Facilities
Productions at the University of Louisville are held in one of two places: The Playhouse and the Thrust Theatre. For information on renting these facilities, contact Garry Brown, Department Technical Director and Production Manager.
The Playhouse
Address & Parking Info
Map of Playhouse
Built in 1874, the current Playhouse originally served as a small, interdenominational chapel
for a local orphanage. In 1923, the University of Louisville acquired the land on which the
chapel stood, converted the structure into a theatre, and designated it a "temporary building"
for use until a permanent theatre could be erected.
In 1977, the Playhouse was dismantled to make room for the construction of the William F. Ekstrom Library and Learning Resources Center. The building was systematically taken apart and safely put into storage.
Rebuilt in 1980 on the traffic island between 2nd and 3rd streets at Cardinal Ave., the Playhouse was expanded to include a basement and full-working scene shop. It is also the location of the offices of the Technical Director and Scene Shop Foreman.
Thrust Theatre
Address & Parking Info
Map of Thrust Theatre
In addition to the proscenium stage offered by the Playhouse, U of L Theatre Arts Productions
are performed on the intimate stage of the Thrust Theatre. Built in 1992 and seating 164
patrons, the Thrust offers a variety of staging opportunities and interaction with the
audience.
The building housing the theatre is also the location of the Department's main office, faculty offices, classrooms and rehearsal rooms, and the costume shop. It is shared by the Theatre Department, the Fine Arts Studios, and the Health and Physical Education Department.
Theatre Locations and Parking
Thrust Theatre
HPES/Studio Arts Bldg.
2314 S. Floyd Street
Louisville, KY 40292
The Thrust Theatre is located in the HPES/Studio Arts building on the corner of Warnock
and Floyd, catty-corner from McDonald’s. Metered street parking is available on Floyd
St. Free parking is available in university lots located along Floyd St. after 7:30 p.m.
weekdays and all day on weekends.
Playhouse
1911 S. 3rd Street
Louisville, KY 40208
The Playhouse is located on the corner of Cardinal Blvd. & 3rd Street. Metered street
parking is available along 3rd Street and Cardinal Blvd. Free parking in the university
parking lots located on 3rd St. is free after 7:30 p.m. weekdays and all day on
weekends.