Built in 1991, the Center for Fine & Performing Arts (CFPA) at the University of West Florida is the heart of artistic expression for the University and a primary destination for arts and culture in Northwest Florida. Home to the Department of Art and Design, Department of Theatre, and Dr. Grier Williams School of Music, the CFPA specializes in showcasing the work of UWF students. Additionally, the CFPA, in conjunction with the three academic departments it houses, is committed to bringing artists from across the world for the enjoyment, enrichment and artistic development of UWF’s student body and the Northwest Florida community.
Center for Fine & Performing Arts
Center for Fine and Performing Arts News
Dr. Grier Williams School of Music presents the UWF Symphonic Band
The University of West Florida Dr. Grier Williams School of Music will present the UWF Symphonic Band featuring pianist Susan Chou in their “Orchestral Fantasy” concert. The performance will be held on Monday, March 2, at 7:30 p.m. in the Mainstage Theatre at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts on the UWF Pensacola campus.
UWF Dr. Grier Williams School of Music presents the UWF Singers in concert
The University of West Florida Dr. Grier Williams School of Music will present the UWF Singers and the UWF Concert Choir in their “A Musical Journey” concert. The performance will be held on Thursday, Feb. 26, at 7:30 p.m. in the Rolfs Music Hall at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts on the UWF Pensacola campus.
Dr. Grier Williams School of Music presents Albert Cano Smit as part of the Kamerman Piano Series
The University of West Florida Dr. Grier Williams School of Music will present the Kamerman Piano Series at UWF featuring guest performer Albert Cano Smit. The performance will be held on Sunday, Feb. 22, at 3 p.m. in the Rolfs Music Hall at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts on the UWF Pensacola campus.
Venue Rentals
Mainstage Theatre
An intimate 427 Seat Proscenium Theatre equipped with a full fly rail system, creative apron entrances, and Full Orchestra Pit.
Rolfs Music Hall
A 309 seat space designed for acoustic performances. The space is also ideal for lectures, presentations and awards ceremonies.
Besser Studio Theatre
The Besser Studio Theatre is a multi-functional black box with a full lighting grid, booth and flexible seating of up to 150 depending on configuration.
The Art Gallery (TAG)
The Art Gallery features 10 art exhibitions per year. With almost 1,500 sq. feet of floor space in an interesting layout, it is a great space to rent for intimate gatherings or small symposiums.
For more information or to inquire about space rental, please contact Jerre Brisky, Director, 850.857.6057
The Art Gallery (TAG)
The Art Gallery (TAG) at the University of West Florida seeks to challenge, stimulate, and engage students and the greater public through direct interaction with works of contemporary art. The Art Gallery’s annual series of revolving exhibitions highlights innovative regional, national, and international artists and artwork. These exhibitions seek to promote contemporary critical thinking and cultural inspiration for the benefit of UWF students and the greater Gulf Coast community.
Our Mission
The mission of the Center for Fine & Performing Arts at the University of West Florida is to:
- EDUCATE audiences (students and community) on the wide array of forms that artistic expression manifests itself;
- ENRICH & ENGAGE the Northwest Florida community by providing high quality artistic events that enhance the quality of life in the region;
- INSPIRE the creation of art, in all of its forms, by providing access to professional artists through workshops, masterclasses, exhibits, & performances. Additionally, the CFPA seeks to be a place for regional artists to showcase their work.
Previous Visiting Artists
- Eric Whitacre, composer
- Ivo Kaltchev, piano
- Sheila Klein, visual artist
- Maria Martinez-Cañas, visual artist
- Dean Mitchell, visual artist
- Brian Downen, tenor
- Louise Schulman, viola
- Sabbatical, a devised theatrical performance by Bright Metal Porductions
- St. Louis Brass
- Naoko Takada, marimba
- Blake Tyson, percussion
- Twelfth Night (Cambridge American Shakespeare Tour, England)
- Christopher Creviston and Hannah Creviston, saxophone and piano
Map and Directions
Parking
- Parking at the CFPA is free after 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and on the weekends. No parking passes are needed.
- There is a drop-off location directly in front of the CFPA that can be used for ticket purchases during the day and for drop off and pick up of passengers before and after the performance. Parking in the drop-off location is not permitted.
- There are 2 parking lots on the Pensacola campus that are easily accessible for the CFPA, Lot L and Lot M. Visit the UWF Campus Map to find Lot L and Lot M.
The Center for Fine & Performing Arts at UWF
11000 University Parkway
Building 82
Pensacola, Florida 32514
Box Office
850.857.6285
Director
Jerre Brisky
850.857.6057
jbrisky@uwf.edu
Marketing & Community Engagement Coordinator
Christie Clark
850.857.6197
cclark5@uwf.edu