Guignol Theater

For residents of Lexington, Kentucky, with a passion for the performing arts, or for students considering a path in theatre and dance, the Guignol Theatre stands as a cornerstone of artistic education and cultural presentation. Located on the University of Kentucky campus, the Guignol Theatre is more than just a performance venue; it is the main stage for the UK Department of Theatre and Dance, a dynamic learning laboratory where future artists hone their craft and entertain our local community year-round. From classic dramas to contemporary dance, the Guignol Theatre provides a vital space for creativity and expression right here in the Bluegrass State.

The history of the Guignol Theatre at the University of Kentucky is rich, dating back to 1927 when the first Guignol Theatre was built on campus. Its name, "Guignol," (pronounced "geen-yohl") is inspired by the popular Grand Guignol Theatre in Paris, reflecting a legacy of engaging theatrical experiences. After a fire in 1947, a new Guignol Theatre proudly reopened in the Fine Arts Building in 1950, and since then, it has continued to fill a crucial niche in our community. For over 50 years, it has served as the venue where "generation after generation of Lexingtonians have been exposed to the pleasures of drama." Today, it remains an integral part of the UK Department of Theatre and Dance, offering a robust season of productions that showcase the talent of students, faculty, and guest artists, ensuring that Lexington always has access to compelling live performances.

The Guignol Theatre is centrally located within the University of Kentucky's Fine Arts Building at 465 Rose St, Lexington, KY 40508, USA. This prime campus location makes it highly accessible for students, faculty, and the general public across Lexington and the wider Central Kentucky region. Rose Street is a well-known artery within the university area, ensuring relatively easy navigation for visitors.

Upon arrival at the Fine Arts Building off Rose Street, the Guignol Theatre can be found via the front entrance. The lobby is conveniently located just inside, serving as a point for ticket purchases, claims, and assistance requests. For patrons requiring accessible seating, the theatre doors on the right from the front entrance lead directly to designated wheelchair spaces. Ushers and other production staff are readily available to help patrons find their seats and navigate the theatre. While specific parking for those with disabilities should be confirmed on the University of Kentucky's general campus accessibility pages, the theatre itself is wheelchair accessible, with features such as a proscenium stage, a full scene shop, a box office, and modern lighting systems designed to accommodate various needs. The commitment to providing assistance ensures that everyone in our community can enjoy the performances and events at the Guignol Theatre comfortably.

• Live Theatrical Productions: The Guignol Theatre hosts a diverse season of theatrical productions presented by the University of Kentucky's Department of Theatre and Dance. These include student performances, faculty-directed plays, and sometimes productions featuring guest artists.
• Dance Performances: As the main stage for both theatre and dance, the Guignol Theatre also showcases a variety of dance performances, ranging from student choreography to departmental showcases.
• Educational Training Facilities: Beyond performances, the theatre serves as a core educational facility for UK students pursuing degrees and minors in Theatre, Dance, Musical Theatre, and Filmmaking: Production and Dramatic Writing. It includes classrooms, rehearsal rooms, and technical shops.
• Hands-On Production Experience: Students gain invaluable practical experience by working on all aspects of theatrical production, including acting, directing, stage management, lighting, sound, scenic design, and costume creation. The theatre features a full scene shop, fly space, and modern lighting and sound systems.
• Box Office Services: A functional box office is available on-site for ticket purchases and will-call, streamlining the process for audience members attending shows.
• Community Engagement: The Guignol Theatre contributes significantly to Lexington's cultural scene by offering public performances, providing entertainment and artistic enrichment for local residents.
• Auditions and Opportunities: The theatre serves as a venue for production auditions for UK Theatre & Dance students, offering them direct pathways to performing and technical roles in the department's season.

• Main Stage for UK Department of Theatre and Dance: The Guignol Theatre is the primary performance venue for the University of Kentucky's esteemed Department of Theatre and Dance. This signifies a high standard of student and faculty work.
• Historic Significance: With a history dating back to 1927 and a reopening in 1950 after a fire, the theatre holds a significant place in Lexington's cultural narrative, having served generations of theatre-goers.
• State-of-the-Art Production Capabilities: The 388-seat proscenium theatre is well-equipped with a full scene shop, fly space, modern lighting board, sound system, and Ethernet connectivity, allowing for complex and high-quality productions.
• Dedicated Rehearsal and Learning Space: Beyond performances, the Guignol Theatre serves year-round as a vital space where students learn, rehearse, and develop their skills in acting, dance, and technical theatre.
• Flexible Seating Options: With a standard capacity of 388 seats, the theatre also offers an optional 130-seat on-stage arrangement, providing versatility for different types of performances and more intimate settings.
• Accessibility Features: The theatre is wheelchair accessible, with accessible seating available directly from the front entrance of the Fine Arts Building, ensuring that the arts are available to a wider audience.
• Contribution to Local Culture: The Guignol Theatre is celebrated for filling a "vital niche in the community," continuously exposing Lexingtonians to the pleasures of drama and contributing to the city's vibrant arts scene.
• Support for Developing Talent: It provides essential hands-on experience and performance opportunities for university students, nurturing the next generation of theatre and dance professionals.

For more information about upcoming performances, ticket sales, educational programs, or general inquiries related to the Guignol Theatre and the UK Department of Theatre and Dance, please use the following contact details:

Address: 465 Rose St, Lexington, KY 40508, USA

Phone: (859) 257-4929

Mobile Phone: +1 859-257-4929

For detailed schedules of productions and events, it's often best to check the official University of Kentucky College of Fine Arts or Department of Theatre and Dance websites. However, directly contacting the theatre via phone can also provide immediate assistance for specific questions about accessibility, parking, or tickets for individual shows.

For residents of Kentucky, particularly those living in Lexington and the surrounding areas, the Guignol Theatre serves as an invaluable local resource for both experiencing and engaging with the performing arts. Its suitability for locals is deeply rooted in its dual role as a high-quality performance venue and a thriving educational institution, all conveniently located within our community.

Firstly, the Guignol Theatre consistently offers a diverse and robust season of theatrical and dance productions. This means that locals don't have to travel far to enjoy professional-level performances, showcasing both classic works and innovative new pieces. As a venue that has exposed "generation after generation of Lexingtonians" to drama, it remains a beloved and accessible hub for cultural enrichment right here in our city. The opportunity to see talented university students and faculty, alongside occasional guest artists, perform in a modern, well-equipped space is a significant draw for anyone seeking engaging entertainment.

Secondly, for families with aspiring artists, or for individuals considering a career in theatre and dance, the Guignol Theatre provides direct access to a comprehensive educational program. Being the main stage for the UK Department of Theatre and Dance, it offers hands-on training, state-of-the-art facilities, and a supportive environment where students can truly develop their skills. This local access to professional-level training ensures that Kentucky's talent can flourish without needing to leave the state immediately after high school.

Finally, the theatre's commitment to accessibility, with wheelchair-friendly seating and helpful staff, ensures that the magic of live performance is available to as many members of our community as possible. By continually offering high-quality productions, fostering new talent, and serving as a cultural meeting point, the Guignol Theatre firmly establishes itself as a vital and cherished asset for the local community in Kentucky.

Guignol Theater

465 Rose St, Lexington, KY 40508, USA