empac - experimental media and performing arts center

This facility is offered as one of the most advanced performing arts centers in the US, if not the entire world. Its excellent acoustical properties are commonly touted in tours, but in the multiple performances I have been to, these have never come into play. The managers of this facility mostly book based on the "experimental" side of this center, and as a result, most of the performances are people with little to no actual credibility, but some idea that is "experimental." For an example, I attended a performance where the performer played nothing but an empty vinyl record for 15 minutes straight so he could amplify the static. Perhaps I'm old school and just like melodies, beats or rhythms, but I believe this center should be emphasizing more of the "performing arts" and less of the "experimental."

EMPAC is the most modern-looking building on RPI campus as well as in Troy NY. It has auditoriums and theaters, and also has one or two diners. The terra cafe serves $7 lunch on Wednesday

The EMPAC is a state of the art modern facility, just up the hill from the downtown district of restaurants and bars ... ample parking, very comfortable... if you can find a concert you would like to experience, this is a great place to do so... the offerings are eclectic though

We attended a conference at EMPAC and so did not experience a performance there. But we were blown away by the technology and the acoustic perfection of the studios and hall. Don't miss the video loop in the lobby showing the building under construction.

I was there on a college visit with my son. I enjoyed marveling at the architecture on the inside and out. What's interesting is that there is a balcony behind the stage. You don't see that very often in performance spaces, unless it's a theatre-in-the-round.

This is a place where you experience the best of today's modern media presentations! I have seen several events at this place, some good, and some great! The building and the presentation spaces are spectacular. All in all, a well spent time!

EMPAC, the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute facility, is unique. No other place (in the world) you will find a performaing art center dedicated to new technological art.

As another reviewer stated, the building has potential. However, it is underutilized by RPI and instead of having the shows that require the acoustics that EMPAC has to offer, they bring in experimental shows that neither students nor most people care to see. I have been told that various famous artists have asked to use it and offered free shows to the RPI student body, but were turned down. I came to a show that was supposed to be about Japanese mask dancing, and ended up watching a group of people in tight black outfits strangely striding around stage for an hour in complete silence. When the student body puts on an orchestra, however, it is well done and absolutely worth seeing. The building itself is one of the more incredible buildings you will see on a university campus, designed by the same person who designed the most acoustically sound building in the world.

The Empac has great acoustics and does have great potential. However, many of the shows they offer do not encapsulate the potential of the acoustic performance, including mime shows...

Dado que Troy não tem muitos pontos de visita, este definitivamente vale a pena se estiver na região. O EMPAC pertence ao RPI e é uma construção grandiosa, chama muito a atenção e é, de fato, muito bonita. Não vimos nenhum espetáculo lá, mas se tiver a oportunidade é uma boa opção.

Moderna arquitetura, vale a pena a visita não só por fora mas também por dentro, é muito bonito. Acompanhe o site para ver as apresentações.

É um ótimo lugar para assistir concertos musicais e o por-do-sol é muito lindo visto da parte de cima do EMPAC