NAMBA Performing Arts Space

Are you a Californian who appreciates the magic of live performance, seeking an intimate and impactful cultural experience right in your local community? Do you crave a venue where you can truly connect with artists and their craft, away from the grand anonymity of larger theaters? Look no further than NAMBA Performing Arts Space in Ventura, CA. This "great little spot to catch a show" is gaining a reputation for its unique charm and its commitment to providing an "intimate theater space" that truly elevates the audience's experience.

NAMBA Performing Arts Space is a multi-disciplinary arts lab and performance venue nestled in Ventura's historic Downtown arts district. Its mission is to enrich the community through the power of performance, offering an intimate setting where artists can educate and entertain through artistic collaboration, unique programming, showcases, workshops, and classes. It's a place where every seat feels like the best seat in the house, allowing for a deep connection between performers and their audience. One recent attendee enthusiastically noted, "Just came back from watching the Kayla Boye one woman show 'Call Me Elizabeth'. My first time at this venue. Magnificent performance." This feedback perfectly encapsulates the impactful experiences NAMBA consistently delivers.

As a non-profit organization, NAMBA Performing Arts Space is dedicated to nurturing new projects, fostering artistic collaboration, and enriching the cultural landscape of Ventura and beyond. They envision a community where all people can experience and appreciate the value of the performing arts as a cultural art form, through the lens of music, dance, and theater. If you're in town and looking for compelling live entertainment, you should "definitely check out the schedule!"

NAMBA Performing Arts Space is centrally located at 47 S Oak St, Ventura, CA 93001, USA. This address places the theater right in the heart of Ventura's historic Downtown arts district, a vibrant and easily accessible area for both local residents and visitors. Downtown Ventura is known for its walkable streets, eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and other cultural venues, making it a desirable destination for an evening out.

The location on S Oak Street benefits from Ventura's well-organized urban layout, with good road access from various parts of the city and surrounding communities in Ventura County. While specific parking details should always be checked prior to attending an event, downtown areas typically offer a mix of street parking and public lots, often within a reasonable walking distance of the venue. Being in a bustling arts district means that public transportation options might also be available. The accessibility of NAMBA Performing Arts Space ensures that more Californians can easily immerse themselves in the diverse artistic offerings, contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of Ventura. Its prime location in a dynamic area enhances the overall experience for patrons looking to enjoy live performances.

NAMBA Performing Arts Space offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to provide a rich and varied experience for both artists and audiences, emphasizing cultural education and intimate performance:

• Live Performances: The core offering includes hosting a diverse range of live performances, encompassing music (including genres like Celtic, blues, roots-rock, and eclectic originals), dance (as the home of Aloft Dance Theatre, which develops interdisciplinary dance projects), theater (such as one-woman shows and musicals like "Annie Jr."), and potentially other performing arts like poetry readings or comedy.
• Intimate Venue Experience: With a maximum seated audience capacity of 80, NAMBA provides a truly intimate theater space. This allows for a unique connection between performers and their audience, enhancing the impact of each show. The seating can be arranged in rows, in the round, half-round, or three-quarter round settings, offering flexibility for different performance types.
• Workshops and Classes: Beyond performances, NAMBA offers educational programming, including workshops and classes related to performing arts. This provides opportunities for community members to learn, develop skills, and engage more deeply with the arts.
• Artistic Collaboration and Unique Programming: The space is a multi-disciplinary arts lab that fosters artistic collaboration. They actively encourage unique programming and interdisciplinary arts projects, bringing together poets, writers, actors, musicians, and visual artists.
• Venue Rentals: NAMBA offers its space for rent to artists and organizations, providing a professional venue for their showcases, rehearsals, and performances. The facility includes a 1000 sq ft stage with an approx. 800 sq ft Marley dance floor, air conditioning, mirrors, a box office, a green room with dressing room, and a gallery for drinks and snacks.
• Community and Cultural Events: As a non-profit, NAMBA hosts and participates in various community and cultural events, enriching the local arts scene. They are proud participants of the Downtown Ventura Art Walk, Ventura Music Festival, and First Fridays Ventura.
• Nurturing New Projects: The organization is dedicated to nurturing new artistic projects and fostering talent, providing a supportive platform for emerging and established artists.

