| Address | 6405 Boaz Lane Dallas |
|---|---|
| Owner | Southern Methodist University |
| Designation | National Register of Historic Places |
| Capacity | 2386 |
| Current use | Auditorium, Theatre |
| Opened | 1926 |
| Years active | 1926-present |
| Website | |
| http://www.smu.edu/McFarlin | |
McFarlin Auditorium is a proscenium style theatre located on the campus of Southern Methodist University. The venue seats 2,386 on three levels. The building is the third oldest on SMU's campus but has been kept up to date; it is equipped with modern lighting, sound, and projection equipment.
History
editBy the early 1920's the students, faculty and staff of SMU had severely outgrown the capacity of Dallas and Clements Halls. Arguments were put forth as to what the next campus building should be. In the end, President Selecman and the Methodist bishops made the decision to build a chapel/auditorium as SMU's third permanent building. Financing was secured by a generous donation from devout Methodist and San Antonio businessman Robert M. McFarlin.
The McFarlin Memorial Auditorium was opened in 1926 to fulfill the University's pressing need for a chapel that could accommodate the entire student body. The building has evolved over time and continues to serve the University in the manner envisioned by SMU President Charles Selecman as "a place where we can have our friends from the community and elsewhere gather together on great occasions."
Though historically attractive, technology and ambiance are priorities as the university continues to keep the facility current. Recent projects include restoration of the main lobby to its historic integrity, renovation of restrooms, installation of a sprung floor on stage, and a complete reupholster of the auditorium's seats.
Notable Performances
editMcFarlin Auditorium has welcomed countless performers and speakers including:
- Martin Luther King Jr.
- Bob Hope
- Elton John
- Al Gore
- Winston Churchhill
- George W. Bush
- Yo-Yo Ma
- Margaret Thatcher
- Sheryl Crow
- Barry Manilow