Production still: Laurie Anderson in residence in 2022 working on her new project, ARK in the EMPAC Theater.
Students at EMPAC
EMPAC is a vibrant hub for student engagement at Rensselaer—whether through coursework, performances, research, or clubs. From hands-on learning to unique creative opportunities, there are many ways for students to get involved.
Attending Events
RPI Student Tickets
All EMPAC-curated events are open to Rensselaer students at a reduced rate of $5 for advance tickets. Free rush tickets are available at the door for unsold shows. Student Passes for the TOPOS festival are $20.
General Student Tickets
Non-Rensselaer students can attend for a discounted price of $15.
Free Events
Talks, tours, and work-in-progress events are always free and open to all.
Class Attendance
Faculty integrating EMPAC events into their curriculum receive complimentary admission. Request Tickets.
Working at EMPAC
EMPAC is one of the largest student employers on campus. Students work across many departments—including box office, ushering, production (video, audio, lighting, IT, stage), artist services, marketing/design, and curatorial. Our apprenticeship model ensures hands-on learning and mentorship across disciplines.
Current Openings:
All student positions are currently filled. Please check back soon for new opportunities.
Academic Support
Each year, EMPAC supports hundreds of campus events—from Arts Department performances and architecture reviews to student union festivals, PULSE showcases, admissions events, and presidential town halls.
EMPAC curators frequently participate in graduate critiques, and artists-in-residence regularly connect with classes through workshops and studio visits.
Study and Gathering Space
All are welcome to study & gather in our common spaces on levels 5 and 6, open Monday–Friday, 9AM–5PM. Evelyn’s Café is open Wednesdays, 11AM–2PM, but otherwise, feel free to bring your own food and drink! Elevators and all-gender, wheelchair-accessible restrooms on every level. Our accessible entry is on 50 8th St.
Rensselaer faculty and students alike make use of EMPAC’s state-of-the-art infrastructure for research in the arts, sciences, and emerging technologies. Students often participate in research projects hosted in our studios and labs.
EMPAC also serves as a gathering space for student groups exploring live performance, music technology, and media art.
PULSE: People Using Live Software and Electronics
PULSE is a student-led working group and lab focused on live audio performance through musical hardware and digital audio workstations (DAWs). The semester culminates in a public performance hosted at EMPAC.
PULSE meets every Wednesday, 5–7PM, in Studio Beta. Want to get involved? Contact Jonathan Givan for more information.
Patrick Quinn's pass•age installed in Studio 1 as one of the arts department seven slots in 2019. Photo: Shannon K. Johnson/EMPAC.
Our Town, A contemporary, multimedia reimagining of Thornton Wilder’s classic play, this 2017 production was a collaborative effort by the RPI Players, EMPAC, and Arts faculty Rebecca Rouse.