Peoria Center for the Performing Arts facts for kids
PCPA as seen from the north side of the building.
|
|
| Address | 10580 N 83rd Dr |
|---|---|
| Location | Peoria, Arizona |
| Coordinates | 33°34′53″N 112°14′20″W / 33.5812879°N 112.2389755°W |
| Owner | City of Peoria |
| Operator | Theater Works |
| Type | Theater |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | 2005 |
| Opened | 2006 |
The Peoria Center for the Performing Arts (PCPA) is a fun place for shows and events in Peoria, Arizona. It's located in the historic Old Town area. This building has two theaters inside.
The center was finished on December 15, 2006. The City of Peoria worked with a theater group called Theater Works to create it. Theater Works now runs the center. It officially opened in February 2007 after Theater Works moved in.
In 2008, the Phoenix New Times newspaper called it the "Best New Playhouse." A company called Westlake Reed Leskosky designed the building. It cost about $13 million to build.
The roof is made of copper and looks like an old, dull penny. When it was first built, the shiny copper reflected a lot of sunlight. You could see the glare from far away! So, the city used a special process to make the copper look older faster. This helped stop the bright reflections, especially along Grand Avenue.
Many different events happen here, like live plays, dance shows, concerts, and comedy acts. They also have special events for kids, like puppet shows. The lobby has an art gallery where you can see local art. Plus, the center hosts a "Second Saturdays" music series, sometimes using the nearby Osuna Park.
Contents
What's Inside the Center?
The Peoria Center for the Performing Arts has several important areas. These spaces help bring amazing shows and learning opportunities to the community.
The Mary Jane Gyder Theater
The Gyder Theater is the main stage at the PCPA. It can hold up to 175 people. This theater also has a special area called an orchestra pit, where musicians can play live music for shows. It is named after Mary Jane Gyder, who was a big supporter and once a volunteer coordinator for Theater Works. Her family still supports the theater today.
The Constance W. McMillin Theater
The McMillin Theater is a smaller, more flexible theater. It can seat about 80 people. This is a "black box" theater, which means it's a simple, dark room that can be set up in many different ways for various types of performances. It is named after Constance W. McMillin, who is a local helper and a long-time supporter of Theater Works. She has been on their board of directors and helped pay for many shows.
The Root Studios
The Root Studios are two classrooms located next to the Gyder Theater. These rooms are used for two main purposes. They are rehearsal spaces where actors practice their lines and movements for plays. They are also educational spaces where kids and adults can take theater classes and attend camps to learn about acting and stagecraft. These studios are named after Robert T. Root, who was a supporter and once the president of the Theater Works board.
Backstage Areas
Behind the main stage, the building has several important areas for performers and crew. There are three dressing rooms where actors get ready. A green room is a lounge area where performers can relax before or after a show. There is also a set construction shop, where people build the scenery for plays, and a costume shop, where costumes are made or prepared. Offices are also located backstage for the theater staff.
