Norton, Massachusetts's Hidden Gem: Wheaton College's Kresge Experimental Theater

Located in what was once considered the basement of the Wheaton College Watson Fine Arts building is the Kresge Experimental Theater. Affectionately called "The Ex" and "the black box" by members of the Wheaton College community the Kresge Theater is the slightly smaller of the college's two performing arts venues (the larger being the Weber Theater, which seats 350).

The Kresge Experimental Theater provides Wheaton students with a unique venue in which to produce and direct plays and to showcase their own works.

When asked about the 'experimental' nature of the Kresge, Professor of Theater David M. Fox, Chair of the college's Theater Department, said: "I am fairly certain... that the Ex was not originally used as a black box theater."

"It's an eccentric space that contains all kinds of quirky nooks and crannies not typically associated with a theater," he said. "Still, its intimacy and rather bohemian 'underground' quality make it very popular with students."

"It's also a perfect venue for jazz band concerts and our annual New Plays Festival and Ten Minute Play Festivals."

Elizabeth A. Cronin, the Wheaton College Art Events and Publicity Manager, is another avid proponent of the Kresge Theater. "I personally love the intimacy and warmth of the black box and have supported and encouraged its use beyond the obvious needs of the theater department," she said.

Cronin said that the Kresge "has become the preferred venue for the Wheaton Jazz Band performances as its characteristics and 'underground' atmosphere do mirror those of old, famous New York City jazz clubs."

"It is an extremely versatile space," she said, one that can be configured in numerous ways for various purposes. An added benefit, said Cronin, is that "There is never a bad seat in the house!"

In the past the Kresge Theater has hosted myriad off-beat performers and shows including a 2003 performance by Queer Soup, the theater troupe of Wheaton alum Karen Malme '88. The cabaret-style performance by Queer Soup titled "Citizen Queer" featured comedy sketches, drag segments and spoofs of "hygiene" films of the '50s and '60s.