Center for the Arts

The Center for the Arts is the heart of performing arts on Mason's Fairfax Campus. The center showcases national and international artists, as well as accomplished faculty members and emerging student artists.

2

U.S. Presidents who have visited. President Obama and President Clinton, who attended his daughter’s performance in 'The Nutcracker.'

127

Grammy Award-winners who have appeared on the Center’s stage.

888+

Internationally renowned artists have appeared as part of Great Performances at Mason

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Cost of Great Performances at Mason tickets for Mason students.

5,000,000+

People who have enjoyed arts at the Center for the Arts.

1,935

Seats in the Center for the Arts Concert Hall

115

Number of times the two Steinway grand pianos are tuned each season

This fall, Tony, Grammy®, and Emmy® Award winner Audra McDonald makes her Center for the Arts debut as part of Great Performances at Mason and the ARTS by George! benefit.

Arts Opportunities for Mason Students

Free tickets: Mason students can get free tickets for more than 100 performances at the Center for the Arts.
Perform on professional stages: Mason students perform music, dance, and theater in the 2000-seat Concert Hall.
Experience world-class performances.
Learn from today's top artists: Students studying in the arts at Mason learn from the best in master classes presented by musicians, dancers, and actors performing at the Center for the Arts.
Internship Opportunities: Mason students studying anything from arts management to theater to communications may apply for internships at the Center.

Today's Most Brilliant Artists

As a premier destination for the arts in Northern Virginia, the Center for the Arts presents today’s most brilliant artists.

They range from emerging luminaries to legendary masters, representing the worlds of classical music, opera, jazz, dance, theater, global music and dance.

Each year, the Center for the Arts welcomes performances by renowned professional artists, distinguished faculty, and accomplished student artists. Great Performances at Mason, an annual season of national and international artists, offers a phenomenal selection of arts experiences for students, faculty and staff, and community members.

The Center also hosts student and faculty performances presented by the Schools of Music, Theater, and Dance and is the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra's performing home.

Bill T. Jones and Arnie Zane

In a world premiere co-commissioned by the Center for the Arts, the landmark Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company, examines group identity and its relationship to aloneness through his iconic choreography, set to spoken word and live music.

Mason students on stage

The Mason Schools of Theater and Music stage a performance of The Gondoliers, the classic comic opera collaboration of Gilbert and Sullivan.

Artists from across the globe: LADAMA

“Female Latin Powerhouse group LADAMA” (LA Weekly) performs as part of the Great Performances at Mason. Hailing from across the Americas, this fresh and vibrant quartet innovates “Latin Alternative” music.

Live radio show recording

NPR's From the Top celebrates the stories, talents, and character of America’s best pre-collegiate classically-trained musicians.

Final journey of a legend: The Chieftains

Six-time Grammy® Award winning Irish music legends, The Chieftains, return to the Center for a thrilling night of their signature blend of traditional Celtic and contemporary, as part of "The Irish Goodbye Tour."

A Crowd Is Welcome in Concert Hall

The Concert Hall at the Center for the Arts plays host to student ensembles and national and international artists, who perform to audiences of up to 2,000.

Map and Directions

Center for the Arts at George Mason University

Parking: Free parking is available in Lot K, just off Patriot Circle, during events held at the Center for the Arts. Paid, covered parking is available in the Mason Pond Parking Deck on Mason Pond Drive adjacent to the Center for the Arts.

Getting Here: Exit the Mason Pond Parking deck on the1st floor or 3rd floor. The Center for the Arts is adjacent to the parking deck, on Mason Pond Drive.