The Ames Center

Venue Spaces

The Main Stage

The Main Stage is the largest of the theatres in the complex with a capacity of  1014 seats (759 Orchestra and 255 Balcony), and is beautifully designed with red, orange and green seats, while the main stage opening is adorned in gold colors.  The theatre is outfitted with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems.  The theatre is accessible on the ground and second level atrium lobbies and via elevator.  The theatre stage is 45 feet deep by 100 feet wide, with a 48-foot proscenium opening.  The theatre provides superb acoustics and sightlines for all patrons.

Black Box Theatre

The Black Box Theatre, located on the ground level, is a completely open space, which makes it totally flexible to any performance set up. The room can be hung  with sound and lighting instruments and is curtained. Risers are available to set the room to a capacity of 150 seated patrons. This intimate environment is ideal for smaller productions and event space requirements.

Art Gallery

The Art Gallery is a 2000-square-foot space with spacious white walls and dark natural wood flooring, creating the perfect exhibit space for visual arts and use as a small, private reception area for your VIP clientele pre or post show.  The gallery is open for regular viewing hours during the day as well as all evening scheduled
events.

Rehearsal Room

The Rehearsal Room is an 1,800-square-foot space, complete with mirrors and ballet barres on the walls, and a sprung maple floor for dance rehearsals. The room can also be utilized for trade/display purposes or 100 guest private receptions with dancing space.

Meeting Rooms

Our meeting rooms can be split in half with an air wall to separate groups or completely opened to accommodate 100 guests in a theatre style setup.  Classroom
setups as well as any combination of hollow square table design can be accommodated in this space.  Restrooms and beverage break areas are close by as is a separate entrance from the outside street and garage parking, both of which are free.

Green Room

A green room is located next to the Star Dressing Room in the backstage area, which can be used for smaller get-togethers of 30-50 persons in a secluded  environment.  This room features an adjacent entrance area and is carpeted and well lit.  Perfect for private Meet and Greet activities or as a VIP guest amenity.

VIP Suite

The VIP Suite is located on the north end of the second floor atrium next to the open air balcony, and provides for a private VIP setting for board meetings,
intimate formal dining and as a VIP PRIVATE RESERVE where conversations are easy and the views to the Minneapolis cityscape are on the horizon.  The perfect
location for public Meet and Greet opportunities in a controlled access environment.

Second Floor Reception

Our second floor atrium reception space is perfect for gatherings up to 280 seated patrons for banquets, receptions as well as trade show display space.
Windows are floor to ceiling offering outstanding views of Nicollet Commons Park, the Minnesota River Valley and the Minneapolis skyline to the north.  Fully carpeted and convenient to the Catering Prep Area, this space is the premiere space to host receptions, business and corporate functions south of the river.  The second floor atrium also includes an open air balcony providing a respite for guests as well as a fresh air escape from activities inside the venue.