Located in Urbana, Illinois, the Krannert Performing Arts Center bears the name of University of Illinois Alumnus Herman C. Krannert. Krannert graduated from the University in 1912 and went on to create the Inland Container Corporation, which specializes in the production of corrugated cardboard.

In 1962 Krannert and his wife, Ellnora, made a generous donation of $16 million under the condition that the money be used to create a performing arts building on campus. Plans began in 1963, land was purchased in 1966, and the building opened for business in 1969. The architect was Max Abramovitz, an Illinois alumnus who also designed the Assembly Hall (now State Farm Center).

What makes the Krannert Performing Arts Center unique is that it actually consists of 3 separate buildings: the Tryon Festival Theater, Cowell Playhouse, and Foellinger Great Hall, which are joined together using rubber acoustic gaskets which drastically reduce the sound and vibrations traveling from one theater to the others. There is also the Studio Theater, the Stage 5 stage in the lobby, and an outdoor amphitheater.

Behind the scenes on the lower production levels, the Krannert Center boasts extra tall ceilings and wide doorways allowing for set pieces to be easily moved from the production shop to the theaters without the need for disassembly. Three of the Center’s stages (Festival Theater, Playhouse and Great Hall) have lifts which can be used as recessed orchestra pits, additional seating, or as additional stage area.

The Great Hall features retractable rear walls and balconies which can be used as additional seating. It is also symmetrical with fake door frames used where needed to create near perfect acoustics.

The Krannert Performing Arts Center is praised for its incredible acoustics and has hosted performances from some of the largest names in performing art, such as Yo-Yo Ma, Clark Terry, Joshua Redman, and many other famous musicians. In addition to the many soloists who have performed at the Krannert Center, many widely regarded ensembles have performed and recorded there including symphonies from London, Vienna, Chicago, Munich, Moscow, and China; as well as the Russian National Ballet Theatre.

The innovative design of this theater brings many performing artists from around the world to this small city surrounded by cornfields. Illinois faculty, visiting artists and students have also premiered new and creative art here. You can learn more about them by clicking on the names below:

• Margaret Erlanger
• Shozo Sato
• Beverly Blossom
• Sal-Mar Construction