The Arts District in Las Vegas is on the brink of transformation as a local coalition of cultural organizations is set to breathe new life into a struggling multiplex. The Eclipse/Art Houz/Downtown Cinemas complex at 814 S. 3rd Street, which has been operating below expectations, will soon become a theatrical incubator named THIRD Street, tapping into the creative potential of the city.
A diverse group of local entities—including the Vegas Theatre Company, Vegas City Opera, Laugh After Dark, Las Vegas Sinfonietta, and noted magician Teller—have come together for this ambitious project. Ginger Land-van Buuren, the executive director of the Vegas City Opera, expressed excitement for the initiative, stating, ‘THIRD Street is the answer to a question Las Vegas has been asking for decades: Where do we go to tell our stories, train our talent, and create something truly our own? This is where Vegas-made creativity takes center stage.’
The first phase of the transformation is already in progress, but a significant portion of funding remains to be secured. Daz Weller, the executive artistic director of the Vegas Theatre Company, indicated that the renovation will require approximately $5 million and aims to welcome its first productions in the spring of 2026. He detailed the vision for THIRD Street while seated in the theater’s restaurant area, which he hopes to convert into an all-day café.
Weller envisions a space that accommodates a diverse range of patrons throughout the day, from early-morning creatives to students and parents arriving for performances and dinner before shows. He emphasized the goal of establishing the theater as not just a hub for resident companies but a shared resource for other local arts groups, akin to a communal workspace.
The excitement surrounding the project reflects a broader sentiment among Las Vegas performers who often feel confined by their roles. Many creatives express frustration with the limitations of Strip performances, and there is a growing desire for more dedicated spaces for artistic expression. Weller shared an anecdote about how real estate agent Michael Park had a vision for the building and urged Weller to explore the potential of transforming the multiplex.
Following their initial meeting with the building owners from New York, the discussions quickly evolved into a concrete plan for a performing arts center. Weller described the proposed renovations, which include transforming cinema 2 into a 250-seat proscenium-style theater and converting cinema 6 into a 150-seat black box theater, while retaining two screening rooms for various uses, such as sound studios or screening facilities.
One intriguing aspect of the project is the third-floor event space, which Weller described as having breathtaking views overlooking Downtown and the mountains. He called it ‘the best part of the building.’ Moreover, the plan incorporates creating an adaptable space that can also serve as a rehearsal venue ready for Broadway-style productions, enhancing versatility in the center’s offerings.
Fundraising remains an essential challenge for the initiative. Weller revealed that the fundraising efforts are targeting a total of $5 million, with about $3 million earmarked for the physical renovations and the remaining $2 million allocated for programming, overheads, and staffing over the first two years of operation.
Within the context of the arts scene in Las Vegas, where companies often seek exorbitant amounts for projects, Weller believes that the $5 million goal presents a manageable level of risk. He stated, ‘We know that there’s potential here. The Smith Center proves there’s an audience for this kind of work. We only need a fraction of that audience to make this size space successful.’
With the enthusiasm surrounding THIRD Street, the call for community support is paramount. One of the first significant fundraising events is set for August 15, where there will be a reading of ‘Bruce,’ a new musical about ‘Jaws’ by Richard Oberacker and Robert Taylor. This event not only serves as a fundraiser but also showcases the type of work THIRD Street aims to support: original productions that foster a growing audience.
Weller emphasizes the importance of gathering a diverse base of support, suggesting that funding could be achieved through numerous smaller donations rather than a few large contributions. He illustrated the point, stating, ‘Our goal of $5 million is 100 donations of $50,000, which seems achievable when looking at it that way.’ As the arts community awaits the transformation, the spirit of collaboration and creativity in Las Vegas continues to resonate, promising a new era for local storytelling and artistic collaboration.
image source from：lasvegasweekly
