You’ll certainly want to sit down for this. After nearly 50 years of service, the seating in historic Longstreet Theatre has been upgraded.

Removal of the old seats, as well as the carpeting underneath them, began in late November. Once removed, the wood underlayment and step lighting were replaced before fresh carpet and the new chairs were installed. The much-needed renovation was made possible by funding from the USC Provost’s Office and the College of Arts and Sciences.

“We've been trying to achieve this goal for a long time,” says Stephanie Milling, Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance. “The resources we’ve received from the university and upper administration to make this a reality is a gift for which we are incredibly grateful. It indicates a direct investment in not just our department but the entire university.”

Originally installed when the onetime university gymnasium was turned into an arena theatre in 1976, the seats were reupholstered in the late 1990s. Over the last several years – and after serving many thousands of patrons – that fabric had worn thin on virtually all the seats, exposing the foam cushioning underneath.

These interior improvements follow a 2023 restoration of significant portions of Longstreet’s exterior, including its massive Greek Revival portico. The months-long renovation included the intricate repair of the cast-iron Corinthian capitals atop the front columns, stucco and wood-trim fixes, and detailed cleaning and repainting.

“This renovation honors the special history of this performance space while also pointing to our future,” says Milling. “Whether an audience member is coming to Longstreet for the first time or is a longtime patron, I hope after experiencing these new refinements they want to keep coming back.”

Patrons will have a chance to test out the comfortable new seating in just a few weeks, as the comedic thriller Mauritius begins a week-long run February 21. Tickets are available online at sc.universitytickets.com.