For many years, a new Performing Arts Center has been a dream at Stetson University. 

 The School of Music performs inside beautiful Lee Chapel on campus — a 127-year-old historic setting located in Elizabeth Hall. But with the passing of the years, the ever-growing stream of incoming students has outgrown Lee Chapel as a main venue. 

 As the first Latin American Dean of Stetson University’s School of Music, Washington García, DMA, has a vision — and a mission — to provide music students with the best college learning experience, which includes a new world-class performing arts center. 

 “The impact we have in the community is huge,” said García, an acclaimed recitalist and soloist who has performed in prestigious venues in Asia, Europe, South American and the United States. “This project would strengthen our reputation as a premier, student-centered institution, and take the School of Music’s lasting legacy from a hidden gem to a national treasure.” 

Feasibility Study

 Stetson is conducting a Feasibility Study designed to gauge the community interest and possible financial support for this facility. 

 A larger facility would be able to better accommodate the growing demand for tickets and would be designed with new technology and the best acoustics of any concert hall of its size in Florida, therefore enhancing the concert-going experience. The Center would be envisioned in phases, with the concert hall as phase one and additional spaces included in future phases to support the School of Music’s growth. 

Stetson is actively exploring the feasibility of this transformative project. Through this study, we hope to gather insights from our community and determine the best path forward for realizing this long-held dream.

The Performing Arts Center would provide a space for all Stetson students to nurture their talent and unite communities while strengthening the reputation of Stetson University.

For more information, visit The New Performing Arts Center website.