History of the MCC Theatre

In 1978 Mesa Community College opened the doors of its first theatre facility. Built for about $1.1 million, it was originally dubbed the Theatre Outback because it was located on the southern part of campus with few buildings, making the area “out back” of the main campus. As the MCC campus has grown in size, the theatrical facility became simply known as the MCC Theatre.

Its opening in 1978 facilitated the growth of the MCC theatre arts program. Originally intended to be a lab and performance space for theatre students, the building has hosted other events over the years, the most notable being an appearance by President George W. Bush in 2004, who came to discuss his proposed federal grant for job training programs for community colleges. The venue’s primary purpose, however, is to encourage and educate students in all facets of the performing arts. Many of MCC’s musical, theatrical, and dance productions have and continue to receive awards of excellence.

In 2012 the MCC Theatre underwent a $2 million renovation. In addition to providing major architectural changes to the theatre’s lobby and west wing, the project also updated many of the theatrical systems, propelling the MCC Theatre into the 21st century of theatre technology. MCC students now have the opportunity to train with cutting-edge equipment, preparing them for careers in today’s entertainment industry.