The USC Thornton School has five primary performance venues that showcase our ensembles, recitals and master classes:

Bovard Auditorium

The USC Thornton Symphony and Wind Ensemble perform in the historic Bovard Auditorium. Completely restored and renovated in 2003, Bovard Auditorium is the largest performance space on campus and is filled with grandeur for performers and audiences alike. To learn more about Bovard, including rental information, visit the Bovard Auditorium page.

• 1,220 seats
• Opened: 1921
• Renovated: 2003

Bing Theatre

Located in the center of campus, the Bing Theatre is a traditional proscenium house hosting both theatrical and musical performances, including those given by the USC Thornton Opera. It is equipped with a fly system, trap doors, and an orchestra pit. In 2001 the Bing got a new lobby and seats, and in the summer of 2005 the proscenium was modified to improve acoustics in the theater. To learn more about Bing, including rental information, visit the Bing Theatre page.

• 590 seats
• Opened: 1976
• Renovated: 2001

Alfred Newman Recital Hall

Alfred Newman Recital Hall is home to the USC Thornton Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Orchestra, smaller ensembles and the Thornton Music Masters Series, not to mention countless student performances. Originally known as Allan Hancock Auditorium and re-dedicated in 1999, Newman Hall was carefully designed to provide outstanding acoustics for all kinds of music, from solo piano to jazz ensembles, with a richness often lacking in other modern halls. To learn more about Newman, including rental information, visit the Music Operations Scheduling Services page.

• 280 seats
• Opened: 1940 (as Allan Hancock Auditorium)
• Renovated and re-dedicated: 1999

Simon Ramo Recital Hall

Chamber music, master classes, and solo student recitals can be heard in this newly renovated Hall. To learn more about the Ramo Recital Hall, including rental information, visit the Music Operations Scheduling Services page.

• 90 seats
• Opened: 1964
• Renovated: 2008

Jeanette MacDonald Recital Hall

The Jeanette MacDonald Recital Hall, also known as the Charles Hirt Choral Lab, provides an intimate venue for student recitals, master classes and choral ensemble performances. To learn more about MacDonald, including rental information, visit the Music Operations Scheduling Services page.

• 90 seats
• Opened: 1975
• Renovated: 2003

Rehearsal Spaces
Opportunities for rehearsal are available in four different locations across the campus:

• Raubenheimer Memorial Music Faculty building (MUS)
• Ramo Hall of Music (RHM)
• Booth Hall of Music (BMH)
• Music Practice and Instructional Center (PIC)

In these four locations, groups as large as the USC Thornton Symphony and as small as a string duo can find space to rehearse for their performances.

Scheduling and Rental Information
If you'd like information about scheduling or renting Newman Hall, the Arnold Schoenberg Auditorium, or Jeannette MacDonald Recital Hall, please review our scheduling policies or contact the scheduling manager.