The spotlight is shining on a new stage on Rocky Top with the dedication of the Jenny Boyd Theatre in November 2025.
The new 300-seat theatre features cutting-edge technology and infrastructure that will offer new possibilities for innovative staging and immersive audience experiences. Designed to adapt to the artistic vision of each production, the versatile space can be configured into multiple stage styles including in the round, thrust, and traditional proscenium.
The upgrades will help students prepare to work in professional performing arts settings. The Department of Theatre’s programs offer students the rare opportunity to integrate their studies with the operations of a professional theatre. The department’s MFA in acting consistently ranks among the world’s top 25 MFA performance programs.
The state-of-the-art facility, which stands on the site of the former Carousel Theatre, was made possible by a generous gift from the Boyd family.
“I am so honored that my name will be attached to this sweet theatre where my childhood dreams of theatre were made,” says Jenny Boyd. “As hard as it was to turn out the lights on the Carousel Theatre, we now have a state-of-the-art theatre that can provide what is needed to produce great theatre education to our students and provide art to our community.”
The theatre was inaugurated with a production of Cabaret in February followed by The Royale in March.
