Sam Houston State University – Performing Arts Center

One of the fastest growing universities in Texas, Sam Houston State University has become renowned for its strong theater and music curriculum. Subsequently, a new comprehensive fine arts complex was needed, that would unite the existing music, dance and theater practices in collaboration, but also enabling their distinct identities to be retained.

WHR designed the complex to provide extensions to the existing music and theater departments, in addition to creating a new home for the dance department. Separate zones were created for music, theater and dance spaces with pedestrian links to the existing theater and music buildings. To distinguish the dance spaces from the music spaces distinctive sloped roofs were created for the performance hall of each discipline which gives the departments their own identity.

The east zone is dedicated to a 150-seat dance theater, three theater rehearsal studios, body conditioning room, costume shop, scenery shop and offices. Four large second floor dance studios are cantilevered to allow access to ground level chilled water lines. A sloped roof caps the dance theater, forming a separate identity while architecturally relating to the concert hall. Bronze metal panels embellish both spaces, visually tying them to the metal cladding found on the existing theater center. Brick and cast stone accents further blend with surrounding campus structures. 

The 7,000 square foot shared lobby is positioned between the dance and music departments and is capable of serving multiple performances simultaneously. It links directly to an outdoor performance area, terraced to accommodate the steep grade change. Both spaces work together to showcase the arts and offer a congregation area for students and visitors. 

Due to height restrictions, the building occupies a long and narrow footprint. Several measures were taken to incorporate natural light, including the see-through lobby with glass entrances, and 15’ high windows along the north facing dance studios. An open stair with clerestory anchors the dance space and creates the illusion of an abstract, floating dancer.