University Center for the Arts

For residents and visitors in Colorado, particularly those in the Fort Collins area, the University Center for the Arts (UCA) at Colorado State University stands as a beacon of cultural enrichment and artistic excellence. More than just a building, the UCA is a vibrant hub where the performing arts—music, theatre, and dance—come alive, alongside engaging visual art exhibitions. It serves as a dynamic focal point for creativity, education, and entertainment, hosting an impressive array of events throughout the year that cater to diverse tastes and interests. Whether you're a connoisseur of classical music, a fan of dramatic theatre, or captivated by the grace of dance, the UCA offers a world-class experience right here in Northern Colorado.

The University Center for the Arts is a testament to the transformative power of the arts, not only as a place for learning and artistic development for Colorado State University students but also as a vital cultural resource for the entire community. It brings together the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, along with two museums (the Gregory Allicar Museum of Art and the Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising), creating a multidisciplinary environment where various art forms converge. With a commitment to showcasing both emerging talent and professional artists, the UCA provides a consistent stream of high-quality performances and exhibitions, making it an indispensable part of Fort Collins' vibrant cultural landscape and a must-visit destination for anyone seeking enriching artistic experiences in Colorado.

The University Center for the Arts (UCA) is prominently located at 1400 Remington St, Fort Collins, CO 80524, USA. This address places it squarely within the Colorado State University campus, ensuring ease of access for both university affiliates and the general public from across Colorado. Remington Street is a well-known artery in Fort Collins, making the UCA straightforward to locate and reach by various means of transportation.

Accessibility is a key consideration at the UCA, ensuring that all patrons can enjoy its offerings. The facility is equipped with features designed to accommodate diverse needs. This includes dedicated, accessible parking spaces located near the main entrance, complemented by appropriate curb cuts and ramped access into the building. Primary entry points are fitted with automatic door openers for ease of entry. Once inside, elevators are clearly marked and available to those with mobility needs, providing access to various levels of the facility. Restrooms and drinking fountains are designed to meet ADA height and width requirements, and an all-inclusive restroom may also be available in some areas.

For performances, specific seating areas are designated for wheelchairs and scooters in all UCA theatres, including the Mainstage Theatre (cross aisle between lower and upper orchestra sections or behind the last row), Drama Theatre, Screening Room, and Black Box Theatre (layout varies). Patrons requiring these accommodations are encouraged to request them when ordering tickets. Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) are also available free of charge at coat check or concessions, requiring a photo ID for checkout. For those using public transportation, the UCA is conveniently located near TransFort bus stops, with accessible sidewalks and ramps leading to the venue, further enhancing its reach within the Fort Collins community.

The University Center for the Arts (UCA) serves as a multi-faceted cultural institution, offering a broad spectrum of services and experiences that extend beyond simply hosting performances. It is a comprehensive hub for arts and culture in Northern Colorado.

• Live Performing Arts Events: The UCA is renowned for hosting a vast array of live performances. This includes classical and contemporary music concerts (orchestral, chamber, jazz, choral), theatrical plays (dramas, comedies, musicals), and diverse dance performances (ballet, modern, contemporary). These events feature talented Colorado State University students, faculty, and often renowned guest artists. As one reviewer highlighted, "love the UCA, great shows."
• Art Exhibitions: Beyond the performing arts, the UCA houses the Gregory Allicar Museum of Art and the Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising. These museums regularly present diverse exhibitions of visual arts, textiles, and design, offering a continuous stream of cultural enrichment.
• Academic Programs: As the home to CSU's School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, the UCA provides a full range of undergraduate and graduate academic programs. These programs offer rigorous training in performance, composition, design, technical theatre, music therapy, and arts education.
• Educational Workshops and Masterclasses: In conjunction with the academic programs, the UCA often hosts workshops, masterclasses, and lectures by visiting artists and scholars. These events provide additional learning opportunities for students and, at times, for the public.
• Ticket Sales and Box Office Services: The UCA provides comprehensive ticket services for all its performances and events, including online purchasing, phone sales, and an on-site box office. The box office staff are known for being courteous and helpful.
• Accessibility Services: As detailed in the previous section, the UCA offers a robust suite of accessibility services, including wheelchair seating, accessible routes, and assistive listening devices, ensuring an inclusive experience for all patrons. One reviewer specifically noted, "The building was accessible and the handicap seating was easy to find and comfortably located with companion seating nearby."
• Venue Rental: Certain spaces within the UCA may be available for rental by external organizations or individuals for performances, events, or conferences, contributing to its role as a community resource.

