Bing Theatre

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. Opened in 1976, the theater was upgraded in 2001 with a new lobby and seats. In the summer of 2005, the proscenium was modified to improve acoustics in the theater.

Bovard Auditorium

The USC Thornton Symphony and Wind Ensemble perform in the historic Bovard Auditorium, opened in 1921. Completely restored and renovated in 2003, Bovard is the largest performance space on campus (with 1,235 seats) and is filled with grandeur for performers and audiences alike. To learn more, visit the Bovard Auditorium page.

Carson Center

Formerly a television soundstage, Carson Center features performances from the Jazz Studies, Studio/Jazz Guitar, and Popular Music programs, including student recitals, ensemble concerts, and showcase events. The new hall is also home of the weekly Popular Music Forum that has hosted luminaries ranging from Randy Newman to Chaka Kahn.

Ground Zero Performance Café

Ground Zero Performance Café is a coffee house on the USC University Park campus with professional stage, lighting, and sound equipment. Ground Zero hosts a variety of Thornton concerts including the regular Jazz Night series, Popular Music showcases, and numerous other events. To learn more, visit the Ground Zero page.

Jeanette MacDonald Recital Hall

The Jeanette MacDonald Recital Hall, also known as the Charles Hirt Choral Lab, provides an intimate venue for student recitals, masterclasses, and choral ensemble performances. With a 90-seat capacity, the hall was opened in 1975 and renovated in 2003.

Alfred Newman Recital Hall

The Allan Hancock Auditorium opened in 1940 and was renovated and re-dedicated in 1999 as the Alfred Newman Recital Hall. The 280-seat hall was designed to provide outstanding acoustics for all kinds of music and is home to many of Thornton’s ensembles, student performances, and faculty recitals.

Simon Ramo Recital Hall

The Simon Ramo Recital Hall first opened in 1964 and was renovated in 2008. The 90-seat hall hosts chamber music, masterclasses, student recitals, and other intimate performances.

Alice and Eleonore Schoenfeld Symphonic Hall

The Alice and Eleonore Schoenfeld Symphonic Hall is named for longtime Thornton faculty members Alice and Eleonore Schoenfeld. Alice Schoenfeld, a professor at Thornton for more than half a century, committed $3 million for the project. Named in October 2012, the 3,700-square-foot space is the first dedicated orchestra rehearsal hall in USC Thornton’s long history.

Tommy’s Place

Tommy’s Place, located in the Ronald Tutor Campus Center, features concerts, comedy shows, and other campus events. Regularly hosting concerts by Thornton Popular Music program, the capacity varies from 150 to 318 depending on the setup of the venue. To learn more, visit the Tommy’s Place page.

Venue Location

For information on the location of the venues on the University Park campus, please go to the Visit Thornton page.

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)
• University Gateway Practice Facility (UGW)

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 or Jeannette MacDonald Recital Hall, please review our scheduling policies or contact the scheduling manager.