The Briggs Theatre (FAB 127)

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 Wallce 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.

The Little Theatre and Classroom (FAB 102)

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.

The Scene Shop (FAB 127)

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.

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.

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. Several scholarships are given annually to students based primarily on need.

You might also want to look at Professor Smith's collection of images from the Federal Theatre Project housed in the university's Special Collections. Click here.