1025 N. Olive Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85721
The Marroney Theatre first opened its doors in 1956 with an inaugural production of Hamlet. At the time of its opening, the Marroney Theatre was the best theatre in Arizona and influenced the construction of many other venues throughout the state. Originally known as The University Theatre, it was later renamed the Marroney Theatre in recognition of Peter R. Marroney, who served as the head of the theatre department for 36 years.
Over the years, The Marroney Theatre has experienced many upgrades. In February 2024, the theatre reopened following its most significant upgrades to date. The front of the building, including the east entry, lobby, box office and restrooms were renovated for an enhanced patron experience. The auditorium sees new seating and the addition of state-of-the-art screening equipment, allowing the venue to double as one of the most technologically advanced film screening rooms in Tucson.
As a home for both theatre and film, the Marroney serves as the primary venue for productions by students of the School of Theatre, Film & Television. Located in the heart of the College of Fine Arts, the Marroney welcomes visitors via an outdoor arts space and sculpture garden known as the Arts Oasis. The Arts Oasis, designed by artist and CFA Department alumna Barbara Grygutis, was brought to life in 1998.
The Marroney is a traditional proscenium theatre with a full capacity of 311 seats. The intimate space provides patrons with exceptional views of the stage and screen.
2023-24 Renovations
State-of-the-art theatre seats, chosen to update the aesthetic of the facility, but also to harmonize with the original woodwork in the auditorium. An interesting feature is that a few sections of seating at the rear of the auditorium can be easily removed to accommodate for a sound mixing position for live productions.
A Christie 4K UHD, 22,500-lumens Laser projector, which provides extremely bright projection to a permanently mounted professional projection screen that can be flown in and out to accommodate screenings whether stage scenery and equipment for a live performance is in place, or not.
The main speakers are L’Acoustics with QSC cinema surround speakers. The sound system can be configured several ways. Simple stereo, 3.1, 5.1, or 7.1 surround, or as an individually addressable 16 channel (or more) system for bespoke immersive live event sound designs. Powered by a QSC QSys CORE processor.
Recognition
Private support played an important role in making the most recent renovations of the Marroney Theatre possible. The following spaces within the Theatre recognize the significant commitment each has made to this project.
RABBI LEE AND JANE KIVEL LOBBYGREGORY KNOPF BOX OFFICEin honor of College of Fine Arts Alumni
THE LEN AND DORIS CORIS FAMILY LOUNGE
A couple who wishes to remain anonymous has named THE CRAIG T. NELSON STAGE in honor of fellow University of Arizona student and Emmy Award-winning actor, writer, director, and producer, Craig T. Nelson. In addition to naming the stage, the donor adds – ‘love Murph.’
(Photos by Gage Judd)