About Our Artistic Events

ABOUT

ABOUT OUR ARTISTIC EVENTS & VENUES

In 1975, Theatreworks founder Murray Ross came to UCCS to start a theater program. Determined to establish a landmark artistic hub for both UCCS and the entire Pikes Peak region, he turned a small troupe of thespians into one of the best professional theaters across the Front Range. As the years and great productions went on, Ross presented his idea for an all-encompassing community arts space to house Theatreworks and more.  With dedicated help from UCCS Chancellor Emerita Pam Shockley-Zalabak, Ross and nearly 100 community collaborators helped secure the vision of the Ent Center for the Arts in 2015, marking another milestone for the arts in Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs and the Ent Center for the Arts are proof that cultivating a rich arts scene takes a village.
 

ABOUT OUR FACILITY

The Ent Center for the Arts is a 92,000 square-foot arts complex on the University of Colorado Colorado Springs campus. It was designed by H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture, a recognized leader in the planning and design of arts centers and cultural facilities, to provide a multi-dimensional, multi-venue artistic hub for both the campus and the wider community. It has 4 main venues as well as smaller intimate spaces for studio performances and rehearsals.
 

an event on an ent center stage

 

OUR VENUES

  1. SHOCKLEY ZALABAK THEATER

    Seating 757, this is the largest venue in the Ent Center for the Arts. But don't let its capacity mislead you: it feels as intimate as a venue half its size. It's perfectly designed to showcase a diverse array of events, and is sure to become one of your favorite places to experience the performing arts. The deep red walls and stage curtains suggest classic elegance, but most of the theatre’s features are technologically advanced as they are beautiful. The striking white oak stage floor is spring with space between it’s wood and concrete, making the floor give a little to protect dancers joints. Thrust elements can be lowered, allowing for small orchestra.

    Behind the Name: The Shockley Zalabak theater was named in honor of 2012 Chancellor Pam Shockley-Zalabak. After a 1.5 million fundraising campaign was completed, the theatre was officially dedicated as Shockley-Zalabak.Without her vision, plan and drive to “do everything in her power to make the art facility a reality”- Ent Center for the Arts would not exist. 
     

  2. CHAPMAN FOUNDATIONS RECITAL HALL

    This hall is an intimate gem, one of the highest quality acoustic spaces in the state of Colorado. Seating 230, the compelling beauty and technical grandeur of the hall provides artist and audiences alike with an unparalleled experience. The walls curve and undulate in harmony with the building’s exterior design. The capacity for fine-tuning means the room can be ideal and uncompromised for every type of musical ensemble.
     

  3. DUSTY LOO BON VIVANT THEATER

    This is a supremely flexible black box theater, which is able to reach a capacity of over 200 seats. With the ability to present theatre in an ever-changing, intimate, and creative environment, audiences are sure to be delighted by Theatreworks' new home.

    Behind the Name: Dusty Loo theatrical career began in Colorado Springs in the late 1940’s as a boy in The Littlest Wise Man. Later he acted in other productions at the Civic Theater and Fine Arts Center, but his greatest contribution to the local arts scene would prove to be philanthropy. Dusty Loo was an early supporter of Theatreworks, contributing financially to Shakespeare in the Park.
     

  4. MARIE WALSH SHARPE GALLERY

    Designed as a flexible and transformable museum-quality exhibition space. This 2,600 square foot white cube gallery is state-of-the-art with certified humidity control systems. The gallery's flooring system and grid of strong points in the ceiling can accommodate art installations in nearly any configuration.

    Behind the Name: The Gallery of Contemporary Arts is named in honor of Marie Walsh Sharpe. She was a champion for contemporary art, not only for Colorado Springs but across the United States. In addition to the naming of the gallery, an endowment was created in her memory to continue her legacy of supporting local artists.

     

  5. LANDIS FAMILY OVERLOOK STUDIO

    This studio is a practice and performance space with unobstructed views to the south and west. Fully outfitted for dance, the space has ballet barres and state-of-the-art sprung marley floors. This studio should inspire growth in the Dance program, while blending professional and student art.
     

  6. OSBORNE STUDIO

    Osborne Studio was designed with the student theatre in mind. This studio has a cutting-edge mini black theater with a professional control booth- which is a game-changer for student of technical design. It can have multiple configurations and seat up to 120 people. The Osborne high grid allows for better angles and lighting, creating an array of special effects.

    Behind the name: Ed and Mary Osborne have a rich legacy of supporting theater in Colorado Springs. Early on in 1970, they became early backers for Murray Ross’ Theatreworks. They have given generously over the years to further education and excitement of theater for young children.