Benedicta Arts Center

The Benedicta Arts Center (BAC) is a performing arts center located on the campus of the College of Saint Benedict. Built in 1964 by the Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict in the city of St. Joseph, MN, the Benedicta Arts Center has remained a powerhouse for the arts in Central Minnesota. The BAC presents three annual performances by the Minnesota Orchestra and has recently commissioned works by Diavolo and Merce Cunningham Dance Company The BAC houses the Theater Department, and half of the music and art departments for the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University. The building also houses 2 art galleries, a music library and 6 class rooms.

Petters Auditorium

Petters Auditorium functions as both a concert hall as well as a 1000 seat theater. The back wall of the theater can be raised to reveal a traditional theatrical stage house which is used for dance companies and concerts. The auditorium has 2 balcony levels above the main floor that seat 997 audience members. The main stage is equipped with a pair of hydraulic lifts that can also be lowered to house level, allowing space for either an orchestra or additional audience members.

Gorecki Family Theater

The Gorecki Theater shares its stage house with the Petters Auditorium, making it one of the few theaters in the country with this unique design. The space hosts performances of the CSB/SJU theater department in addition to lectures and other performances requiring a smaller venue. It seats 292 patrons and, thanks to a hydraulic elevator and seating system, is capable of featuring both Proscenium and Thrust performances.

Notable Performers

These Performers have appeared on either the Gorecki Stage or in the Petters Auditorium

1. Kathy Mattea
2. Merce Cunningham Dance Company (2007, 2005,...)
3. Diavolo Dance Company (2006, 2003)
4. Preservation Hall Jazz Band (2007)
5. Kronos Quartet (2006)
6. In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theater (2006)
7. Michael Moschen 2006
8. *Dianne Reeves 2006
9. Mark Morris Dance Group (2005)