Facilities
McLeod Theater
The McLeod Theater is a 488-seat, fully equipped proscenium theater with grand drape. The stage is 60’ wide and 40’ deep. Side stages with sliding doors embrace the right and left sides of the proscenium and can be open to expand the panorama for an additional 20’ on each side. An arc shaped apron 15‘deep and 40’ at its widest point is equipped with an automatic hydraulic system and can be lowered to create an orchestra pit or a variable height playing level. A counterweight balance and rigging system allows scenery to fly into the 50’ fly gallery. The theater was renovated in 2000 with new professional rigging and a computerized lighting system. A new audio system with back of the house sound booth was added in 2004. The inventory of lighting instruments, including intelligent lights was updated in 2009.
A new fire curtain was also installed in 2009, allowing the apron and front of the house to be separated from the stage area, expanding the use of the facility for workshops and classes. Seating is tiered. The lower level is Continental style. The upper level is tri-sectioned. The Theater is used for larger productions during the academic calendar and is the home for McLeod Summer Playhouse, the professional summer theater company which operates here. The space is also used for departmental meetings, special performances, speakers, and events.
Named after Archibald McLeod, former Theater chairman and the Department of Theater founder.
Christian H. Moe Theater
The Christian H. Moe Theater is an intimate and flexible 1400 sq. ft. black box space with a 19’ ceiling height which seats approximately 100 and provides an ever-changing venue for creating exciting theater. In addition to performances, the space may also used for special workshops, classes and demonstrations, seminars and symposiums, play readings, receptions and parties, and student projects. The facilities are available for rental on a limited basis.
In addition to the two exciting performance spaces, facilities also include a rehearsal studio, fully equipped scene and costume studios, a drafting studio, and computer design and lighting labs.
For information on facility rental please contact the Faculty Technical Director, Bob Holcombe at 618-453-7593 or via email at holcombe@siu.edu
Support for the Christian H. Moe Theater and the McLeod Theater may be made through the SIU Foundation at 618-453-4900.
Other area producing/presenting venues, organizations, and facilities:
There are a great number of other venues and producing facilities in the area. Check out some of the links here to see what’s going on.