CAM Facilities

Where Creativity Comes to Life


At Sam Houston State University’s College of Arts & Media, our facilities are designed to inspire, equip, and elevate your creative journey. Across campus—and even beyond it—you’ll find spaces that foster collaboration, innovation, and hands-on learning.

  • James and Nancy Gaertner Performing Arts Center (GPAC)
    Named in honor of former SHSU President Dr. James Gaertner and his wife Nancy for their transformational leadership and support of the arts, this stunning facility brings performance and learning together under one roof. It features the David and Grettle Payne Concert Hall (800 seats), the Mary Ella Montague Dance Theater (150 seats), and a 175-seat recital hall, alongside rehearsal studios, practice rooms, and production spaces. Students in music, dance, and theatre perform in professional-caliber venues while engaging with world-class visual art installations by SHSU alumni and nationally recognized artists.

  • Dana G. Hoyt Fine Arts Building (ARTS)
    Named after Dr. Dana G. Hoyt, SHSU’s first female president and a champion for academic innovation and the arts, this 71,000-square-foot complex is home to the Department of Art. Inside, students have access to dedicated studios for animation, graphic design, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. The building also houses the University Art Gallery, which showcases work by students and faculty and regularly features visiting artists from across the nation—bringing fresh perspectives and professional connections to campus.

  • University Theatre Center (UTC)
    The heart of SHSU’s Theatre and Musical Theatre programs, the UTC features two performance venues—the Erica Starr Theatre and the Showcase Theatre—alongside a costume shop, scene shop, and design classrooms. Students here experience every aspect of production, from concept to curtain call.

  • School of Music Building (MUS)
    Designed for focused learning and performance, the School of Music Building includes rehearsal halls, practice rooms, smart classrooms, and faculty studios. It’s a space where students collaborate, refine their craft, and prepare for careers in music—supported by a strong community of educators and peers.

  • Dan Rather Communications Building (DRCB)
    Named after SHSU alumnus and legendary journalist Dan Rather, this building is the hub for the Department of Mass Communication. Facilities include TV studios, digital editing labs, and the student-run radio station KSHU 90.5 FM, along with The Houstonian student newspaper and broadcast newsroom.

  • Natural Science & Art Research Center (NSARC)
    Located off-campus, NSARC provides graduate art students with individual studio spaces and supports interdisciplinary collaboration between the arts and sciences. It’s a unique environment where creative practice and scientific exploration intersect.

Want to see more?

Visit the academic area that speaks to your passion and find out how a creative, active, and meaningful education begins with the right space to grow.