News Summary
Las Vegas is set to transform a struggling multiplex into THIRD Street, a innovative cultural hub focused on diversity in the arts. With a $5 million renovation plan, this incubator will feature multiple performance venues and collaborative spaces to foster local talent. The project aims to combat the exodus of creative professionals from the city, with a phased opening starting in January and community fundraising efforts underway to make it a reality.
Las Vegas is set to welcome a new cultural hub as the struggling seven-screen multiplex previously known as Eclipse/Art Houz/Downtown Cinemas, situated at 814 S. 3rd Street, undergoes a significant transformation into a theatrical incubator called THIRD Street. This innovative initiative is the result of collaborative efforts from several local cultural entities, including the Vegas Theatre Company, Vegas City Opera, Laugh After Dark, Las Vegas Sinfonietta, and renowned magician Teller.
THIRD Street aims to create a vibrant space dedicated to storytelling, talent training, and creative expression, addressing the need for a well-supported arts infrastructure within the city. The project requires approximately $5 million in renovations before its anticipated opening in spring 2026. The renovations will prompt the conversion of existing cinema spaces into specialized performance venues.
The first phase of the initiative includes the transformation of cinema 2 into a 250-seat proscenium-style theater and cinema 6 into a 150-seat black box theater. In addition, two smaller screening rooms will remain available for various uses, and the third-floor event space will be repurposed into a rehearsal and event venue. This third floor has been highlighted for its appealing views of Downtown Las Vegas and the surrounding mountains, adding an attractive element to the creative environment.
In addition to the performance venues, THIRD Street is designed to function as a collaborative workspace, allowing resident companies and visiting artists to utilize shared resources effectively. This concept has been likened to a “WeWork for the arts,” promoting resource sharing and fostering partnerships among local creative professionals and students.
To finance the necessary renovations and initial programming, around $5 million is being sought in community contributions, broken down into approximately $3 million for the build-out and $2 million allocated for staffing and operational costs during the first two years. This extensive financial support will aid in ensuring the sustainability of the venue as it becomes a cornerstone for the arts community.
Fundraising efforts are already underway, with the first major event scheduled for August 15. This event will feature a reading of “Bruce,” a musical interpretation of the movie Jaws. The program aims to not only raise funds but also showcase the mission of THIRD Street as a nurturing space for artistic development.
The targeted opening date for THIRD Street is set for January, with a phased development approach that includes plans for a 600-seat theater and a large-scale production studio in subsequent phases. Organizers hope that this ambitious project will help to mitigate the outflow of local artistic talent seeking opportunities elsewhere, effectively strengthening the cultural fabric of Las Vegas.
Overall, the establishment of THIRD Street marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Las Vegas arts community, demonstrating a unified effort to cultivate local creative talent and provide essential resources that support artistic endeavors in the city.
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Additional Resources
- Las Vegas Weekly: THIRD Street Project
- Google Search: THIRD Street Las Vegas
- Chicago Tribune: Geneva Arts Fair
- Wikipedia: Arts in Las Vegas
- Patch: Geneva Arts Fair
- Google News: Geneva Arts Fair
- Gulf Shore Life: Women Behind the Work
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Theater Incubators
- Review Journal: New Entertainment Venue
- Google Scholar: Las Vegas Theater
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
