Wesleyan University’s Center for the Arts (CFA) | Normal

Wesleyan University’s Center for the Arts (CFA) is the primary performing arts complex on campus, located in Middletown, Connecticut. It serves as a multidisciplinary hub for theater, music, dance, and visual arts, supporting both Wesleyan students and visiting artists with a wide range of performance and exhibition spaces. The CFA is central to the university’s commitment to integrating the arts into campus life and the broader community.

Overview and History

The Center for the Arts was established in 1973 and designed by the renowned architectural firm Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates, known for their modernist style and innovative use of space. The CFA consists of a complex of eleven buildings spread across the Wesleyan campus, purpose-built to nurture interdisciplinary collaboration between various art forms including performing arts and visual arts.

The complex has grown over time and remains a key cultural landmark in Middletown, hosting hundreds of events each year, from student productions to professional artist residencies, exhibitions, concerts, and dance performances.

Performance Venues

1. Crowell Concert Hall

Seating capacity: Approximately 414 seats

Architecture: Made from Indiana limestone with wood veneer, designed for excellent acoustics and an intimate yet spacious feel

Stage size: About 47 feet wide by 23 feet deep

Uses: Home to orchestral concerts, jazz, world music, dance, and other music performances

Features: Superb acoustics, tiered seating, and a proscenium stage setup allow for diverse programming

2. Center for the Arts Theater

Seating capacity: Approximately 400, expandable to 425

Style: Traditional proscenium theater with an apron, suitable for plays, dance, and theatrical performances

Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible with assisted listening devices available

Features: Professional lighting and sound systems, flexible staging options

3. Ring Family Performing Arts Hall

A state-of-the-art performance space located on Washington Terrace

Hosts a variety of music and dance performances, lectures, and special events

Easily accessible by car and public transit, with nearby parking

Visual Arts Facilities

In addition to performance spaces, the CFA includes several galleries and studios that support the visual arts on campus:

Ezra and Cecile Zilkha Gallery: The university’s main gallery, featuring rotating exhibitions by alumni, students, faculty, and visiting artists. It showcases contemporary art, photography, installations, and more.

Goldfarb Gallery: Dedicated to student and faculty art shows, emphasizing emerging and experimental work.

Pruzan Art Center: Houses the renowned Davison Art Collection, which is one of the country’s leading collections of works on paper, including prints, drawings, and photographs.

Programs and Events

The CFA supports a rich calendar of events, including:

Student theater productions

Dance recitals and experimental dance works

Chamber music, orchestral concerts, jazz ensembles, and world music performances

Visiting artist residencies and collaborations

Annual festivals and special events tied to the university’s academic calendar

In 2023, the CFA celebrated its 50th anniversary with a series of special performances and exhibitions, such as:

“Wild Wild East” by Sunny Jain (Brooklyn-based music group)

Collaborative projects blending music and dance like “Pīlu”

Experimental dance and multimedia performances such as “L’Onde” and “City Park”

Educational and Community Role

The CFA plays a vital educational role at Wesleyan University by:

Providing students with professional-grade facilities for rehearsals, performances, and exhibitions

Hosting workshops, master classes, and artist talks that connect students with visiting professionals

Engaging the broader Middletown community through public performances, exhibitions, and outreach programs

Supporting interdisciplinary projects that merge the arts with other academic fields

Visitor Information

Box Office Location: Usdan University Center, 45 Wyllys Avenue, Middletown, CT

Hours: Generally open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (hours may vary by semester)

Ticketing: Tickets for performances and events can be purchased online, by phone, or in person

Accessibility: All venues are ADA compliant with accommodations such as wheelchair seating and assistive listening devices

Parking: On-campus parking is available with accessible spots near the facilities

Nearby Amenities: Dining and lodging options are available within Middletown, making visits convenient for out-of-town guests

Summary

Wesleyan University’s Center for the Arts is a vibrant, multi-venue performing arts complex that supports a wide spectrum of artistic activities, from classical music concerts and theater productions to visual arts exhibitions and contemporary dance performances. Its state-of-the-art facilities, rich programming, and commitment to education and community engagement make it a cornerstone of Wesleyan’s cultural life and a valued arts destination in Connecticut.