Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center

About the UW Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center & Theatre Complex

The Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center & Theatre (ECC) opened in 1972 in response to student demands for greater diversity in educational programming. The Kelly ECC was designed to provide a supportive, nurturing atmosphere to enhance student academic performance. The Kelly Ethnic Cultural Theatre (ECT) is an important part of the design. Its purpose is to increase awareness of all cultures through the performing arts. For almost 43 years, the Ethnic Cultural Center and its theatre have been at the center of the university’s effort to encourage both cross-cultural exchange and learning beyond the classroom.

The Kelly Ethnic Cultural Theater has produced its own season of performances in the past, but is currently primarily a rental venue for cultural and performance organizations.  Priority is given to University of Washington student organizations and departmental cultural programming, however we always have available space for events and programs held by organizations in the greater-Seattle and national/international community.

The Theatre Space

The Theatre Space

The Theatre is approximately 5,000 sq. ft. and provides an intimate setting with a capacity of 161 seats for theatrical, arts, music, spoken word, conferences and a host of artistic, cultural and social events. The theatre has also recently been renovated with new lighting technologies which will enhance performances.

The theatre services benefits students by providing access to a unique and limited resource on campus, reduced fees for theatre rental, learning opportunities to produce events, access to staff who can guide them through both the artistic & technical ends of event planning, includes planning & problem-solving skills. For student staff, the staff provides training on lighting & sound equipment, exposure and direct participation in production & facility management, publicity, and theatrical design and opportunities to work alongside local theatre professionals.

The theatre staff play an important role in educating and training students, student organizations, and student productions with various workshops.  The Kelly ECC theater is staffed by a team of student theater technicians who are available to assist any event with lighting, sound and logistical operations.  Depending on each technician’s experience and interest, more specialized assistance may also be available in lighting design and performance and/or theatrical programming.

For student-produced and Kelly ECC funded projects, the theatre staff are available to provide artistic help to fine tune their project ideas, define their target audience, and create manageable timelines.

Ethnic Cultural Theatre Hours of Operation

Ethnic Cultural Theatre Hours of Operation

Address: 3940 Brooklyn Ave. NE (on the corner of Brooklyn Ave. and NE 39th St.)

Available for reservations from 8 AM – 11 PM, all days.  Please note that our schedule of availability may be limited and technical assistance may not be available from 8 AM – 5 PM Monday – Friday.

The Theatre is open by reservation only.  To view the theatre or to schedule a walk through, please contact our Student Theater Coordinator at ecctech@uw.edu.  For all theatre reservation requests, please begin the process by submitting a Reservation Request Form.

Read more about reservations policies and process.

Theatre Facilities and Spaces

Theatre Facilities and Spaces

  • 161-seat auditorium
  • Large stage area: 24′ wide by 28′ deep
  • Two Dressing Rooms (Green rooms)
  • Lobby and Reception area

Available Audiovisual Equipment in the Theatre

Available Audiovisual Equipment in the Theatre

All installed equipment is available for use for events using the theatre. Please work with your assigned Theatre Technician to utilize this equipment.

  • Data Projector
  • DVD/VHS player
  • 2 CD Players, 1 CD Recorder
  • Full sound system
  • Full theatre lighting plot
  • Two MAC 575 movable/adjustable spotlights
  • Laptop connection
  • Clear-Com Intercom and Paging system
  • 1 Upright Piano

For additional information and details about our available theatre equipment, please contact the Kelly ECC Reservations Office at eccres@uw.edu.

Ethnic Cultural Theatre Floorplan

Ethnic Cultural Theatre Floorplan

ECT Seating Chart