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History

In 1963 after renovations, the Thompson Gymnasium emerged as the Thompson Theater. Originally, the gymnasium was intended to establish a routine physical fitness schedule for students, since military drills were no longer required after World War I. Thompson Gymnasium became the first indoor athletic facility complete with two gyms, an indoor swimming pool, and an elevated indoor track. It also became the center for intercollegiate games. However, when Reynolds Coliseum took over the role of basketball facility, it left the classic building, with its urns and other ornamental architecture, open for the dramatic arts.

The theater seats 250 people in a total area of 88 x 44 x 22 feet. Wall, seating, stage, lighting, and ceiling can be manipulated for different scripts, making the theater highly flexible. The theater is named for Frank Martin Thompson (1886-1918), an NC State engineering graduate who was captain of both the baseball and football teams. He was killed in action in France during World War I.

The building was renamed to Frank Thompson Hall in 2009, marking the completion of a comprehensive renovation.