Hargrove Pavilion

Overview

Hargrove Pavilion is ACAPA's primary performing arts facility and the largest building on the Eastbridge campus. Completed in 1982, the Pavilion was constructed on the site of the original founders' barn — a 1940s agricultural structure that served as the college's first rehearsal and performance space in the years following ACAPA's founding in 1947.

The building is named in honor of Gilbert Hargrove (1904–1991), who, alongside co-founder Dorothea Vance-Webb, established ACAPA with the conviction that rigorous conservatory training in the performing arts could take root in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. Hargrove, a conductor and choral director who had trained at the New England Conservatory, shepherded the college through its first three decades and remained on the faculty until 1978. The pavilion's dedication ceremony was held on October 14, 1982, with Hargrove himself present to conduct the inaugural concert.

Today the Pavilion is the working home of four departments — Music, Theater, Dance, and Musical Theater — and hosts the majority of ACAPA's public and student performances each academic year.

Spaces & Facilities

Hargrove Concert Hall

The 480-seat Hargrove Concert Hall is a proscenium-format performance hall occupying the north wing of the Pavilion. It is the principal venue for orchestral concerts, opera productions, large-scale musical theater productions, dance concerts, and major guest artist events. The hall features a sprung-wood stage floor (54 ft. wide × 38 ft. deep), a full fly tower (50 ft. to grid), a three-manual pipe organ installed in 1989, and a professional ETC Ion lighting console. The acoustic design, by the firm Schreiber-Blount Associates of Boston, incorporates adjustable banners and reflective panels to accommodate amplified and unamplified performances. Seating capacity may be reduced to 420 for production configurations requiring an extended thrust or orchestra pit.

• Capacity: 480 (standard) / 420 (extended configuration)
• Stage: proscenium, 54 ft. wide × 38 ft. deep
• Fly tower: 50 ft. to grid, 34 linesets
• Orchestra pit: retractable, accommodates up to 40 musicians
• Lighting: ETC Ion Xe console; 284 dimmers; follow-spot booth (rear)
• Sound: Meyer Sound reinforcement system; 48-channel Yamaha digital mixing console
• Pipe organ: Flaig & Sons, Opus 31 (1989), three manuals, 38 ranks
• Hearing assistive devices available at box office (FM and hearing loop)
• Fully ADA accessible; accessible seating in rows A, D, J (aisle positions)

Black Box Theater A (Hargrove Studio 101)

Located on the ground floor of the east wing, Black Box A is a 100-seat flexible black box theater used for faculty-directed productions, department mainstage shows, and visiting artist workshops. The room can be configured as end-stage, thrust, traverse, or full arena. It has independent lighting and sound systems from the Concert Hall, a sprung-wood floor, and a ceiling grid at 20 ft. with a full complement of ETC Source Four fixtures and LED wash units. A control booth overlooks the space on the south side.

• Capacity: up to 100 (configuration dependent)
• Floor: sprung wood, 46 ft. × 44 ft. clear
• Grid height: 20 ft.
• Lighting: ETC Element console; 96 dimmers
• Adjacent green room and scene dock
• ADA accessible seating available in all configurations

Black Box Theater B (Hargrove Studio 103)

A smaller studio theater with a 60-seat capacity, Black Box B serves as the primary experimental and student-directed performance space. It is used extensively by the Theater Department's directing practicum, the Musical Theater Department's workshop productions, and the Dance Department's studio concert series (First Showings). The space has a flat, unraked black floor, a low-profile pipe grid at 14 ft., and a compact ETC Nomad portable lighting system. No fixed seating; chairs and platforms are configured per production.

• Capacity: up to 60
• Floor: marley-topped flat black floor, 32 ft. × 30 ft. clear
• Grid height: 14 ft.
• Lighting: ETC Nomad system; 48 dimmers
• Shared green room with Studio 101

Rehearsal Studios (Studios 201–208)

Eight dedicated rehearsal studios occupy the second floor of the Pavilion's west wing. All rooms are acoustically isolated from one another and from the public performance spaces. Studios 201–204 are used primarily by the Music Department for ensemble rehearsal (each accommodates 20–30 musicians); Studios 205–206 serve the Theater and Musical Theater departments for staging rehearsals; and Studios 207–208 are multi-use rooms available by departmental reservation. All rehearsal studios are equipped with upright pianos (Yamaha U3 or equivalent), music stands, and stand lighting. Scheduling is managed by the Pavilion office; priority access is given to curricular courses and department productions.

Dance Studios (Studios 301–304)

Four purpose-built dance studios are located on the third floor of the Pavilion. All four rooms feature sprung-wood Harlequin floors, floor-to-ceiling mirrors along one wall, ballet barres, and high ceilings (minimum 14 ft. clearance). Studios 301 and 302 are large rooms (approx. 1,800 sq. ft. each) used for technique classes and large ensemble rehearsals. Studios 303 and 304 are mid-size rooms (approx. 900 sq. ft.) used for private coaching, small group work, and somatic practice classes. All studios have integrated audio systems and natural light via high clerestory windows.