NAMBA Performing Arts Space is distinguished by several key features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for arts enthusiasts in Ventura and beyond:

• Intimate Performance Setting: A primary highlight is its "intimate theater space" with a maximum seated capacity of 80. This allows for a deeply immersive and personal experience, where audiences feel closely connected to the performers, as highlighted by reviews praising the "magnificent performance" and closeness to artists.
• Multi-Disciplinary Arts Lab: NAMBA is more than just a venue; it's a "multi-disciplinary arts lab." This means it actively supports and showcases a wide array of art forms, including music, dance, theater, and interdisciplinary collaborations that bring together diverse artistic talents.
• Diverse Programming: The schedule features a variety of acts, from "Skyrie, an electrifying contemporary Celtic music trio," to "Shawn, Shane and Paulo" bringing "roots-rock," and "Beto Hale" with his "genre-blending multi-instrumentalist" style. This eclectic mix ensures there's something for every taste. They also host one-woman shows, dance theatre, and educational programs.
• Focus on Artist-Audience Connection: The design and philosophy of NAMBA prioritize the connection between artists and their audience. The small venue size naturally facilitates this, creating memorable and impactful experiences.
• Home of Aloft Dance Theatre: Being the home of Aloft Dance Theatre signifies a strong dedication to dance. Aloft Dance Theatre develops interdisciplinary arts projects through choreography, bringing together various artists for unique performances.
• Community Engagement and Collaboration: As a non-profit, NAMBA actively seeks to "enrich the cultural landscape of our community." They participate in local events like the Downtown Ventura Art Walk and the Ventura Music Festival, fostering strong ties within the arts community. They also encourage artistic collaboration.
• Professional Facilities for Rent: The space is available for rental, featuring a 1000 sq ft stage, a Marley dance floor, a green room, box office, and gallery space. This makes it a valuable resource for local and touring artists needing a professional performance venue.
• "Good Seating": Customer reviews specifically mention "Good seating," indicating comfortable viewing angles and an overall positive audience experience.

For those in California interested in experiencing the unique performances and engaging with the arts at NAMBA Performing Arts Space, here is their contact information:

Address: 47 S Oak St, Ventura, CA 93001, USA

Phone: (805) 628-9250

Mobile Phone: +1 805-628-9250

Prospective patrons, artists, or anyone with inquiries about the schedule, tickets, venue rentals, or community involvement are encouraged to reach out directly via phone. Calling is often the most efficient way to get up-to-date information on upcoming shows and events. NAMBA Performing Arts Space also maintains an official website (nambaarts.com) and likely has a presence on social media, which are excellent resources for viewing their full schedule, learning more about their mission, and purchasing tickets online. Checking their digital platforms is highly recommended to plan your visit and discover the diverse array of performances available.

For residents of California, particularly those in Ventura and the surrounding areas, NAMBA Performing Arts Space is an exceptionally suitable and valuable local cultural asset. It offers a distinct and enriching experience that caters directly to the desires of a vibrant, arts-appreciative community.

Firstly, its intimate size and setting are a major draw for locals. In a world increasingly dominated by large, impersonal venues, NAMBA provides a refreshing alternative. As reviews highlight, it's an "intimate theater space" with "good seating" that allows for a deep and personal connection with the performers. This close proximity ensures that every audience member feels fully immersed in the experience, fostering a stronger appreciation for the artistry on display. For Californians seeking a more meaningful and less overwhelming live entertainment option, NAMBA offers that cherished sense of discovery and direct engagement with the arts, right in their backyard.

Secondly, NAMBA's commitment to diverse and multi-disciplinary programming means there's always something new and exciting for local tastes. From "electrifying contemporary Celtic music" to "roots-rock" and "genre-blending multi-instrumentalist" performances, along with dance theater and one-woman shows, the schedule caters to a wide array of artistic preferences. This variety encourages locals to explore different art forms and discover new favorites, enriching their cultural palate. As a non-profit "arts lab," it actively nurtures local talent and fosters artistic collaboration, providing a vital platform for both established and emerging artists within the California community.

Moreover, NAMBA Performing Arts Space is deeply rooted in community engagement. As a participant in local events like the Downtown Ventura Art Walk, Ventura Music Festival, and First Fridays Ventura, it actively contributes to the cultural vibrancy of the city. For locals, this means not only a place to enjoy shows but also a venue that is actively involved in strengthening the local arts scene and providing opportunities for community interaction. It serves as a central hub where residents can connect with their cultural identity and participate in shared artistic experiences.

Finally, its prime location in Ventura's historic Downtown arts district makes it incredibly accessible. For residents, it's a convenient destination for a night out, often within walking distance of other local amenities. By choosing to support NAMBA Performing Arts Space, Californians are not just attending a show; they are investing in the cultural health of their community, supporting local artists, and enjoying high-quality, intimate performances that truly resonate. It's an ideal choice for anyone looking to enrich their lives through the power of live performance in a truly special Ventura setting.

NAMBA Performing Arts Space

47 S Oak St, Ventura, CA 93001, USA