Advancing the Vision: A New Era for the Performing Arts at Auburn

Not long ago, providing the Auburn University community with access to the transformative power of the arts was merely a dream. Today, that dream is a vibrant reality. Through remarkable arts experiences, we’ve seen the Gogue Center’s impact reach well beyond Auburn — we’ve changed lives across our region, state and nation.

And we’ve only just begun.

ADVANCING CULTURE

Award-winning Broadway shows, internationally renowned musicians and acclaimed artists of all genres have inspired, enlightened and united audiences from the moment our doors opened in 2019. Since then, the Gogue Center has established itself as one of the South’s premier destinations for world-class performing arts and lifechanging engagements.

ADVANCING COMMUNITY

More than brick and mortar, the Gogue Center is a cultural hub, a nexus of creativity and community. Together, through the performing arts, we create a sense of place with purpose, where all are welcome. The Gogue Center is a place to forge connections, celebrate our triumphs and achievements, and share experiences in new and important ways.

ADVANCING EDUCATION

From our stages to classrooms near and far, our educational programs provide unique opportunities to K–12 schoolchildren, university students and lifelong learners alike. These engagements — artist talks, master classes, workshops, performances for young audiences and more — open minds to the world around us and empower students of all ages to unlock their creative potential.

Accomplishing these milestones was no small feat and has been possible only through the continued support of those who share our passion for the arts — our generous patrons, donors and partners.

ADVANCING OUR VISION

As we look to the future of the performing arts at Auburn, we are eager to broaden our impact. We will grow, with intention, to serve new and familiar audiences by providing greater access to the arts, expanding our programmatic offerings, and fostering meaningful connections. To achieve this, and to realize our vision to create a truly comprehensive performing arts center, we must tailor our venues to best serve our patrons and the community.

Our first five years have been extraordinary, but the best is yet to come.

In our second phase of construction, the Gogue Center will complete the build-out of a multifunctional studio theatre and renovate the expansive Ham Amphitheatre. These new and reinvigorated spaces, together with the Woltosz Theatre, will enable Auburn to welcome more performances to the Plains and expand our capacity to facilitate engagements between artists, students and the community.

Naming Opportunities within Our Spaces

STUDIO THEATRE

The studio theatre will enable the Gogue Center to present an even broader array of artists and performances. The new venue will also allow artist engagements with students and the community as well as additional events to be hosted on site.

BILL AND CAROL HAM AMPHITHEATRE

This versatile, open-air venue will continue to provide audiences and artists an immersive experience like no other. Planned enhancements to the design of the Ham Amphitheatre will dramatically improve sightlines and acoustics throughout, and expansion of the Ponder Amphitheatre Stage will enable the Gogue Center to present larger tours and productions outdoors.

FRONT OF HOUSE

Our front of house is our front porch — it’s where we welcome the world to Auburn with the absolute best in Southern hospitality. In these key and highly visible spaces, guests interact before and after performances. The arrival plaza, theatre entrances and lobbies leave a lasting first impression and elevate the patron experience.

WALTER STANLEY AND VIRGINIA

KATHARYNE EVANS WOLTOSZ THEATRE

Auburn’s landmark performing arts venue, the Woltosz Theatre is a state-of-the-art concert hall known for its superior acoustics, advanced production capabilities and modern design. The theatre hosts a wide range of distinctive, exceptional and professional performances, including nationally touring Broadway productions, world-premiere dance and chamber music presentations and celebrity concerts.

BACK OF HOUSE

Our back of house spaces ensure that when the show must go on, it does so — flawlessly. From spacious star dressing rooms to wellequipped scene and electrics shops, these crucial, functional spaces allow for seamless artist support, service and hospitality.

We understand what it means to realize lofty dreams.

We’ve experienced it firsthand.

As we set our sights on the future, we invite you to join us in advancing our vision. With your support, we can create even more distinctive cultural opportunities and unforgettable arts experiences, serving our communities — now and for generations to come.