 The Nathan
H. Wilson Center for the Arts unites the performing and visual
arts in four buildings on the South Campus of Florida Community College at Jacksonville. The
complex provides students in the arts with an incomparable facility
in which to learn and practice their future professions. It provides
area residents with a venue that complements the cultural offerings
in other parts of the Greater Jacksonville area.
Main Stage Theatre
 The 530 seat proscenium
theatre, which is both intimate and elegant, seats no member of the
audience further than 70 feet from the action on stage. It provides
a perfect stage for opera, dance, and multidisciplinary productions
that integrate the visual arts, theatre, music and humanities, featuring
both students and professional artists. Many productions provide students
an opportunity to work on stage and backstage with professionals.
Architecturally speaking,
the main theatre is a European design with a modern bent. There are
box seats, and all balconies have an artisan railing designed by local
artist David Ponsler. Theatre Projects, a world renowned theatrical
consulting firm, assisted FCCJ in developing the theatre, along with
the architectural design firm of Thompson, Ventullet, Stainback and
Associates of Atlanta.
While the theatre itself
is small and intimate, its stage is anything but small. It is one of
the largest stages in town and will accommodate any type of show. For
a smaller stage, however, the proscenium arch can be shortened from
45 feet wide to 35 feet.To adjust the acoustics to the type of performance,
the theatre's walls have three sets of acoustical curtains. There is
also an orchestra shell, which can be set for a full or chamber orchestra. In addition to excellent
acoustics, the theatre is equipped with the best sound and lighting
technology in North Florida.
 
South Gallery
The art gallery displays not only the College's growing collection of
artwork but also showcases the artwork of students, faculty and established
local artists. Exhibits from touring, national or international institutions,
such as the Smithsonian, enhance programs offered at the center.
Studio Theatre
The studio theatre offers
students a training site for more hands on experience. This smaller
theatre is designed to seat up to 150 patrons in a variety of configurations
and is separated from the main theatre by an acoustical wall, so that
performances can occur on both stages at the same time. The studio theatre
is especially conducive to experimental performance of new plays, giving
budding playwrights the opportunity to polish their craft.
Community Conference Center
 The
conference center area is available for rental throughout the year.
It has a fully equipped kitchen as well as three separate areas: a 65
ft. X 35 ft. multipurpose room and outdoor patio overlooking the lake,
a large 21 ft. X 23 ft. conference room and a small 21 ft. X 16 ft.
conference room adjacent to the main lobby.
The 2,500 square foot
multipurpose center, with its picturesque view of the lake, is ideally
suited for meetings, receptions, luncheons and workshops for up to 200
people. Audio visual equipment is available upon request and food service
can be arranged. Learn More
Click
here for rental information or
call (904)646-2287
|