No seat in the Wilson Center's main theater sits more than 70 feet from the stage. That makes the Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts, on Florida State College at Jacksonville's South Campus, one of the closer looks in town at a touring comic.
The main theater has 500 seats in a European style layout with box seats and balconies, each balcony lined with an artisan railing by local artist David Ponsler. The stage is one of the largest in town, and three sets of curtains along the walls let the crew tune the acoustics for each kind of show. The building also holds a smaller studio theater, the South Gallery for contemporary art and a conference center that looks out over the campus lake.
A College Stage on Beach Boulevard
Most of the year the center is busy with the college's own dance, drama, music and opera, and the FSCJ Artist Series presents touring shows here as well. Comedy dates are less frequent than downtown, which makes them easy to miss, so keep an eye on the full calendar.
Free Parking
The FSCJ Artist Series says parking at the Wilson Center is always free, with plenty of spaces right next to the theater. The center is at 11901 Beach Boulevard on the Southside, between downtown and the Beaches.
Theater Rules
Food and drinks are not allowed inside the theaters, and the whole campus is smoke and tobacco free, parking lots included. Cameras, video equipment and recording devices are not allowed in the theater. Latecomers are seated when the house manager finds a good moment. Will Call opens one hour before each performance.
Everyone needs a ticket, infants included, and babes in arms are not permitted. Depending on the show, the center discourages bringing children younger than five. Check your ticket for the night's rules.
Access
The center provides wheelchair accessible restrooms and seating areas. A house manager is on duty at every performance, backed by student and volunteer ushers who can help you find your seat.
For more comedy on this side of town, including The Comedy Zone in Mandarin, see the Southside and Mandarin area page.