Frank Thompson Building: Present

Window Glass at Thompson

“As students, we didn’t just learn in the classrooms or work in the Theatre. Frank Thompson was really a ‘home away from home’ for so many of us, even though we had to work within the building’s many limitations. My father, also an NCSU grad, has his memories of sporting events and activities in the same building. Thompson is an integral part of the NC State family, deserving of our care and attention. There are just too many memories there not to preserve this building for the future.”
— Kimberly Titmus Przybyl, Class of 1992, Apex, NC

As a primary space for the arts on campus, the Frank Thompson Building continues to play a central role in the life of NC State University, hosting thousands of students, alumni and community friends each year. The renowned programs housed in Thompson — University Theatre and The Crafts Center — provide a range of opportunities that promote the personal growth and creative development of NC
State students. Whether attending theatre performances or actively participating in the arts programs, students develop a lifelong appreciation for the arts and humanities.

Like most buildings that are 80 years old, Thompson has a laundry list of problems, many of
which hinder the quality of the arts programs housed there. Pool Drain
Poor lighting and ventilation, outdated plumbing, non-compliance with the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), insufficient power and inefficient heating and cooling systems are just a few of the critical problems that must be addressed. Health and safety concerns must be addressed in a timely manner.
Now is the time to preserve the past for the future. We have a unique opportunity to renovate one of NC State’s most valuable architectural landmarks while providing for the 21st-century needs of our theatre, dance and crafts programs.

“They finished construction on the Thompson building in ’25 and I graduated in ’28. I remember its first year in action: dances, back-to-back basketball games, lots of coming and going. We’ve both aged some since then. I’ll soon turn 100 years old and the Thompson building is due for some care and updating. I look forward to seeing it renovated.”
—W. Clyde Walker Sr., Class of 1928, Durham, NC