Students
Welcome to The Prior
The Prior Performing Arts Center is a new hub on campus to connect with the arts: as a performer, audience member, technician, or student. It’s also a great place to grab a hot beverage and a snack between classes or to study with your friends in the evening!
Read on to learn more about ample arts opportunities for Holy Cross students at The Prior and click the link below to learn more about the academic and co-curricular arts at Holy Cross.
Reserve Space
Students are welcome to reserve one of four music practice rooms at The Prior—two of which overlook the Beehive atrium—for solo or small group vocal or instrumental rehearsals, as well as the Ensemble Room and Performance Studio for small group rehearsals.
In conjunction with the Office for Student Involvement, student groups may also request event space at The Prior.
Students may click the link below to access and submit the Space Request form via Ignite.
Student Discounts
Holy Cross students benefit from discounted tickets to music, theater, dance, and other live arts events in the center’s visiting artist series, Prior Presents. Come be thrilled by artists from the around the world for only $5 a ticket!
Non-Holy Cross college and university students are also eligible for a Prior Presents discounted ticket price of $14 ($10 ticket + $4 fee) with code STUDENT26 (limit one per person per show available for pickup at will call with student ID).
Please email priorboxoffice@holycross.edu with any questions about student discounts.
Student Research
Through the state-of-the-art resources available at The Prior, Holy Cross students have a rare opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research in a wide range of fields and disciplines in the arts.
“Two years earlier, some of the aspects of this work wouldn’t be possible, but we now have the state-of-the-art Prior Performing Arts Center on campus. It is in The Prior that I will be actualizing my research through rehearsals and recording.” –Rhiannon Hurst ’25, Fenwick Scholar & Brooks Music Scholar
Student Employment
Students play a crucial role in the operation of the Prior Performing Arts Center, working as AV assistants, after-hours building managers, ushers, ambassadors, and more.
Our application for student employment opportunities for the 2025-2026 year are available at the link below. Apply today!
Student Lounge
Holy Cross students are always welcome to visit “The Beehive Atrium” during The Prior’s open hours to gather with friends, study for classes, explore exhibitions and sample the delicious offerings at the O’Connor Family Café.
O’Connor Family Café
Located in “The Beehive” Atrium in The Prior, the O’Connor Family Cafe offers fresh steeped teas, Italian sodas, boba teas, craft kombucha and small bites that satisfy any appetite.
Hours of Operation
Monday–Friday: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday: CLOSED
