English classes emphasize classical authors while providing students with opportunities to produce their own creative and expository essays.Multi-Variable Calculus, Linear Algebra, Organic Chemistry, and Advanced Chinese and Latin are offered at a level beyond the AP curriculum.The Michael and Mary Jane Smith stage, named after Hamden Hall's long-standing theater faculty, has presented numerous productions.Hamden Hall was founded in 1912 by Dr. John P. Cushing and was housed in the hilltop mansion built by music merchant Morris Steinert.The Dolven Admissions Center, built around a Greek Revival house moved to the property, contains administrative and college counseling offices and the large upper school art studio.The Taylor Performing Arts Center features a theater (with the Michael and Mary Jane Smith Stage) and a music suite.The Ellen & Charles Swain Library, built in 1983 and housing the Barbara Olin Taylor Learning Commons, features a collection of more than 25,000 volumes, 60 periodicals, and extensive reference resources.[citation needed] In the middle and upper schools, interscholastic varsity teams are formed in football, soccer, wrestling, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, and tennis for boys; and field hockey, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, hockey, tennis, softball, and volleyball for girls.It is a US$12.5 million, 65,000-square-foot (6,000 m2) state-of-the art athletic building featuring 3 collegiate-length basketball courts (one wood, two composite), a 6 lane by 25-yard swimming pool, a large fitness center, conference rooms, and more.