One of the most frequently used venues at Mesa Arts Center, the Nesbitt-Elliott Playhouse Theater features a whimsical design and steeply raked seating, ensuring excellent sightlines for audiences of all ages. With a capacity of up to 200 patrons, this versatile theater offers a vibrant and playful atmosphere ideal for theatrical performances, workshops, seminars, dance productions, and concerts.

A: Industrial pricing is for corporate organizations hosting events. Commercial pricing is a general designation that fits most organizations without an official not-for-profit status. Not-for-profit pricing is reserved for organizations that provide proof of a 501(c)-3 federal tax designation.
For more information, please see our rental rates or contact Event Services at 480-644-6589.
A: It is not in Mesa Arts Center's policy to donate space. However, we are happy to discuss your budget with you to see if we can make your event affordable at our facility.
A: You can email Event Services at rentals@mesaartscenter.com to check for available dates or to request more information. Please submit rental inquiries at least 6 weeks in advance. To hold a date on the calendar, you will need to fill out a Venue Application Form. After a date is put on hold for your event, we will contact you to discuss your event in detail and will prepare an estimate of costs.
We will send you a license agreement once the estimate is approved and the date and times are confirmed. A non-refundable deposit is due upon signing.
For more information, please contact Event Services at 480-644-6589.
A: We use AudienceView Ticketing Systems exclusively for ticketing. This is an all-in-one system that offers online, phone, and walk-up box office purchases.
A: This fee is applied to all tickets sold for performances at the Mesa Arts Center and is used for the upkeep of the facility and equipment. This fee must be built into the price of tickets offered by all users. Non-ticketed performance events will be charged a flat fee based on the theater used.
A: Ticket buyers may have additional service and delivery fees depending on how they purchase their tickets. There are no service or delivery fees when tickets are directly purchased at the box office. For more information on current service and delivery charges, please contact Event Services at 480-644-6589.
A: We provide a technical supervisor and technical staff for each event at an hourly rate per technician. Please note that we do not provide videographers or stage managers. Contact Event Services for more information at 480-644-6589.
A: All crew assignments are subject to approval from the Technical Director. Each theater requires a minimum number of crew members provided by the venue.
A: We require a certificate of general liability insurance for most events. Please contact Event Services at 480-644-6589 for more information.
A: Mesa Arts Center is committed to providing transparent and fair ticket pricing for all our patrons. In line with the new rules from the Federal Trade Commission, all ticket prices displayed for Mesa Arts Center events will reflect the full Ticket cost upfront. All-In Ticket Pricing means the price you see when selecting your tickets will be the total price—no surprises at checkout. Taxes, if applicable, may still apply at checkout. Shipping/Delivery Fees are presented at checkout with each delivery option.
For more information, please see General Safety Requirements
Plan Your Visit
Mesa Arts Center is located at One East Main Street in Downtown Mesa, at the southeast corner of Main and Center Streets.
Information and seating charts for each theater at Mesa Arts Center.
Open Tuesday–Saturday, 12–5 PM
Call 480-644-6500 or email boxoffice@mesaartscenter.com
Downtown Mesa parking can be limited during busy events. Parking is $10 and is available in our south lot or in the Sirrine Street Garage (only open for public parking after 5 PM on weekdays, and anytime on the weekends). To secure an accessible parking spot, we strongly recommend arriving at least one hour before showtime.
From sensory kits to assisted listening devices, Mesa Arts Center is committed to making its performances and facilities accessible to all our patrons.
Learn more about all our accessibility offerings here.
All visitors are subject to screening upon entry.
Theater Events Bag Policy:
Clear plastic bags (max size 12” x 6” x 12”)
Small bag or clutch (max size 8.5” x 5.5”)
Click here to learn more about our security measures.
Explore Downtown Mesa’s local restaurants before or after your show.
Click here to explore dining options.
Plan ahead with our interactive virtual campus tour.
View MAC Campus