If you are interested in pursuing an acting or directing oriented career, Wayne State College offers three different venues - from a small, intimate black box theatre to a large capacity stage - to help you gain first-hand experience and showcase your talent:
Black Box Theatre
Black Box Theatre is located in the Peterson Fine Arts building. Seating approximately 90, the Black Box offers a more intimate environment between performers and audience and allows our directors and designers to reconfigure the theatre space. In addition to productions, the theatre also serves as a workshop space and audition space, as well as space for student productions. Acting and directing classes are also held in the theatre. From 2016 to 2020, the Black Box has undergone major improvements, including curtains on the walls, new platforms and seating, and improved and updated lighting.
Black Box Theatre location
Peterson Fine Arts Building (lower level)
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Theatre entrance
The Black Box Theatre can be accessed using the lower level entrance on the north side of the Peterson Fine Arts Building off Lindahl Drive.
Ley Theatre
Ley Theatre is located in the Brandenburg Building and has fixed seating for 150, including a balcony view. Additional seats may be added to accommodate up to 220. Its nostalgic aesthetic is preserved for smaller performances, such as faculty and student solo recitals, as well as chamber music performed by the Woodwind Chamber Ensembles. Ley is also equipped with a PC, mounted projector, and dropdown screen for educational use.
Ley Theatre location
Brandenburg Building (lower level)
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Theatre entrance
Ley Theatre can be accessed from the second floor of the Brandenburg Building.
Ramsey Theatre
Ramsey Theatre, located in the Peterson Fine Arts building, is the main performance venue and seats up to 675 spectators. It has a proscenium stage and offers opportunities for our actors and designers to accommodate their approaches for a larger space. Past main stage shows have included “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Little Shop of Horrors.” Ramsey is also home for the Black & Gold Series of artistic performances that take place throughout the year. Past Black and Gold presenters include The Acting Company, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and Alvin Ailey II.
The acoustical sound shell makes it the perfect space for larger music ensembles to perform, such as the Wayne State College Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Jazz Band. In addition, Ramsey is also equipped with a movie-theatre-sized screen and projector and wireless laptop connection for educational use. Anyone can bring in a laptop and wirelessly project onto the screen.
Peterson Fine Arts was recently renovated, with upgrades to Ramsey Theatre to support larger acts and productions and improved accessibility including a ramp to the Ramsey stage.
Ramsey Theatre location
Peterson Fine Arts Building (main level)
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Theatre entrance
Ramsey Theatre is accessible from the atrium on the main level of the Peterson Fine Arts Building.
