Fine Arts Center – Theater and Dance Renovations: Northern Kentucky University, Greater Cincinnati Region

Reimagining the Fine Arts Experience
We are nearing completion of a transformative $14.8 million+ renovation to the University’s Fine Arts Center, an investment in the future of performing arts education and community engagement. This revitalization includes major upgrades to the iconic Corbett Theatre and the creation of vibrant, modern teaching studios for theatre and dance.
Key enhancements include:

Comprehensive structural and systems improvements to the 47-year-old facility
A reimagined, welcoming lobby for the Stauss Black Box Theatre
A new, accessible patron box office
Upgraded finishes and comfortable seating in the Corbett Theatre

These improvements will not only enhance the student learning experience but also enrich the cultural life of our entire community. Join us in bringing this vision to life. Your support will help shape the next generation of artists, performers, and storytellers.

Learn about Naming Opportunities

Image of SOTA building with blue sky and reflection in lake

Located in the heart of campus, NKU’s Fine Arts Center is home to the School of the Arts (SOTA), a dynamic hub of creativity featuring teaching studios for performing and studio arts, design and animation, and three premier theaters: Corbett Theatre, Rosemary Stauss Black Box, and Greaves Concert Hall. The facility also includes skylit art studios, state of the art computer labs and three galleries. SOTA stands as the largest fine and performing arts collegiate program in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, serving over 700 students across 30 degree programs.

Campus & Community Highlights

Hosts 100+ events annually, drawing more than 20,000 patrons each year to performances, exhibitions, and community arts programming.
The Graphic Design/Visual Communication Design program, part of SOTA, has been ranked #1 in Kentucky by Animation Career Review for its academic reputation, employment success, breadth, and value.
NKU as a whole is recognized by The Wall Street Journal as a top 40 best-value university in the U.S., noted for how quickly its graduates repay their investment, with alumni typically covering the cost of their degree within 14 months post-graduation. Notably, NKU is the only public institution in the region to make that top‑100 list.

Why It Matters
This vibrant nexus of learning, performances, and exhibitions makes SOTA a creative engine on campus. The breadth of programs and high-quality facilities position NKU to prepare students for roles in theatre, music, visual arts, design, animation, and beyond with recognized excellence, access to professional internships, and strong community engagement.

Learn about Building Features

SOTA is a critical contributor to Northern Kentucky’s arts ecosystem, boasting partnerships with the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra, The Carnegie, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, and alumni-founded Pones Dance Company. SOTA hosts more than 120 public performances and gallery exhibitions each year, welcoming at least 20,000 patrons to experience the best that Kentucky has to offer.

The renovation will also provide improvements to facilities for design, technology and production, theater dressing rooms, and technical systems in the Corbett Theatre. Naming opportunities are available.

Contact Us

Monty Taylor

Director of Development

(859) 572-5876

taylorg1@nku.edu