumes and other typical trappings of our main stage series. The focus is on doing the work - much of it original, written and independently produced by our students. Free parking is available after 5 p.m. and on weekends on the street and in the lot behind The Forge.

Features

• ETC dimmer / circuit lighting system with an Expression 3 controller
• Separate lighting inventory from the Hartung Theater including Source Four Junior Zooms
• Automated instruments
• Digital sound system utilizing a Mackie board and Meyer Sound System

The Pocket Playhouse

The Pocket Playhouse is a 50-seat performance studio used to showcase student work in a black box setting.

Shoup Hall

Shoup Hall (map) is the department's home base. It houses all faculty and administrative offices as well as performance/rehearsal studios, design labs, graduate offices and a student lounge. Located on the corner of Sixth and Rayburn streets, it's minutes from the Hartung Theater.

Facility Rentals

U of I Department of Theatre Arts rents the Hartung and Forge theaters to campus and community entities as well as students. For pricing information or to schedule a rental, contact the department.