In 2003 the University of Arizona’s dance program was privileged by the completion of the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre. Home to the UA Dance Ensemble, dance majors rehearse and perform in this award-winning, state of the art facility. The 29,000 square foot complex, which houses a 300-seat theatre with spacious stage, full-fly system and full orchestra pit, is host to some 50 performances a year by majors in the dance program. These performances are supported as well by a costume shop, scene shop, pilates studio and ample dressing rooms. The theatre’s design –an integration of art, movement and architecture– features second-story studios surrounded by glass.

Lead architects on the project, Donna Barry and Jose Pombo (then with Gould Evans), created a space so inviting and yet so innovative that several awards announced and recognized their work. A 2003 Citation Award from the AIA and a Best Public Project over $5M were quickly followed in 2004 with the AIA Arizona Honor Award. In short order, the building was added as one of only fifteen on the list of “Arizona’s Greatest Architectural Wonders.”

The Stevie Eller Dance Theatre provides a brilliant blend of form and function. The Gould Evans team created an atmosphere where their art and ours could be fused, resulting in this stunning achievement. This building will change our lives and the lives of future generations of students, artists and art patrons.

– Jory Hancock, Stevie Eller Endowed Chair and Director of Dance