Interested in applying for residency? Visit Program Houses for application instructions.

Is your passion found in the arts? Whether it is dance, music, visual art, or theatre, Risley provides its 194 residents a warm and supportive environment to create, perform, and explore artistic expression - in any form.

One doesn't have to be a theatre or art major to live in Risley, its residents are from many walks of life with a variety of interests and talents - united by a shared appreciation and respect for the arts. Residents actively participate in all aspects of running the house from updating the Charter, Risley's governing document of 30 years, to initiating programs and events, to helping select the professional staff, which includes two Guest Suite Artists in Residence.

Since its inception in 1970, Risley residents have been living and learning in one of the most stimulating environments on Cornell's campus. In addition to the popular 80-seat student-run theatre, community coffeehouse, and eclectic art gallery, Risley also houses a stained glass shop, a music practice room, a recording studio, a print shop, wood and metal shops, an art studio, a darkroom, a video-editing studio, a sewing shop, a pottery studio, and a jewelry shop! All of that, and one of the best-kept secrets on campus - the Risley Dining Room - a place where one's taste buds are tantalized by home-cooked entrees including plenty of Vegan and vegetation options. The dining room was modeled after the Christchurch Refectory at Oxford University with a royal atmosphere.

Built in 1913, Risley rises castle-like next to the dramatic Fall Creek Gorge - a reminder of the classic grandeur of Cornell history. ''Risleyites'' are proud not only of its rich history, but also the traditions that make it such a unique and special place. Annual events such as the MasqueRave - Halloween-themed bash, or the traditional reading of Handel's Messiah are open to the entire Cornell community. There are also numerous house activities like coffeehouse drawing sessions, concerts, theatrical and dance productions, not to mention the twice-annual showing of cult film classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show complete with a live performance.

There is always something happening at Risley!

If you would like to find out more about the Risley theatre, how to go about producing a play in Risley Theatre or how to get involved in a Risley production, please come to a Theatre Sub-Committee Meeting, contact the General Manager at RisleyTheatre@cornell.edu, or visit the Risley Theatre website at http://www.rso.cornell.edu/risleytheatre.