Advancing our vision for the arts at Auburn
Not long ago, providing our community with access to the transformative power of the arts was merely a dream. Today, that dream is a vibrant reality.
Since opening our doors in 2019, we’ve presented award-winning Broadway productions, welcomed internationally renowned musicians and acclaimed dancers, and witnessed the extraordinary power and potential of the performing arts firsthand.
Through these remarkable arts experiences, we’ve seen our impact reach well beyond Auburn. With the support of our generous patrons, donors and partners, we’ve been able to change lives not only in Auburn but across our region, the state of Alabama and the nation.
Our first five years have been extraordinary, but the best is yet to come.
Our first five years have been extraordinary, but the best is yet to come.
As we look to the future of the performing arts at Auburn, we are eager to broaden our impact even more and serve our audiences by providing greater access to the arts, expanding our programmatic offerings, and fostering meaningful connections.
To achieve this, and to realize our vision of creating a truly comprehensive performing arts center, we must tailor our venues to best serve our patrons and the community.
In our second phase of construction, we 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 us to welcome more performances to the Plains and expand our capacity to facilitate engagements between artists, students and the community.
We understand what it means to realize lofty dreams—we’ve experienced it firsthand.
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 remarkable cultural opportunities and unforgettable arts experiences at Auburn.
Together, we can advance culture, community and education—now and for generations to come.
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Want to learn more about our Advancing the Vision campaign?
For more information, contact a member of our advancement team at gpac.advancement@auburn.edu or 334.844.1675.
new venues, new experiences
Places with purpose
More than brick and mortar, the Gogue Center is a cultural hub—a nexus of creativity and community—where we forge connections, celebrate our triumphs and achievements, and share experiences in new and important ways.
When construction of our new studio theatre and renovated Ham Amphitheatre are complete, the Gogue Center will be positioned to welcome patrons to three distinct performance venues, each uniquely and purposefully designed to accommodate a diverse range of performances, events and audiences.
- 3,500-square-foot indoor theatre
- Transitional venue designed for performances, artist engagements, rehearsals, patron receptions and community events
- Single-level seating
- Can accommodate up to 25o patrons
ARCHITECTURAL HIGHLIGHT
Complementing the Gogue Center’s facade, the studio theatre’s south-facing elevation features a soaring, curtain-like wall of glass that provides panoramic views of the Ponder Stage and Ham Amphitheatre.
- 65,000-square-foot outdoor performance space
- Versatile, open-air venue designed for large-scale productions, tours and festivals
- Multilevel, tiered seating
- Includes orchestra-level bowl, promenade-style terrace and elevated grass-covered berm
- Can accommodate up to 4,000 patrons
ARCHITECTURAL HIGHLIGHT
The Ham Amphitheatre’s extended/elevated stage and tiered seating configuration provide patrons throughout the venue with spectacular sightlines. Landscape enhancements—including the addition of more than 1,200 new plantings—create a park-like atmosphere for patrons and visiting artists.
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Multifunctional indoor concert hall
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Multilevel, tiered seating
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Orchestra level includes box, lower orchestra and parterre seating; balcony level includes box, mezzanine and upper balcony seating
- Can accommodate up to 1,204 patrons
ARCHITECTURAL HIGHLIGHT
The state-of-the-art Woltosz Theatre is renowned for its superior acoustics. Amenities include an orchestra pit/lift, adjustable proscenium, and a stage and stagehouse designed to accommodate a wide range of artists and performances, from small ensembles to touring Broadway productions.
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Ready to leave your legacy by naming a space at the Gogue Center?
CLICK HERE for a comprehensive list of all locations currently available for naming at the Gogue Center. For more information, contact a member of our advancement team at gpac.advancement@auburn.edu or 334.844.1675.
the shape of things to come
A War Eagle’s-eye view
Since breaking ground in September 2024, a dedicated team of architects, engineers and contractors have remained at work (hard work) to bring our new studio theatre and Ham Amphitheatre to life. Thanks to these talented men and women, the vision for our two new world-class venues is taking shape.
With our construction webcam, generously maintained by Auburn University Facilities Management, you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the all the action in realtime—day or night.
CLICK BELOW to view the 24-hour live feed of our construction site.
An inside look
Can’t wait to visit our new venues? We don’t blame you. But all good things come to those who wait. So, until construction is complete in Fall 2025, why not take an immersive virtual visit for a vision of just how phenomenal these finished spaces will be?
Select one of the venue links below to explore the studio theatre or Ham Amphitheatre.
HAM AMPHITHEATRE VIEWS
STUDIO THEATRE VIEWS
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Enjoying the scenery? Why not make it look even better by adding your name?
CLICK HERE for a comprehensive list of all locations currently available for naming at the Gogue Center. For more information, contact a member of our advancement team at gpac.advancement@auburn.edu or 334.844.1675.
be a part of auburn history
There are a number of ways you can support the Gogue Center’s Advancing the Vision campaign and the arts at Auburn. Perhaps no investment is more personal and impactful, however, than naming a space at one of our venues.
From star dressing rooms and production shops to the new studio theatre itself, several naming opportunities are available and waiting to be named throughout the Gogue Center.
These spaces will serve as a lasting, highly visible testament to your or your loved ones’ passion for the arts and Auburn.
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 provide an improved space for artist engagements with students and the community as well as on-site events.
NAMING OPPORTUNITIES
- Studio Theatre
- Hall Entrance
- Alcove (Storage Room)
- Technical Stairs
To learn more about naming these spaces, contact a member of our advancement team at gpac.advancement@auburn.edu or 334.844.1675.
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 Stage will enable the Gogue Center to present larger tours and productions outdoors.
NAMING OPPORTUNITIES
- Orchestra Floor
- Spotlight Tower
- Orchestra Box (4 available)
To learn more about naming these spaces, contact a member of our advancement team at gpac.advancement@auburn.edu or 334.844.1675.
Woltosz Theatre
Auburn’s landmark performing arts venue, the Woltosz Theatre is a state-of-the-art concert hall renowned 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.
NAMING OPPORTUNITIES
- Orchestra Floor
- Balcony Floor
- Orchestra Pit
- Entrance (6 available)
- Opera Box (2 available)
- Theatre Seat
To learn more about naming these spaces, contact a member of our advancement team at gpac.advancement@auburn.edu or 334.844.1675.
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. Within this stunning, highly visible face of the Gogue Center, guests interact before and after performances in a number of key spaces. The arrival plaza, theatre entrances and lobbies leave a lasting first impression and elevate the patron experience.
NAMING OPPORTUNITIES
- Main Lobby
- Balcony Lobby
- Arrival Plaza
- North Entrance Stairway
To learn more about naming these spaces, contact a member of our advancement team at gpac.advancement@auburn.edu or 334.844.1675.
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 well-equipped scene and electrics shops, these crucial, functional spaces allow for seamless artist support, service and hospitality.
NAMING OPPORTUNITIES
- Star Dressing Rooms Suite (3 rooms)
- Star Dressing Room (3 available)
- Loading Dock
- Security Desk
- Stage Storage
- Lighting Storage
- Electrics Shop
- Scene Shop
To learn more about naming these spaces, contact a member of our advancement team at gpac.advancement@auburn.edu or 334.844.1675.
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Ready to leave your legacy by naming a space at the Gogue Center?
CLICK HERE for a comprehensive list of all locations currently available for naming at the Gogue Center. For more information, contact a member of our advancement team at gpac.advancement@auburn.edu or 334.844.1675.
Architectural renderings produced and provided by Wilson Butler Architects.