Studio One Digital Recording Facility

Opened in the fall of 2003, Studio One is a professional-grade digital recording facility located in the basement level of the Pavilion. It was established through a major gift from ACAPA alumnus and record producer Thomas R. Calloway (BM, Music, 1971) and is used for curricular recording projects, department album releases, and archival documentation of ACAPA performances. Studio One serves the Music, Musical Theater, and Theater departments.

• Live room: approx. 600 sq. ft., variable acoustic panels, grand piano (Steinway B)
• Control room: Pro Tools HDX system; 96-channel SSL Duality console (48-fader surface)
• Isolation booth: 80 sq. ft., suitable for solo vocal, brass, or narration work
• Outboard gear: Universal Audio, Neve, API preamp selection; full complement of Neumann, AKG, and Shure microphones
• Access: by course enrollment (MUSC 3410 Recording Practicum) or departmental scheduling request; outside bookings subject to availability
• Studio Engineer: Marcus Ferretti, Studio One Director

Costume Shop

The costume shop on the ground floor serves the Theater, Dance, and Musical Theater departments. It is staffed by a full-time Costume Shop Supervisor and graduate assistants and is equipped with industrial sewing machines, sergers, a dye vat, a wig workstation, and an extensive stock of period and contemporary garments maintained on-site. The shop produces costumes for all Pavilion mainstage productions and supports student-designed projects in THEA 3250 (Costume Design) and THEA 4250 (Costume Construction).

Scene Shop

The scene shop, located adjacent to the Concert Hall stage level, is a fully equipped woodworking and scenic fabrication facility. It includes stationary power tools (table saw, band saw, jointer, drill press), a welding station, spray booth, and a paint deck with a 24-ft. paint frame. The shop is supervised by the Technical Director and is used for all scenic construction for Pavilion productions. The loading dock off Route 9 provides direct access for large scenic elements. THEA 2310 (Technical Theater) and THEA 3310 (Scene Design) courses use the shop as a primary instructional space.

Upcoming Events

The following events are scheduled in Hargrove Pavilion. For the complete calendar, see the Events & Calendar page. Tickets available at the box office or through the online ticketing portal.

Date	Time	Event	Venue	Dept.	Tickets
Fri, Apr 4, 2026	7:30 PM	ACAPA Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert	Concert Hall	Music	$12 / $8 students
Sat, Apr 5, 2026	7:30 PM	ACAPA Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert (repeat)	Concert Hall	Music	$12 / $8 students
Thu, Apr 10, 2026	8:00 PM	First Showings — Dance Studio Concert Series, Program A	Studio 103	Dance	Free; no ticket required
Fri, Apr 11, 2026	8:00 PM	First Showings — Dance Studio Concert Series, Program B	Studio 103	Dance	Free; no ticket required
Wed–Sat, Apr 16–19, 2026	7:30 PM	Hedda Gabler — Dir. Prof. Ruth Nakashima	Studio 101	Theater	$10 / $6 students
Sun, Apr 20, 2026	2:00 PM	Hedda Gabler — Matinee	Studio 101	Theater	$10 / $6 students
Fri–Sat, Apr 25–26, 2026	7:30 PM	Spring Dance Concert — Main Stage Program	Concert Hall	Dance	$12 / $8 students
Sun, Apr 27, 2026	2:00 PM	Spring Dance Concert — Matinee	Concert Hall	Dance	$12 / $8 students
Thu–Sat, May 7–9, 2026	7:30 PM	Into the Woods — Music. Theater Dept. Spring Musical	Concert Hall	Musical Theater	$14 / $9 students
Sat–Sun, May 9–10, 2026	2:00 PM	Into the Woods — Matinee performances	Concert Hall	Musical Theater	$14 / $9 students
Fri, May 15, 2026	7:30 PM	Senior Recital: Miranda Osei (piano)	Concert Hall	Music	Free; all welcome
Sat, May 16, 2026	3:00 PM	Senior Recital: Ethan Brunswick (baritone)	Concert Hall	Music	Free; all welcome
Thu–Fri, May 21–22, 2026	7:30 PM	Directing Practicum: One-Act Festival	Studio 101 & 103	Theater	Free; no ticket required
Sat, May 23, 2026	10:00 AM	Commencement Recital & Ceremony Reception	Concert Hall Lobby	—	Invitation only

All times Eastern. Program subject to change. Current subscribers should check their email for any venue changes resulting from the March 31–April 4 maintenance closure.

Box Office

The Hargrove Pavilion Box Office is located in the main lobby on the ground floor, adjacent to the Concert Hall entrance. Walk-up sales and will-call pickup are available during box office hours. Online ticketing is available 24 hours a day through the ACAPA ticketing portal.

Box Office Hours
Monday–Friday	10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday	12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (when performances scheduled)
Sunday	Closed (opens 90 min. before matinee curtain)
Performance evenings	Opens 90 minutes before curtain; closes 30 minutes after

Box Office phone: (802) 555-0145  |  Email: boxoffice@acapa.edu

Group sales (10 or more): Contact the box office for group rate information. ACAPA students with valid ID receive a 33% discount on all ticketed events. Faculty/staff receive a 20% discount. ACAPA alumni receive a 10% discount. Most senior recitals and student studio performances are free and open to the public.