The University Center for the Arts (UCA) in Fort Collins boasts numerous features and highlights that establish it as a premier destination for arts and culture in Colorado. Its unique attributes contribute to an exceptional experience for both performers and audience members.

• Historic and Beautiful Architecture: The UCA is housed in a beautifully renovated historic building that was originally Fort Collins High School, built in 1925. This blending of historical charm with modern functionality creates a unique and inspiring atmosphere. One satisfied visitor noted, "Beautiful, old Fort Collins High School, brought to new life as CSU University Center of the Arts. Nice people, historic building, and the Annual and Perennial Gardens - love this place!"
• State-of-the-Art Performance Venues: The UCA features five world-class performance venues designed with exceptional acoustics and technical capabilities. These include the 550-seat Griffin Concert Hall (with advanced acoustical design), the University Dance Theatre (with fully sprung floors and theatrical systems), and the 300-seat University Theatre (a trapped thrust stage). Recent investments of $1.5 million in technology upgrades ensure these venues are equipped for audio recording, livestreaming, projection, and live-sound capabilities, supporting diverse genres from classical to jazz, rock, pop, and hip-hop.
• Extensive Event Calendar: The UCA hosts over 250 performances and exhibitions annually, offering a rich and varied calendar of events. This means there's almost always something captivating to see, from orchestral concerts and opera to Broadway-style musicals, contemporary dance, and student recitals. As one review mentioned, "love the UCA, great shows."
• Diverse Artistic Offerings: Beyond the performing arts, the UCA also encompasses two museums – the Gregory Allicar Museum of Art and the Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising – which feature diverse collections and exhibitions. This multidisciplinary approach allows visitors to experience a broad spectrum of artistic expression under one roof.
• Accessible and Welcoming Environment: The UCA is committed to accessibility, with features like dedicated accessible parking, automatic doors, elevators, wheelchair seating, and assistive listening devices. This ensures that patrons of all abilities can comfortably enjoy performances, as highlighted by a visitor who "enjoyed a free concert “Baroquen and Beautiful” last week," and noted, "The building was accessible and the handicap seating was easy to find and comfortably located with companion seating nearby."
• High-Quality Student and Faculty Performances: Audiences can enjoy world-class performances by talented CSU students, faculty, and esteemed guest artists, providing opportunities to witness emerging talent and seasoned professionals. The concert "Baroquen and Beautiful" was described as an "incredible show! The music was outstanding."
• Community-Oriented Programming: The UCA often offers free or low-cost events, and some performances may have wait-list opportunities for free tickets if there are no-shows, demonstrating a commitment to making the arts accessible to the broader Colorado community. One reviewer mentioned, "even if you don't have a ticket you can get on a wait-list at the box office an hour before the show, and could potentially get a free ticket from someone who didn't show up."

To connect with the University Center for the Arts in Fort Collins and experience its vibrant artistic offerings, you can utilize the following contact information. For general inquiries or questions related to the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, you can call (970) 491-5529. This number also serves as a mobile phone contact: +1 970-491-5529. For specific event tickets and information, it is recommended to visit their dedicated ticket office website, CSUArtsTickets.com, or call (970) 491-ARTS (2787). The physical address for the University Center for the Arts is 1400 Remington St, Fort Collins, CO 80524, USA. We encourage checking their official website for the most current schedule of performances, exhibitions, and any ticketing policies or accessibility updates.

For Colorado locals, the University Center for the Arts in Fort Collins is an absolute treasure and an essential destination for anyone with an appreciation for the performing and visual arts. Its suitability for the local community is manifold. Firstly, it offers an incredibly diverse and extensive calendar of events, ensuring that there's always something to pique your interest, from grand orchestral concerts and dynamic theatrical productions to captivating dance performances and insightful art exhibitions. This rich cultural programming, much of which is accessible and often free or affordably priced, enriches the lives of Fort Collins residents and beyond, providing world-class artistic experiences without the need to travel far. Secondly, the UCA's commitment to accessibility, as evidenced by its thoughtful facilities and helpful staff, ensures that everyone in the community can enjoy these cultural offerings comfortably and inclusively. Finally, as the home to CSU's School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, the UCA allows locals to witness the burgeoning talent of future artists alongside seasoned professionals, fostering a deep connection between the community and the next generation of performers. Its role as a beautiful, historic, and ever-evolving hub for the arts makes the University Center for the Arts an indispensable part of Colorado's cultural landscape, providing endless opportunities for inspiration, entertainment, and engagement right in your own backyard.

University Center for the Arts

1400 Remington St, Fort Collins, CO 80524, USA