Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall
Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall is the main performing arts complex on the campus of the William & Mary. Completed in 1957, it replaced Phi Beta Kappa Hall, the original theatre building that burned in December of 1953, now rebuilt as Ewell Hall. The building was named in honor of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, the first national academic honor society, which was founded by William & Mary students in 1776. The newly renovated and expanded Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall opened in 2023 as part of the new Arts Quarter, along with the neighboring Music Building.
PBK Memorial Hall houses classrooms and offices for the Theatre and Dance Programs. It is an academic building whose production spaces provide classrooms and laboratories for the curricular programs of the department including three performance venues and the scenic and costume shops.
The Glenn Close Theatre
The Glenn Close Theatre is Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall's mainstage, named after W&M alumna and professional actress Glenn Close. It has a modified proscenium stage and seats 478 on the main floor and balcony.
The Glenn Close Theatre provides a formal performance space for larger Theatre and Dance Program productions. University ceremonies, convocations, and lectures are regularly held in the theatre, as well as performances by student organizations and guest performers. PBK Memorial Hall's mainstage was the site of the 1976 Presidential Debate between Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford and the Democratic Party Debate of the 1982 presidential campaign.
Studio Theatre
The Studio Theatre is a flexible performance space, a "black box theatre", equipped with portable audience risers that may be assembled in different configurations. In the standard semi-thrust arrangement, the theatre seats 250. The Studio Theatre is an additional classroom and laboratory for the Theatre Program's acting and directing classes and is one of several rehearsal spaces for departmental productions. It is also a primary performance venue and rehearsal space for smaller or experimental productions directed by faculty and selected senior-level students.
Laboratory Theatre
The Lab Theatre is a small flexible-space theatre well suited for small cast or monodrama presentations, seating up to 100. It is an additional rehearsal space for departmental productions, though it primarily serves as a classroom. The Laboratory Theatre is used for acting classes, including acting and directing class projects.
Dance Studios
PBK Memorial Hall includes Dance Warm Up, Dance Laboratory, and Dance Recital Theatre spaces. These rooms are utilized for classes, individual or group practice, and ensemble rehearsals. The Dance Recital Theatre seats up to 60.
Scene Shop
Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall contains a well-designed carpentry shop for the construction and painting of scenery and properties. The shop has the capability of wood construction, metalwork, and plastics fabrication.
Costume Shop
The William & Mary Theatre and Dance Costume Shop is located on the second floor of Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall. It features space for costume design, technology, and crafting. It is equipped with PFAFF domestic sewing stations, industrial sewing machines, industrial sergers and industrial steam irons. The space also features its own craft/dye room and paint booth, as well as extensive storage facilities for costume stock. These areas are run by the Costume Shop Supervisor, along with student employees and practicum students.
