West Virginia University’s College of Creative Arts & Media offers a surprisingly rich collection of performance venues, each with its own charm, purpose, and creative energy. Together, they form one of the most impressive arts ecosystems in the region, a true asset to students, faculty, and the broader Morgantown community.
The West Virginia University Creative Arts Center in 2025
Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre — the crown jewel
Clay Concert Theatre is a standout space. With more than a thousand seats, professional lighting rigs, and excellent acoustics, it feels every bit like a major performance hall. Musicals, dance concerts, and large-scale events come alive here with a level of polish and presence that rivals bigger-city venues.
It’s the kind of theatre that gives students a taste of professional production values, from orchestra pits to fly systems.
Gladys G. Davis Theatre — immersive and intimate
Davis Theatre’s thrust stage creates an environment where actors and audience share the same emotional space. The proximity builds immediacy and connection, making dramatic performances especially powerful. It’s a rare gift for student actors to work in a thrust configuration, and Davis provides exactly that: a theatre that encourages nuance, bold choices, and dynamic staging.
Falbo Theatre — a flexible creative playground
Falbo is one of WVU’s most versatile theatres. The movable seating and adaptable layout allow directors, choreographers, and designers to reimagine the room for each production. Opera, dance, theatre, interdisciplinary shows, Falbo handles it all. This flexibility encourages experimentation and teaches students to think creatively about space, movement, and storytelling.
Vivian Davis Michael Lab Theatre — where new ideas are born
The Lab Theatre is the beating heart of student-driven creativity. Small, intimate, and flexible, it’s the perfect space for emerging artists to test ideas, direct original work, and collaborate freely.
Many of WVU’s most memorable student projects begin here, in a room designed to support risk-taking and innovation.
Bloch Learning & Performance Hall — acoustically beautiful
Bloch Hall is a gem for music students. The acoustics are warm and responsive, ideal for recitals, chamber performances, and masterclasses.
It’s the kind of hall that elevates a performer’s confidence, a space where even small ensembles sound rich and professional.
E. Moore Hall Dance Studio — inspiring and full of light
The dance studio at E. Moore Hall feels uplifting the moment you walk in. High ceilings, historic architecture, and bright natural light create an atmosphere that energizes dancers and choreographers alike.
The Marley floor and open space support both technique classes and creative development, making it one of WVU’s most beloved rehearsal environments.
Overall Impression
WVU’s theatres are more than performance spaces, they’re educational tools, creative laboratories, and community gathering places. Together, they give students the chance to experience nearly every type of theatre environment: concert hall, thrust stage, black box, recital hall, and dance studio.
The range, quality, and versatility of these spaces set WVU apart as one of the strongest arts hubs in the region.
Students don’t just learn in classrooms, they learn by stepping onto stages that feel professional, inspiring, and alive with possibility.