Space Place Theater at the University of Iowa - A Premier Venue for Dance and Performance

Space Place Theater Introduce

Nestled within the vibrant campus of the University of Iowa, the Space Place Theater stands as a cornerstone of the performing arts scene in Iowa City. More than just a venue, it is an intimate and technologically advanced space that plays a critical role in the education and artistic expression of students. Primarily home to the University of Iowa Department of Dance, the theater is a hub of creativity, where aspiring artists hone their skills and share their work with the public. Since its acquisition by the UI in the early 1980s, the space has evolved from a simple gymnasium into a versatile performance venue, recently undergoing renovations to enhance both the audience and backstage experience. This venue is a place where new choreography, student thesis projects, and classic contemporary works come to life, offering a unique opportunity for the community to witness the future of performance art.

The Space Place Theater is located at 20 Davenport St, Iowa City, IA 52242, situated inside North Hall on the University of Iowa campus. Its central location makes it easily accessible for students, faculty, and community members. The theater's position within a university building means it's a bustling hub of activity, surrounded by classrooms and other academic facilities. For those attending a show, the theater's design is focused on the visitor experience. It features an intimate, 220-seat space where the stage is level with the first row, with rows rising up behind to ensure that every seat offers a great view. One of the key aspects of the theater is its commitment to accessibility. The provided information highlights that the Space Place Theater offers a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring that all members of the community can attend and enjoy performances with ease.

While its primary role is to serve as a performance and learning space for the University of Iowa's Department of Dance, the Space Place Theater offers a variety of services and functions that benefit the wider community. It is a vital part of the university's Performing Arts At Iowa ecosystem, working in conjunction with other departments and venues to provide a rich cultural experience.

Services offered include:

Performance Space: The theater serves as a venue for a wide range of productions, from formal concerts to experimental performances.
Educational Platform: It is a critical space for students and faculty to present their work, including MFA thesis projects and new choreography.
Event Hosting: The theater hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Department of Dance’s "Construction Site" showings, which are informal gatherings where students can show in-progress work and receive feedback.
Audience Experience: Provides a comfortable and intimate setting for up to 220 audience members, ensuring a close and engaging view of the performances.
Versatile Venue: Since its renovation, the theater has evolved into a technologically advanced space capable of supporting diverse artistic and technical needs.
Community Engagement: By hosting a variety of public performances, the theater acts as a bridge between the university's arts programs and the Iowa City community.

The Space Place Theater is distinguished by a number of key features and highlights that make it a premier venue for dance and performance in Iowa. The recent renovations have significantly improved both the aesthetic and technical capabilities of the space, creating a more professional and comfortable experience for both audiences and performers. These updates focused on making the space more presentable and safer, including converting old locker rooms into more suitable dressing rooms for dancers. The intimate size of the theater is also a major highlight, as it allows for a close connection between the performers and the audience, which is particularly beneficial for experimental and contemporary works. This design philosophy ensures that there are "no bad seats in the house," and every audience member has an excellent vantage point.

Intimate Atmosphere: With just 220 seats, the theater provides a close and personal experience with the performers, which is ideal for dance and dramatic works.
Renovated Facility: Recent updates have improved the backstage and audience areas, creating a more modern and professional venue.
Technologically Advanced: The space has evolved to be highly versatile, with advanced lighting and sound capabilities to support a wide range of artistic productions.
Accessibility for All: A commitment to inclusion is shown through the wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot, making it a welcoming space for everyone.
Part of a Larger Ecosystem: As a component of the Performing Arts At Iowa division, the theater benefits from a network of resources and expertise, ensuring high-quality productions.
Support for Student Artists: The venue provides a vital platform for students to showcase their talent, receive feedback, and grow as professionals.

For those seeking to attend a performance or learn more about the venue, here is the contact information. It's best to check the University of Iowa's Department of Dance or Hancher Auditorium's websites for specific event schedules and ticket information.

Contact Information:

Address: 20 Davenport St, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
Phone: (319) 335-2228

For anyone in Iowa looking for a unique and high-quality performing arts experience, the Space Place Theater at the University of Iowa is a fantastic choice. What makes it particularly worth choosing is its dual role as both an educational facility and a public performance venue. By attending a show here, you are not only witnessing a performance but also supporting the next generation of talented artists and choreographers. The intimate setting allows for a truly immersive experience, where the audience can appreciate the intricate details and emotional depth of a dance or theatrical piece. The recent renovations have further elevated the quality of the space, making it a comfortable and enjoyable place to spend an evening.

Beyond the physical space, the content of the performances themselves is a major draw. The theater is where student artists, guided by faculty, experiment with new ideas and push creative boundaries. This means that every visit offers a chance to see something fresh, innovative, and thought-provoking. The accessibility features, including the wheelchair accessible entrance and parking, are a clear indication of the university's commitment to making the arts available to everyone in the community. The Space Place Theater is not just a building; it is a vital part of Iowa's cultural landscape, a place that fosters talent, inspires audiences, and strengthens the connection between the university and the local community. By choosing to support this venue, you are investing in the future of the arts in Iowa City.