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Seattle, Washington / Theaters and music

Floyd and Delores Jones Playhouse

A historic University District theater, once the nation's first state-sponsored theater, now serving as an intimate 210-seat venue for the UW School of Drama.

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Floyd and Delores Jones Playhouse
drama.washington.edu, website_hero_img_drama.washington.edu

What is the Floyd and Delores Jones Playhouse known for?

It was the first state-sponsored theater in the nation and served as a home for WPA projects and the Negro Federal Theater Projects.

Where is it located?

The playhouse is located at 4045 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105, at the corner of NE 41st and University Way NE.

What are the hours for visiting?

The lobby and box office open one hour before show time, and the auditorium opens approximately 30 minutes before show time.

How do I get tickets?

Tickets for events at the venue can be obtained through artsevents.washington.edu.

Where is the best place to park?

The closest UW parking is available in the Central Garage, located at NE 41st Street and 15th Avenue NE.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Floyd and Delores Jones Playhouse is a landmark of American theater history, situated at the corner of NE 41st and University Way NE. Originally constructed as a storehouse, the building was remodeled into a theater in 1930. It first operated as the Seattle Repertory Playhouse, opening its doors on February 2, 1930, with a production of George Bernard Shaw's Major Barbara. As the first state-sponsored theater in the nation, the venue served as a vital hub for WPA projects and the Negro Federal Theater Projects. For decades, it remained a center for dramatic arts and left-wing politics until the University of Washington took over the facility in 1950. This legacy of community engagement and artistic experimentation continues today as a hub of arts activity in Seattle's University District. Following an extensive renovation that began in June 2007—the first major overhaul in 40 years—the theater reopened in February 2009 as the Floyd and Delores Jones Playhouse. The reopening production was Thornton Wilder's classic Our Town. Today, the playhouse features a thrust stage and a seating capacity of 210 people. It is renowned for its intimate atmosphere, with officials describing it as a small theater where there isn't a bad seat in the house due to strong sightlines.

Visitor tips

  • The lobby and box office open one hour before show time, while the auditorium opens approximately 30 minutes prior.
  • For the closest UW parking, use the Central Garage located at NE 41st Street and 15th Avenue NE.
  • Check the UW Arts & Sciences event listings at artsevents.washington.edu for tickets and current show schedules.

Nearby context

The playhouse is located in the vibrant University District, serving as a cornerstone of the UW School of Drama's facilities and a hub for community engagement within the campus neighborhood.

Sources

Evidence and links