Marvel Theatre is a 369-seat, handicap-accessible proscenium theatre that ranks among the best-designed and best-equipped small theatres in upstate New York. Excellent sightlines ensure that every seat has a clear view of the stage, and a hydraulic orchestra pit can accommodate up to 43 musicians.
It is the primary performance space for Fredonia’s Department of Theatre and Dance and hosts signature events such as the annual Hillman Opera, the Fredonia Dance Ensemble concert, and the Playground Drama Camp for young performers.
Student Opportunities & Usage
-
Theatre and Dance majors gain hands-on experience in all aspects of production, from acting, directing, and choreography to lighting, set construction, and stage management.
-
Students participate in full-scale musicals, operas, and dance concerts, preparing them for professional careers in the performing arts.
-
Marvel's professional-grade equipment and stage house offer students the opportunity to train on industry-standard systems.
Theatre Features
-
Proscenium: 40 feet wide by 28 feet high
-
Stage: 39 feet deep, with 10 feet of wing space on either side
-
Stage grid: 58 feet above stage level
-
Trap doors available for productions
-
48 single-purchase counterweight line sets
Did You Know?
-
Marvel Theatre's design combines intimacy with technical sophistication, making it a favorite for both student and professional-level productions.
-
The theatre is named in honor of Robert W. Marvel, a former music professor, composer, and dean of Fine and Performing Arts who championed the arts at Fredonia.