Facility Rentals

Hargrove Pavilion spaces are available for external rental by community organizations, professional performing arts companies, educational institutions, and private parties, subject to scheduling availability and approval by the Office of the Provost. ACAPA departmental events have first priority on all spaces. External bookings are generally available during academic recesses, summer months, and weekend dates not claimed by departmental production calendars.

Space	Capacity	Base Rate (per day)	Notes
Hargrove Concert Hall	480	$1,800	Includes house lighting; tech staff required (additional cost)
Black Box Theater A (Studio 101)	100	$650	Includes basic lighting package; chairs/platforms not included in base rate
Black Box Theater B (Studio 103)	60	$400	Chairs and platforms additional; no fly capabilities
Rehearsal Studio (per room)	30	$120	Piano included; recording not permitted without Studio One agreement
Dance Studio 301 or 302	n/a	$180	Marley floor covers available on request
Dance Studio 303 or 304	n/a	$110
Studio One (recording)	n/a	$500 (half day) / $850 (full day)	Engineer required; contact Studio One Director for details

All rental inquiries should be directed to the Pavilion office. A completed Facility Rental Application and a refundable security deposit (25% of base rate) are required to hold a date. Non-profit organizations may be eligible for reduced rates; documentation required. Catering is not provided by ACAPA; renters must arrange independently and obtain a food service permit from the Town of Eastbridge.

Rentals contact: Carolyn Adeyemi, Pavilion Building Manager
(802) 555-0144  |  pavilion@acapa.edu

Directions & Parking

Hargrove Pavilion is located at the north end of the ACAPA main campus at 44 Hargrove Drive, Eastbridge, Vermont 05401. The Pavilion is identified on the campus map as Building H.

By Car from Burlington (approx. 35 min.)

1. Take I-89 South to Exit 11 (Montpelier/Eastbridge).
2. Follow US-2 East for 9 miles to Eastbridge center.
3. Turn left (north) on College Street at the Eastbridge Town Green.
4. Continue on College Street 0.7 miles; turn right on Hargrove Drive.
5. The Pavilion entrance is the first building on the left. Parking Lot H is directly behind the building.

By Car from Montpelier (approx. 18 min.)

1. Take US-2 West from Montpelier approximately 8 miles toward Eastbridge.
2. Enter Eastbridge center; turn right (north) on College Street at the Town Green.
3. Continue 0.7 miles; turn right on Hargrove Drive. Pavilion on left.

By Bus

Green Mountain Transit route 86 (Montpelier–Eastbridge) stops at College Street & Elm Avenue, approximately a 5-minute walk from the Pavilion main entrance. Service runs Monday–Saturday; check the Green Mountain Transit schedule for current times. There is no Sunday bus service to Eastbridge.

Parking

Parking Lot H (adjacent to the Pavilion, capacity 120 vehicles) is available to concert and event patrons free of charge during evening and weekend performances. Lot H requires a campus permit on weekday business hours (Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM); permits are available at the Campus Safety office in Kettridge Hall. Accessible parking spaces are marked in Lot H directly adjacent to the north entrance (8 spaces). Overflow parking is available in Lot C (Welling Library) and Lot D (Pemberton Arts Center).

Campus Safety: (802) 555-0199 (24 hrs.)  |  Download Campus Map (PDF)

Accessibility

Hargrove Pavilion is fully accessible in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The main entrance on the west side of the building is level and automatic. An elevator serves all floors. Accessible restrooms are located on each floor. The Concert Hall and both black box theaters have designated accessible seating with companion seats; please indicate accessibility needs when purchasing tickets. Assistive listening devices (FM and hearing loop systems) are available from the box office at no additional charge. Service animals are welcome in all public areas. For specific accessibility questions, contact the box office or the Pavilion office at (802) 555-0144.

History

When ACAPA was founded in 1947 by Gilbert Hargrove and Dorothea Vance-Webb on a former dairy farm at the edge of Eastbridge, the original barn became the college's first performance space almost immediately. Students rehearsed and performed among the barn's timber posts; the loft was used as a lighting position for the earliest productions. Hargrove himself wrote of the space: "The acoustics were poor, the heating worse, and the seating nonexistent. It was, without question, the most alive room I have ever worked in."

As the college grew through the 1950s and 1960s, the need for a proper performance facility became acute. A capital campaign launched in 1974 raised $4.1 million over eight years, including a lead gift of $1.2 million from the Hargrove Family Fund. The original barn was demolished in May 1980; construction began that summer. The Pavilion was completed and dedicated in October 1982. The original barn's main ridgepole — a hand-hewn timber dating to approximately 1886 — was preserved and is displayed in the lobby as a permanent installation.

The most significant subsequent addition was the opening of Studio One in 2003, funded by Thomas R. Calloway (BM 1971). A renovation of the dance studios in 2011 upgraded all four rooms with new Harlequin floors and mirror systems. The Concert Hall's acoustic panel array was partially replaced in 2019.