The Jeanne Marie & Rhoady Lee Center for the Arts

Seattle University opened The Jeanne Marie & Rhady Lee Center on February 14 2006, our state-of-the-art performance and exhibition space on the corner of Twelfth Avenue and East Marion Street. The facility was designed to enrich the artistic experience of Seattle University students, foster the development of new creative work by Seattle artists, and strengthen the infrastructure for arts education serving youth and adults in Seattle’s Central District and wider community.

The Center for the Arts houses a 150-seat flexible theater designed for drama, dance, and ensemble music. It also houses The Hedreen Gallery, a lobby art gallery for the public display of visual art by students and visiting artists visible through over 90 feet of plate glass windows along Twelfth Avenue. The Center also includes a scene shop, costume shop, prop room, green room, dressing room, and ticket booth.

Designed in conjunction with the managing and artistic directors of local theatre and dance companies as well as with Seattle University faculty. The performance space is attractive to a wide variety of visiting artists and resident companies by virtue of the flexibility of its seating and stage configuration. Both stage and seating are mobile and removable. The theatre is equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and sound technology and an elevated control booth. The exterior decor coordinates with the surrounding campus, while the lobby art gallery along Twelfth Avenue invites engagement from visitors and passersby and helps to make the facility accessible and welcoming to the public. 

View a slideshow of the The Jeanne Marie & Rhoady Lee Center for the Arts.