Performance Spaces
Several performance venues are used to stage productions and serve as laboratories
for classroom instruction.
Longstreet Theatre
Located at the corner of Sumter and Greene Streets, Longstreet Theatre is a 312 seat
arena stage.
Drayton Hall Theatre
Located on College Street between Sumter and Greene Streets, this 404-seat proscenium theatre was renovated in 1989.
Lab Theatre
Located in the first floor of the Booker T. Washington Building on Wheat St., The
Lab Theatre is our "black box" performance space, established as a laboratory for
undergraduates to explore new ideas and put classroom studies to practical use.
Facilities for Rent
Many of our facilities are available for rent to university or outside groups. For rental information, contact Andy Mills at ajmills@mailbox.sc.edu or call 803-777-8049. Organizations not affiliated with the University of South Carolina must carry $1,000,000 liability coverage.
An inventory of sound and lighting equipment is available and advance notice of 12 to 18 months is typically required for rental of any of our available venues.
1300 Greene Street
Columbia, SC 29208
This familiar campus landmark, built along the lines of a Roman temple, was designed originally as a chapel and auditorium before the Civil War. During the building's colorful history, it has served as a Civil War military hospital, state legislature meeting site, arsenal and armory, science facility, and gymnasium. In 1976, the building was remodeled to an arena theatre.
Located at the corner of Sumter and Greene Streets, Longstreet Theatre is a 312-seat arena stage. The stage deck includes a hydraulic elevator that allows scene shifting from the basement during performances. Productions can be staged fully in-the-round, or, with the removal of a section of seating, in the 3/4 thrust style. A wire mesh suspension grid is 21'-0" above the stage deck. Technicians walk on the wire mesh to mount the lighting equipment.
There are four dressing rooms: two located under the stage level (2nd floor) and two located on the first floor. Access is by stairwell. All dressing rooms have mirrors, make-up lights showers, sinks, lavatories and costume racks.
Longstreet Theatre is handicap-accessible and includes a dedicated area for wheelchair seating.
1214 College Street
Columbia, SC 29208
Across a small park from the Longstreet Theatre sits the Drayton Hall Theatre. Drayton Hall was once the auditorium for the University High School that closed in 1966. The theatre is connected to the present Wardlaw School of Education. The well-known sculpture in front of Drayton Hall, the Torchbearer, was contributed to the university by artist Anna Hyatt Huntington.
Located on College Street between Sumter and Greene Streets, this 404-seat proscenium theatre was renovated in 1989. There are two dressing rooms located under the stage floor. Access is by stairwells located stage right and stage left. Both dressing rooms have mirrors, make-up lights showers, sinks, lavatories and costume racks.
Drayton Hall Theatre is handicap-accessible and includes dedicated areas for wheelchair seating.
1400 Wheat Street
Columbia, SC 29208
The Lab Theatre is our black box performance space, established as a laboratory for undergraduates to explore new ideas and put classroom studies to practical use. The Lab can accommodate a variety of seating arrangements, seating approximately 100 patrons comfortably. The theatre has limited lighting and sound capabilities.