Thornton Venues
Alfred E. Newman Recital Hall (AHF 151)
Seats: 286
Newman Hall is the crown jewel of the Thornton School of Music. Host to events ranging from student recitals to ensemble performances to guest speaker appearances and symposiums, Newman is a versatile performance space. Booked months in advance, Newman is “a wonderful, wonderful little recital hall,” according to Joseph Myers, acoustician with Kirkegaard & Associates.
Jeanette MacDonald Recital Hall (MUS 106)
Seats: 90
After undergoing extensive renovation during the Summer of 2003, MacDonald Recital Hall (otherwise known as the Charles C. Hirt Choral Laboratory) is located in the Music Faculty Building. The beautiful state-of-the-art performance space is available for student and faculty recitals. Incorporating newly redesigned lighting systems, and acoustical panels, MacDonald provides an intimate and desirable performance space for Thornton musicians.
Other Venues
Bovard Auditorium (ADM)
Seats: 1235
Located at the center of campus, the Bovard Auditorium is the largest performing venue on campus. Managed by the Student Affairs division, it is the site of Thornton’s Symphony, Chamber Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble concerts as well as many special events. Bovard Auditorium is rentable by students and student organizations.
Bing Theater
Seats: 575
The School of Theatre?s main venue is the Bing Theater. It is the site of numerous productions by that school’s students as well as the Thornton Opera and some special Thornton events.
United University Church Sanctuary (UUC)
Seats: 200
Completed in 1931, the church is recognized as a stunning example of Romanesque architecture. The sanctuary seats 200 persons comfortably. UUC continues to be a popular venue for recitals and concerts of the USC Thornton School of Music, USC Film School students’ filmings, and weddings. The Thornton School contracts three (3) days a week during the semesters from the Church to provide recital opportunities to its students (Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays).
Ground Zero Coffee House (TRO GZ)
Seats: 150
The Ground Zero Coffee House exists to provide an alternative mindset, atmosphere, and beverage selection that brings the USC student community not only a variety of events but also just a place to relax and hang out. It is the site of “Thornton Thursdays,” a showcase of the talents of our Jazz Studies combos and ensembles.