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.

Click for large view of Main floor seating chart             Click here for a large view of the Balcony seating chart

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

Click here for a large view of the Conference Center diagramThe 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.

Click here for rental information or call 904.646.2222

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