Recital Hall Renovation Anchors a Season of Renewal

This fall, as you make your way through the north side of campus, you may notice more activity than normal in the College of Music & Dramatic Arts. One of LSU’s busiest and most beloved venues—the Recital Hall in the School of Music building—is set to undergo a long-anticipated renovation. More than a cosmetic upgrade, this project represents a full reimagining of the space for the 21st century. Construction begins in August 2025, ushering in a new chapter for a hall that has served generations of students, faculty, guest artists, and audiences. The renovation rethinks the hall from the inside out, with a focus on acoustic excellence, audience comfort, and future-ready technology.

At the renovation’s core is an architectural and acoustic redesign that will unlock the hall’s full sonic potential. Key improvements include raising the ceiling, converting the former recording studio into a technical balcony, and rebuilding the stage walls with acoustically transparent materials. These changes will be complemented by adjustable acoustic control measures such as retractable curtains and sound-reflective panels—ensuring performances resonate with greater warmth and clarity.

Audiences will also benefit from a completely modernized interior. New seating and updated lighting will improve comfort and visibility, while upgraded HVAC and humidity control systems will better preserve instruments and ensure consistent acoustic quality. Sound and light blocks at the entrances will reduce distractions, helping to maintain the hall’s intimate and immersive atmosphere.

To meet the demands of today’s performance landscape, the Recital Hall is also being equipped for the future by rebuilding the electrical infrastructure to support high-quality recording, livestreaming, video projection, and audio playback. Furthermore, backstage support areas will be reconfigured for greater functionality, including a mid-stage piano storage system, a relocated green room, and a newly designated recording studio.

Transformation Beyond the Stage

While the Recital Hall remains the centerpiece of this effort, it is part of a broader investment in the facilities that support all facets of the performing arts at LSU. Recent upgrades across the College include modernized lighting in the Shaver Theatre, expanded space to support the Film & TV program’s growing inventory of professional-grade equipment, a new self-taping space to support students working on securing professional auditions, and a new sound studio in the Music & Dramatic Arts Building. Each of these enhancements are designed to enhance the educational and creative experiences of our students.

Together, these recent and upcoming improvements reflect a clear vision: to ensure LSU’s learning and performance spaces match the excellence of the artists and educators who use them. The Recital Hall renovation marks a major milestone in that journey—an investment in our people, our programs, and the future of the performing arts at LSU and beyond.

This transformative investment in our facilities has been made possible through the extraordinary generosity of our donors and the dedicated efforts of the CMDA’s administration and staff. We invite you to stay connected and follow the progress of this landmark project at lsu.edu/cmda and on our social media channels.

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Recital Hall Progress Photos

Construction and renovation of the Recital Hall are already underway! For everyone’s safety, we ask that students and faculty follow all posted signs and avoid entering construction areas without proper authorization. In the meantime, we’ll be sharing regular updates and photos to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible progress being made on this exciting, once-in-a-generation project.