5 Must-Know Facts About The Brooks Center For The Performing Arts And Its Blockbuster 31st Season

The Brooks Center for the Performing Arts, the vibrant cultural hub of Clemson University, is currently making headlines as it dives into its highly anticipated 31st season, running through the 2025-2026 academic year. This iconic 87,000-square-foot facility continues its mission to bring world-class professional productions—spanning music, dance, and theatre—to the Upstate South Carolina community, while also serving as a critical training ground for the next generation of artists.

As of late 2025, the center is buzzing with activity, having recently hosted a major statewide event and announcing a diverse calendar of performances that solidify its standing as a premier professional roadhouse. From international music showcases to dedicated student ensembles, the Brooks Center is a dynamic intersection of academic rigor and artistic excellence, overseen by Executive Director Janice Crews.

The Brooks Center: A Brief Profile and History

The Brooks Center for the Performing Arts is more than just a venue; it is the heart of the performing arts at Clemson University.

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• Established: 1994
• Location: Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina
• Size: 87,000-square-foot facility
• Primary Function: Serves as a professional roadhouse for world-class touring productions and is the home of the Clemson University Department of Performing Arts.
• Mission Focus: To present diverse programming, encourage emerging artists, and support experimental work.
• Leadership: Executive Director Janice Crews
• Key Components: Houses two theaters and various educational spaces.

1. The Blockbuster 31st Season (2025-2026) is Underway

The 31st season at the Brooks Center is a testament to its commitment to diverse, world-class programming. The 2025-2026 lineup, which began in the summer of 2025, features a dynamic mix of music, dance, and theatrical experiences designed to appeal to the entire community.

Highlighting Major Touring Productions

The professional touring series is a cornerstone of the center's offerings. Audiences can look forward to unique cultural experiences, such as the highly anticipated "Cultural Crossroads: Dvořák in America" concert scheduled for November 11, 2025. This performance is part of the center’s ongoing effort to present significant works of music and cultural history.

Other notable professional acts from the center's recent programming have included the renowned a cappella group Chanticleer and the "New Orleans Songbook: A Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents Production." These shows underscore the center’s reputation for booking high-caliber, nationally recognized talent, often featuring award-winning artists in the jazz and classical genres.

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2. It's the Hub for South Carolina Theatre and Education

Beyond its professional roadhouse status, the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts plays a crucial role in regional arts education and development. It is the dedicated home for the Department of Performing Arts at Clemson University, providing a hands-on, dynamic undergraduate experience for theatre and music students.

Hosting the SCTA Conference

A major recent event that highlights the center's regional significance was its role as the hub for the 2025 South Carolina Theatre Association (SCTA) Conference in November. This conference brought together theatre professionals, educators, and students from across the state, showcasing the Brooks Center's ability to facilitate large-scale gatherings and support the broader South Carolina theatre community.

The center's dedication to academic and student work is also evident in its season programming. The bulk of the 2025-2026 season features events put on directly by the Clemson Department of Performing Arts, including performances by the CU jazz and percussion ensembles. This dual function ensures a steady stream of emerging artists are gaining invaluable, real-world experience.

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3. Technical Excellence and Major Facility Upgrades

To maintain its status as a world-class venue, the Brooks Center has invested in significant technical upgrades. The facility is designed to meet the demands of major touring acts, requiring state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems.

One notable improvement involved upgrading the sound system to a modern line array, a move that was strategically planned to enhance the acoustic experience for both performers and the audience. This commitment to technical excellence ensures that every performance, from a large-scale musical to an intimate dance piece, is presented with the highest fidelity. The center effectively serves as a professional roadhouse, meaning its technical specifications must be comparable to major metropolitan venues.

4. The Holiday Tradition Continues with "Sounds of the Season"

A beloved annual tradition that anchors the calendar is the "Sounds of the Season" performance. This event is a staple for the Clemson community and surrounding areas, marking the beginning of the holiday season.

The 2025 iteration of "Sounds of the Season" is scheduled for December 7, 2025. These seasonal performances often feature a mix of student and professional talent, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the Brooks Center and its deep connection to the local cultural landscape. The consistent popularity of this event year after year demonstrates the center’s ability to foster community engagement through the arts.

5. Supporting New and Experimental Artistic Voices

While the center is known for hosting established and award-winning artists, a core part of its mission is to nurture and encourage new and experimental artistic voices. This commitment to innovation is vital for the health of the performing arts.

The programming often includes works that challenge traditional boundaries and provide a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talents. For example, student groups like the a cappella ensemble TakeNote, which performs popular music ranging from the 1960s to contemporary songs, are regularly featured, providing essential performance opportunities for Clemson students. By balancing professional touring acts with student and experimental work, the Brooks Center ensures a vibrant and forward-looking cultural environment for the entire Clemson and Upstate community.