The Starlight Theater designed by Studio Gang maintains the tradition of open-air performances at Rock Valley College while offering new flexibility and comfort, allowing the company to extend its season and guarantee performances.
Courtesy of Studio Gang Architects
Beneath the roof, the central starlight theater space forms an unexpected vertical axis to the sky that enhances the audience’s delight at being outdoors. With its new building and expanded programming possibilities, Starlight has become a regional destination and favorite summer venue for the community.
Courtesy of Studio Gang Architects
Technologies typically employed to move roofs over massive stadiums were adapted to fit the theater’s scale and budget. In fair weather, the roof opens to the stars for a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience.
Courtesy of Studio Gang Architects
Project Info :
Architects: Studio Gang Architects
Project Location: Rockford, IL, United States
Project Year: 2003
Project Size: 42,000 sf
Owner: Rock Valley College
Cost: $8.5 M, on-time and on-budget
Sophie Tremblay is a Montreal-based architectural editor and designer with a focus on sustainable urban development. A McGill University architecture graduate, she began her career in adaptive reuse, blending modern design with historical structures. As a Project Editor at Arch2O, she curates stories that connect traditional practice with forward-thinking design. Her writing highlights architecture's role in community engagement and social impact. Sophie has contributed to Canadian Architect and continues to collaborate with local studios on community-driven projects throughout Quebec, maintaining a hands-on approach that informs both her design sensibility and editorial perspective.