Ferst Center for the Arts

The  Center:

Located in the heart of the Georgia Tech campus, the Ferst Center was conceived as a brilliant showcase for the presentation of concerts, lectures, dance, film and theater. This state-of-the-art facility houses an auditorium of 1,159 seats and features a proscenium stage, orchestra pit, and theatrical lighting and sound systems. It is designed to provide a wealth of diverse and enriching opportunities for both Georgia Tech and the greater Atlanta community.

The Ferst Center programs an outstanding season of music, dance, and comedy performances from September to April. Dance programming usually features contemporary and cultural dance forms, and the wide selection of musical genres includes jazz, folk, and pop music.  The Georgia Tech Music Department performs several concerts at the Ferst Center throughout the year. DramaTech, the campus theatre group that has its own performance space, performs one show at the Ferst Center each spring. Each November Ballethnic Dance Company of Atlanta performs its enchanting Urban Nutcracker at the center.  The Ferst Center is available for rental, and performances by student or community organizations are often available to the public. Tickets to all events at the Ferst Center are sold through the Ferst Center Box Office at 404-894-9600.

The History:

The idea for the Center became a reality when the Callaway Foundation donated $3.75 million of the necessary $7.5 million needed for a new three-building project on campus and successfully challenged the State of Georgia to match the donation. The Center officially opened its doors on Monday, April 13, 1992, with a dedication performance by world-renowned pianist Andre Watts. Originally named the Georgia Tech Theatre for the Arts, the Center was renamed in memory of alumnus Robert Ferst, a man who gave his time, talents, financial support and heart to his alma mater.

Through the generosity of the Richards and Westbrook families, the Ferst Center hosts not only the best in performing arts, but visual arts as well in the Richards and Westbrook Galleries. Presenting a broad spectrum of artists, the Galleries usually feature work by Georgia artists, and often this work combines fine art and technology.

In addition to the internationally-known artists who have appeared on stage over the years, notable speakers and events have included the televised 1992 Vice-Presidential Debate and the Secretaries of Defense roundtable. During the 1996 Olympic Games, the Ferst Center enjoyed a visit from President Clinton while playing host to the world as part of the 1996 Olympic Village.

In 2012, Georgia Tech created the Office of the Arts with the responsibility of managing the Ferst Center, the Ferst Center Presents series of performances, artist residencies and other related programming. The Office of the Arts serves as the administrative arm of Georgia Tech’s strategic arts initiatives, advocating for, promoting, and facilitating the execution of on-campus arts activities as well as community partnerships. Take a look at arts activities and initiatives across the Georgia Tech campus.