The C.D. Smith, III Theater located within the Miller Performing Arts Center is a flexible, 50x50-foot square black box theater with seating for up to 250.
The C.D. Smith, III Theater features a "sprung" (two-level, shock absorbed) floor, important in preventing injuries to actors while also serving as a sound-proofing device. Except for the doors through which the audience enters, there is nothing that labels the empty space in terms of geography of the stage. Above the space is a grid with a series of catwalks, with railings that provide hanging positions for lighting. The catwalks are also non-geographical, allowing for creative use of the facility.
There is a control booth for the stage manager and also a sound booth, both featuring state-of-the-art equipment. The theater has the potential to open into the scene shop, which can then serve as a traditional, proscenium theater. The scene shop mimics the size of the theater to aid in moving constructed items. The theater honors the memory of C. Duryea Smith III, a leading member of the Department of Speech and Drama and the Footlight Club from the 1930s to the 1970s.
