Stevie Eller Dance Theatre

- 1737 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85719

The Stevie Eller Dance Theatre, an architectural masterpiece and a cornerstone of the arts in Tucson, Arizona, is a testament to the power of dance and performance. Situated on the campus of the University of Arizona, this award-winning facility is the proud home of the renowned UA Dance Ensemble, a group composed of talented BFA and MFA students. Since its completion in 2003, the theatre has become a beacon for the arts community, hosting some 50 performances a year. Its design, which has been lauded with awards from the American Institute of Architects and was even named one of "Arizona's Greatest Architectural Wonders," is a flowing, modern creation that itself seems to be in motion. As one reviewer noted, it is a "beautiful theatre" that provides a fantastic setting for a "Great performance." The theatre is more than just a stage; it is a space designed specifically for the art form it celebrates, with a focus on both form and function. The 29,000-square-foot complex is a vibrant center of creativity and education, supporting the next generation of dancers, choreographers, and artists. It offers a professional and intimate setting for audiences to experience the grace, power, and emotion of dance up close. For residents of Arizona, attending a performance at the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre is an opportunity to witness world-class talent and artistry without leaving the state. The theatre's mission is to provide a premier venue that not only showcases incredible talent but also inspires and transforms all who experience it. Its reputation for excellence and its commitment to the art of dance make it an invaluable part of the Tucson cultural landscape.

The Stevie Eller Dance Theatre is located at 1737 E University Blvd, on the campus of the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ. Its location on University Boulevard places it in a central, highly visible area that is easily accessible to students, faculty, and the public. Being part of the university campus means the theatre is surrounded by a lively and academic atmosphere, and it's well-connected by local public transportation options. While the convenience of its location is a highlight, it is important to note and be aware of potential accessibility challenges, particularly concerning parking for individuals with disabilities. A review mentions that all parking is a "mile away" and expresses frustration with the experience for those with mobility issues or in wheelchairs. This is a critical piece of information for potential visitors to be aware of and to plan for accordingly by checking for specific event-related parking instructions or alternative transportation methods. Despite this feedback, the theatre itself has ADA access in its seating design, with seats arranged in a continental style to help ensure good sightlines for all audience members. The theatre's physical design is also noteworthy, with an elegant, flowing exterior and a glass-walled lobby that creates a welcoming and inviting space. The interior, with its non-parallel walls and seating arranged to feel intimate, helps create an illusion of being closer to the stage. This combination of a centrally located, architecturally significant building with the potential for parking challenges for some visitors is an important aspect of the venue’s accessibility profile. It is always a good idea for visitors to contact the venue directly for the most current information on accessibility and parking.

Services Offered

• Hosts performances by the UA Dance Ensemble, composed of BFA and MFA students.
• Presents a wide variety of dance performances, with over 40-50 shows a year.
• Provides a professional venue for dance majors to rehearse and perform.
• Features a full-fly system, orchestra pit, and spacious stage to support diverse productions.
• Offers a costume shop, scene shop, and ample dressing rooms for performers.
• Supports academic programs with facilities for technique classes, choreography, and scholarly research.
• Hosts special events and recitals from other local dance schools.

Features / Highlights

• An award-winning, state-of-the-art facility completed in 2003.
• Architectural design inspired by dance, featuring a flowing metal exterior and unique interior spaces.
• Intimate 300-seat theatre with excellent sightlines and no balcony, designed to bring the audience closer to the stage.
• A spacious stage and a full orchestra pit.
• Part of the University of Arizona campus, providing an academic and artistic atmosphere.
• An inviting lobby with an interesting interior design, featuring a rusted metal mesh ceiling.
• Serves as the home base for the nationally recognized UA Dance Ensemble.

Contact Information

Address: 1737 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA

Phone: (520) 621-1162

What is worth choosing

The Stevie Eller Dance Theatre is a venue that offers a truly unique and enriching experience for performing arts lovers in Arizona. Despite the noted challenges with parking accessibility for individuals with disabilities, which is a valid point of concern to be aware of and plan for, the theatre itself provides an exceptional environment for enjoying dance. Its architectural beauty alone makes it a destination; the building is a work of art that complements the performances within. The intimate 300-seat theatre is designed to create a sense of closeness with the performers, allowing audience members to fully appreciate the athleticism, grace, and emotion of dance in a way that is not possible in larger venues. For those who are passionate about dance, this is the ideal setting. Furthermore, by attending a performance at the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre, you are directly supporting the future of dance by seeing the work of dedicated students and faculty from the University of Arizona's nationally recognized program. The opportunity to see the UA Dance Ensemble perform a wide variety of works, from classical ballet to contemporary and jazz, is a major draw. The commitment to hosting a large number of performances each year means there is always something new and exciting to see. The theatre is a hub of creativity, where students not only perform but also contribute to the productions through costume and set design. This holistic approach to the arts makes every performance a rich and multi-faceted experience. For anyone in the Tucson area and beyond who values high-quality dance, exceptional architecture, and supporting the next generation of artists, the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre is an unparalleled choice. It is a place where every performance is a testament to talent and passion, and every visit is a memorable cultural event.

Stevie Eller Dance Theatre

1737 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA