Resources

resources

From state-of-the-art performance venues and maker spaces to the latest in digital production technology with training opportunities, Arts at Williams provides the space and tools to let creativity flourish.

Art Studios
Art-makers in all mediums have access to individualized studio spaces at the Spencer Art Building, ranging from a monotype print studio and film photography darkroom to the architectural design and sculpture studios. Free live model sessions are also available in the drawing studio twice a week. Across campus at the Greylock Ceramics and Pottery Studio, students can practice throwing and fine-tune their skills at weekly Ceramics Club meetings.

Art students exhibit their work in the Wilde Gallery in the Spencer Art Building and at the annual Senior Studio Art Exhibition at the Williams College Museum of Art.

Performance Spaces

The ‘62 Center for Theatre and Dance presents a myriad of production at its three state-of-the-art venues: the MainStage, a “courtyard” proscenium theater ideal for dance ensembles; the CenterStage, whose flexible flat floor layout and moveable balconies bring theater productions to life; and the multipurpose, thrust-type Adams Memorial Theater. Concerts and recitals are enjoyed at the music department’s two main venues: Brooks-Rogers Recital Hall, with its onstage Steinway grand piano; and Chapin Hall, a historic venue known for its fine acoustics.

During the summer, the ’62 Center is also home to the Summer Theatre Lab and award-winning Williamstown Theatre Festival.

Practice Spaces

Abundant rehearsal space allows performers to hone their craft and prepare for opening night. The Bernhard Music Center houses 23 practice rooms equipped with Steinway pianos, available for all students by reservation. The ’62 Center Dance Studio’s incredible environment features an exceptional sprung floor and panoramic view of the Berkshire mountains. The neighboring Shared Studio is used for rehearsals, classes, and workshops in movement and acting, and includes a sprung hardboard, masonite-surfaced floor suited for tap and step activities.

"I feel lucky to take advantage of the studio spaces and make them my home here."
ELLE FIETSAM '22

 

Digital Production

Sawyer Library serves as a hub for digital art-making, boasting a design thinking lab with 3D printing technology, virtual reality room, and professional recording studio. It also houses Studio 275, a production studio stocked with live editing, an Audio Workstation, green screen, and light controls. All computers also have the Adobe Creative Suite and can sync with rentable Wacom Illustration tablets. Nearby, the Bernhard Music Center features a state-of-the-art music technology lab for advanced tutorials and compositional thesis work.

"With Sawyer Library’s equipment, I started making graphic designs and am now trying to start up a website to sell prints. So when I tell my friends I’m off to Sawyer, I say it with a smile."
CAROLYN KIM '22

Radio Station

Williams’ student-run radio station, WCFM 91.9 FM, has been broadcasting since 1941. Its business offices and extensive music library are filled with CD and vinyl archives which are updated monthly. WCFM 91.9 broadcasts to the Berkshire area and students can be trained as DJs as early as their first semester at the College.

WCFM programming is entirely free-form: DJs have complete control over their shows, resulting in an eclectic mix of music, talk, and miscellaneous fun.

 

Costume Shop

The Costume Shop at the ‘62 Center for Theatre and Dance is located centrally to facilitate movement between rehearsal and performance venues, dressing rooms, and storage facilities. Its sophisticated equipment, including JUKI industrial sewing machines, and specialty rooms for dying, laundering and fitting allow its staff, visiting designers and students to produce gorgeous costumes for all types of performances.

The Costume Shop is the site of nearly 400 costume alterations and creations each year.