Performance Venues and Practice Rooms

Babson is home to multiple state-of-the-art venues to support both arts organizations and individual performers in our community.

BabsonARTS Campus Map (pdf) »

Art & Performance Venues on the Virtual Campus Map »

Carling-Sorenson Theater

The Sorenson Center for the Arts facility, on College Drive in the heart of the beautiful Babson campus, opened in October 1997. The center was designed by the Boston-based firm of William Rawn Associates Architects, known for its design of the Seiji Ozawa Hall at Tanglewood. The intimate 441-seat Carling-Sorenson Theater features wraparound balconies and side-loge seating that maximize the immediacy of live performance. It is fully equipped with state-of-the-art lighting, sound, and projection systems; a dance/rehearsal studio; music practice rooms; dressing rooms, and a spacious and comfortable lobby. The building is wheelchair-accessible. The Sorenson Center for the Arts offers a professional theatrical setting for concerts and performances. Free parking is available for all performances on the Babson campus. Contact the Sorenson Center for the Arts for information and availability.

Hollister Gallery

The gallery on the first floor of Hollister Hall presents the works of visiting visual artists throughout the academic year. Artists typically engage with the community during opening receptions and artist talks, after which their works remain on display for the community. Exhibits are free and open to the public.

Knight Auditorium

Knight Auditorium is a large multi-functional space for a variety of events from presentations to performances. Technology includes full audio (up to 12 microphones plus additional audio sources), video (with projection), basic theatrical lighting capabilities and an upright piano. Contact eventsmanagement@babson.edu for information and availability.

Glavin Family Chapel

The Chapel is a flexible space for events specifically focused on worship and reflection. A PA system is available for basic audio needs and a Yamaha grand piano. Contact Denecia Ratley of the Office of Faith and Service for information and availability.

Roger's Pub and Grille Room

The Pub is located next to the Trim Dining Hall and is open to all community members. Many organizations will schedule the pub far in advance so please do so as soon as you can. For more information, please contact Chartwell.

Park Manor Central Band Room

The Band Room, is located in the basement of Park Manor Central, is equipped with a five-piece Pearl Export drum kit, Galen-Kruger bass amp, Fender guitar amp, Yamaha electric piano, music stands, chairs, PA for voice, and instrument storage cabinets. Additionally, there is a small, seperate practice room with a Chickering upright piano located within the Band Room. Students may use the piano practive room when available, regardless of activity in the Band Room. Any Babson musician can request a Babson OneCard activation in order to gain access. To request access to the Band Room and Practice Room, email BabsonArts@babson,edu to schedule an appointment to complete the contract. The contract must be signed in person at the Sorenson offices, located in the Sorenson Family Visual Arts Center in Trim Hall before access can be granted.

Band Room Inventory (pdf)

Park Manor North

An upright piano is available for use in the Foc'sle, on the basement floor of Park Manor North.

Sorenson Practice Rooms

There is one music practice room with a Yamaha upright piano located off the upper lobby of the Sorenson Center for the Arts and is available on a first come, first served basis. Any Babson musician can request a Babson OneCard activation in order to gain access by sending an email to BabsonARTS@babson.edu to schedule an appointment to complete the contract. The contract must be signed in person at the Sorenson offices, located in the Sorenson Family Visual Arts Center in Trim Hall before access can be granted. Please note that access to the Band Room does not provide access to the Sorenson Practice Room or vice versa.

Sandra L. Sorenson Rehearsal Studio and Black Box

Located in the Richard W. Sorenson Center for the Arts, this fully-equipped studio may be used for performance rehearsals as well as a black box theater. The studio also has an upright piano available for use. If you would like to reserve the studio, please check for availability on the Babson Portal under Room Reservations. If your day and time is available, contact the Sorenson Center for the Arts for information. You will need to obtain OneCard access in order to use the studio.

Sorenson Family Visual Arts Center

The Sorenson Family Visual Arts Center is adjacent to Trim Dining Hall, on the first floor of the building. The Center features a robust display of student artwork spanning a variety of mediums. The Babson, Olin, and Wellesley College communities may access the resources available in the Center, which include: a ceramic studio (equipment includes ten pottery wheels, two electric kilns, a pug mill, a slab roller, sculpting tools, and multiple worktables), a studio for drawing and painting (furnished with 20 tilt-top artist tables, stools, sink, flat file, and art supply storage), and a photography studio (equipped with 12 enlarger stations, film and print developing sinks, film dryer, and print drying racks). Please contact Sorenson Center for the Arts for more information on how to access these studios.

Van Winkle Hall

Located in the first-floor common room of Van Winkle is a Yamaha upright piano available for use.