The Maurice K. Townsend Center for the Performing Arts supports the academic departments of Music and Theatre throughout their various performance and educational endeavors, supports the academic mission of the University of West Georgia as a whole, and advocates the Arts and Arts Education to the university and surrounding communities. Both the university and the West Georgia region benefit from the cultural enrichment and educational opportunities provided by the variety of events presented at the Townsend Center.

The Townsend Center is equipped with two performance venues, a 459-seat theatre with proscenium stage and orchestra pit, and the “black box” Richard L. Dangle Theatre which can be staged and set up in a variety of ways, seating up to 170 for experimental theatre, chamber music, receptions, and other small-scale events.

The Townsend Center for the Performing Arts is very fortunate to have two Bösendorfer Imperial Grand Pianos. Both pianos were purchased when the Townsend Center for the Performing Arts was opened in 1988. A special donation from the Cole family made it possible for the University to purchase the two instruments, which are used by the Music Department and visiting artists for university and community events.