Garret Theater

Garrett Theater has long been the home of student theater productions at St. Bonaventure University. Located in the former chapel of Devereux Hall, the intimate space is equipped with a stage, lighting, sound systems, and seating for a small audience. The space was converted into a classroom during the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic, similar to other large non-instructional spaces.

Garret Theater was built along with the rest of Devereux Hall beginning with a blessing of the sight on November 11th, 1926. Garret began its life as a chapel for the university community. The chapel contained an altar, pews, and ornate murals covering the walls. The exterior of the space has a rustic door. Above, there is an ornate relief carving of Jesus and his apostles. The conversion of the space into a theater occurred in 1961. The interior murals were removed, a stage was built, and pews were converted to theater style chairs. The exterior murals remain today.

Garret derives its name from the Garrett Theater Players. This group predates the conversion of the space into a theater. The group's name comes from their original rehearsal space, the attic (or "garret") of Alumni Hall.

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, during the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters, Garret Theater was converted into a classroom, similarly to other large spaces throughout the university.

Frank, Dennis. Devereux, St Bonaventure University Archives. July 1st 2010. Accessed December 9th 2021. http://archives.sbu.edu/studentpages/buildings/Devereux.htm.

Frank, Dennis. Theater, St Bonaventure University Archives. May 11th 2005. Accessed December 9th 2021. http://archives.sbu.edu/activities/theater.html.