Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

The Forbes Center at James Madison University comprises five distinct venues, representing a significant evolution from its predecessors - a multi-purpose auditorium and a black-box theater from the 1960s. It now provides dedicated spaces equipped with advanced technology for theater, music, and dance, highlighting the University's strong commitment to the arts.

Featuring highly adaptable acoustics in its Concert and Recital Halls, a tension wire grid that echoes the Proscenium Theater's thrust stage, and versatile seating arrangements, the center facilitates both rehearsals and performances in unified spaces. These retractable seating systems in the Proscenium and Studio Theaters enhance audience and performance dynamics, showcasing a commitment to flexible and immersive artistic experiences.

Positioned on Main Street, which is also a U.S. highway, the Center prioritizes safety with an underground viaduct that links the campus directly to both the Forbes Center and a new parking facility. This cultural arts corridor not only attracts individuals across disciplines but also integrates JMU’s iconic quad with the community, positioning the Forbes Center as a cornerstone of arts and education.