Where the Liberal Arts and Performing Arts Intersect

Jan 07, 2019

The Tsotsis Family Academic Center fosters the growth and talent of students by providing a holistic approach to education. The 400-seat Jeanne Y. Curtis Performance Hall, fully equipped rehearsal room, and the new 400-seat ballroom, is a reflection of Assumption’s commitment not only to the arts, but also to the community.

“The new performance space is a dream come true for the performing organizations at Assumption,” said Musical Director Richard Monroe ’85, who said that the first concerts performed in the Hall during Family Weekend were well received with “numerous family members commenting on the great acoustics.”

The performance hall features a unique, sophisticated sound system that mimics the acoustics of different venues – such as a cathedral or concert hall – and is the only one of its kind found in an academic institution on the East Coast. There is also a soundproof rehearsal room boasting the same sound system.

The performance hall and rehearsal room have provided students and faculty with state-of-the-art venues in which to perform an array of performances, including that of the Assumption Band, Assumption Chorale, Jazz Ensemble, theatre groups, VOCE, among others. “This hall allows us to showcase our drama and musical groups on campus, which is something that the students involved in these groups have been wanting for many years,” said SGA President Ian Burns.

Rebecca Galib ’18, a music minor from Swansea, is one of those students who have already benefitted from these new spaces. “The performance hall enables music ensembles to have a new venue to showcase their talents for the community,” she said. “The hall was designed with amazing acoustics and sound travels from the stage and reaches all corners of the room perfectly. We are very excited about the new performance space to share our music with the community.”

“The performance hall is an important part of this building,” said Assmption President Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D.  “It provides the type of space where students can continue to develop their talents. The mission of Assumption is the formation of the whole person, as to provide a holistic approach to education.”

Assumption Band Director Bruce Hopkins also expressed enthusiasm with regard to the “musically and visually impressive” spaces that will serve as an attraction for incoming students. “Seeing something like this should emphasize Assumption’s commitment to music and [it] will be a great benefit to attracting members [to the institution],” he said.

The performance hall, as well as the ballroom, with its outdoor loggia, or balcony, that overlooks the piazza with its fountain and spaces to continue the learning that takes place inside the building through conversation with professors and peers, are designed to not only serve the Assumption community, but also the surrounding Worcester community and even alumni.

Outside groups seeking spacious and modern gathering places can choose from a variety of classrooms and meeting spaces – complete with the latest in technology — that can accommodate up to 400 people. Those alumni who are married in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, located across the open quad area from the new building, can have their receptions in the expansive piazza, and then enjoy their reception in the ballroom on the top floor of the Tsotsis Family Academic Center.

Each day this week, Assumption is exploring five key areas of the Tsotsis Family Academic Center (TFAC) to share how the new building has already begun to transform learning on the Assumption campus.