UK Theatre Department is located in the Fine Arts Building on the University of Kentucky campus. The building, completed in 1949, stands out among the other academic buildings on campus in its elegant reflection of post-war architectural style. Facilities in use by the Theatre Department include the following:

Guignol Theatre

The Guignol Theatre is a 390-seat proscenium theatre. Pronounced "geen-yohl," it was named after the Grand Guignol theatre in Paris. The stage is equipped with a full fly house and the floor is trapped. In 2003, a new state of the art lighting system was installed. The Guignol Theatre began productions in 1927 on Euclid Avenue. When the buidling burned in 1947, the new Fine Arts Building took the Guignol Theatre name.

The lobby and the house of the Guignol were renovated in 2000 and the theatre was reopened to the public with a grand gala in February 2001. In 2005 the lobby was given a face-lift.

Briggs Theatre

The Briggs is a 125 seat proscenium theatre that also serves as a classroom for many theatre classes. Originally called the Lab Theatre, it was renamed for Professor Wallace N. Briggs in 1986. Professor Briggs was an acting teacher from 1941 until his retirement in 1985. Its small stage and lack of fly space make it an ideal environment for more intimate productions. The Briggs Theatre underwent a face lift during the summer of 2000.

Lucille C. Little Black Box Theatre

The Little Theatre is a 25' x 40' black box space. Its seating is flexible allowing many different staging possibilities. While the main stage UK Theatre productions are presented in either the Briggs or the Guignol, the majority of student directed work is presented in the Little Theatre. It is also used for many theatre classes. It was named for Lucille Caudill. Little, a pre-eminent champion and philanthropist for the arts in Lexington and surrounding communities. Mrs. Little appeared in the first production of the new Guignol theatre when it opened in the current Fine Arts Building in 1949. She played Medea.

James W. Rodgers Costume Studio

The Costume Studio builds or modifies nearly every costume piece seen on the main stage. Fortunately the costume studio is equipped to handle the load. Standard and industrial sewing machines, a dye facility, laundry facilities, and windows are just a few of the amenities.

The studio hires 4-6 student workers each semester, under the guidance of the faculty Costume Director.

Raymond Smith Design Studio

Set up for students in design and technology, the design studio has drafting tables, a large work area, flat files for storage and lockers for student use. There is also a large format printer that students may use to print off draftings. The majority of design classes are held in this room as well as design and production meetings. Raymond Smith was design professor from 1961 until his retirement in 1989. Before his death in 2005, Professor Smith endowed a scholarship to be given in his name.

Charles Dickens Movement Studio

The Charles Dickens Movement Studio (named after a former professor, not the author!) is a custom designed classroom for instruction in movement and dance. Professor. Dickens taught acting and history from 1952 to 1980.

Scene Shop

The scene shop is well-equipped for construction in both wood and metal. Most of the scenery is built from scratch for each production. The shop is adjacent to the Guignol and Briggs Theatres.

In addition to the faculty Technical Director, the scene shop is staffed with 3-4 students.

Bill & Leonard Nave MakeUp Room (Green Room area)

Just off the Greenroom on the lower level are Dressing Rooms and a large Makeup Room where makeup class is held (Rm 45).