Stages and Studios
Spaces for everyone—whether you’re in the spotlight or designing the production.
From Script to Stage
Emerson College owns more performance space than any other institution in Boston—a testament to our commitment to the performing arts. From historic theaters and intimate black boxes to expansive rehearsal studios and specialized practice rooms, these spaces are where performance theory transforms into lived experience.
Emersonians in the performing arts will learn how to bring characters to life.
We transform students into industry-ready professionals through our state-of-the-art facilities. These facilities immerse students in professional environments that bridge classroom learning with real-world production experiences.
Rehearsal and Production Spaces
We have plenty of rehearsal spaces for actors and performers, in addition to spaces dedicated to theatrical design and production.
Rehearsal Studios
Nine professional-grade rehearsal studios located in the Paramount Center provide expansive, well-equipped spaces for classes and production rehearsals. With high ceilings, sprung floors, and professional sound systems, these studios replicate the conditions of our performance venues.
Practice Rooms
Five dedicated practice rooms equipped with upright pianos are located near the rehearsal studios, offering musicians, vocalists, and actors private spaces to refine their craft. These acoustically-treated rooms provide the perfect environment for individual or small group practice.
Costume Shop
The Shop is fully equipped for training costume designers and craftspeople, boasting an inventory of more than 10,000 costume pieces. Students will be prepared to work with industrial sewing machines, an industrial leather machine, two industrial sergers, and a dedicated ironing station. Additional spaces include a separate fitting room for actors, a specialized dye and craft room, and a large room for costume storage.
Design Tech and Makeup Suite
The Bobbi Brown ’79 and Steven Plofker Design Tech and Makeup Suite is a specialized facility that houses instructional spaces for makeup courses and two large professional-grade dressing rooms. Students learn the transformative power of makeup design in the same spaces where productions prepare for opening night.
Theatre Design and Technology Room
The Theatre Design and Technology Room serves as both a classroom and a laboratory. The main studio includes a drafting and rendering area, CAD lab, sound station, and craft space. Additionally, a 400-square-foot light lab sits adjacent to the main studio for lighting design instruction and the testing of designs.
Cutler Majestic Theatre
This beautifully restored theatre dating back to 1903 is an architectural and historical gem; you’d be hard-pressed to ignore the marble, gold leaf, and terra cotta classical façade. Residents and visitors alike can find exceptional entertainment programs at the Cutler throughout the year—and fortunately, Emerson students have the opportunity to perform on a truly historic stage.
Semel Theater
This versatile thrust stage features a cutting-edge tension-wire grid overhead and a trapped stage underfoot, with seating for 216 audience members. The unique configuration allows for a more intimate connection between performers and audience while maintaining professional production value.
Robert J. Orchard Stage
Part of the innovative Paramount Center, this venue is a first-of-its-kind mixed-use residential, academic, and performance space. This restored art deco theater combines historic charm with state-of-the-art technical capabilities, creating the perfect environment for ambitious productions.
Greene Theater
The Greene Theater with seating for 108 provides the ideal setting for smaller productions, directing projects, and experimental work that thrives in a more contained environment.
Jackie Liebergott Black Box Theatre
The Jackie Liebergott Black Box Theatre, located in the Paramount Center, is a multi-functional space with potential seating for 125. The theatre, specifically designed for small-scale experimental and academic program productions, is equipped with theatrical lighting and stage and audience seating platforms with moveable seating.
Bright Family Screening Room
This room was named for the family of Emerson alum and Trustee Kevin Bright ’76, producer of the hit series Friends and son of vaudeville performer and manager Jackie Bright. A venue for both film and live performance, the Bright Family Screening Room features 16 millimeter, 35 millimeter and digital projection equipment with seating for 170 people.
These spaces aren’t just stages.
They’re where artists discover their voices, technicians master their crafts, and creative teams collaborate to push the boundaries of live performance. Every curtain rise, every lighting cue, every costume change at Emerson happens in spaces designed to foster both artistic excellence and bold experimentation.
Ready to join the Emerson community?
Congratulations on being selected for Emerson’s incoming class—we can’t wait to help you build your future as you experience all Emerson has to offer.