New state-of-the-art facilities and performance spaces

A transformational addition to the Colburn School, designed by Frank Gehry, is now taking shape. Opening in 2027, the new home of the Trudl Zipper Dance Institute will more than double the size of our current facilities, creating one of the most comprehensive dance education complexes in Southern California.

Adjacent to Colburn’s current campus, the expansion will feature a light-filled, glass-enclosed dance complex with a 100-seat theater for dance and four professional-sized studios for dance instruction and rehearsal. These state-of-the-art spaces will open new possibilities for artistic partnerships with leading figures in the dance world.
The building will also house Kohl Hall and Dancers will have the opportunity to perform in this beautiful new 1,000 seat concert hall with in-the-round seating.

Once completed, the campus will represent the largest concentration of Frank Gehry-designed buildings anywhere, serving as an iconic home for dance, music, and creative collaboration.

What’s Inside?

• A sophisticated, convertible 100-seat dance studio theater: The largest dance studio in the School, the 3,000 square feet studio theater can be used as a professional-level performance venue as well as a rehearsal space.
• Three 2,600 square foot dance studios and a 1,400 square foot tap studio, named for Colburn’s longtime Tap Chair, Denise Scheerer: Each studio will have a sprung wood floor with vinyl dance surface and one mirrored wall, as well as windows with shades, allowing controlled natural daylight to enter the spaces.
• Terri and Jerry Kohl Hall, an extraordinary and intimate 1,000-seat concert hall: Kohl Hall will offer flexible configurations for orchestra, opera, and musical theater performances, as well as amplified options and a transformable stage floor for dance. Despite grand capabilities, it is designed to be a uniquely intimate experience for audiences, who will surround the artists with in-the-round seating.
• Uplifting green spaces: Bringing fresh air and a fresh perspective to the downtown landscape, the building includes a rooftop garden that will be large enough to host receptions and outdoor performances, as well as a ground level garden with a dedicated performance space that will be open to the public.