The McAninch Arts Center (MAC) encourages immersive learning and student involvement by combining the arts, performance and academics under one roof.
Named after the College's second president, Dr. Harold D. McAninch, Animation, Art, Dance, Graphic Design, Motion Picture/Television (MPTV), Music, Photography and Theater classes all take place in the MAC.
Creating a unique blend of performance and education, the center houses three performance spaces: the 800-seat Belushi Performance Hall, the 186-seat Playhouse Theatre and the "black box" Studio Theatre.
The MAC is home to the Buffalo Theatre Ensemble and New Philharmonic, two resident professional ensembles; a number of student groups; and a gallery space for professional, faculty and student exhibits. Featuring seasons that combine touring, resident and student groups, the MAC has presented theater, music, dance and visual arts to more than 1.5 million people since it opened.
In an average week, the MAC hosts:
- 5.1 public performances of 1.6 arts programs
- 2.2 rental events
- 10.25 rehearsals
- One non-art college department use — or 2.5 scheduled events per day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year.
Each season includes more than 200 performances of plays, concerts and lectures, as well as numerous art exhibits in both the gallery space and MAC lobby area.
The MAC's extensive community outreach program includes pre-performance lectures, classes with visiting artists and the School Stage program, which provides area K-12 students with an interactive, educational arts experience. On the south side of the MAC sits Lakeside Pavilion, which was was constructed for seasonal outdoor events and performances.