Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts

The Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center is a performing arts facility at Northwestern University with multiple theaters for productions. The venues feature different seating capacities and modern stage equipment to support all types of performances.

The facility opened in 1980 and took its name from a Northwestern alumna who supported arts education. The naming honors a longtime champion of student artistic development at the university.

The center presents dozens of theatrical performances, dance productions, and music events annually with student performers. These shows emerge from collaboration between undergraduate and graduate students who develop their artistic skills here.

The venue is easily accessible on campus and has nearby parking for visitors. The best time to arrive is about an hour before a performance when the building opens and you can explore at a comfortable pace.

Behind the scenes, a large team operates professional workshops where sets, costumes, and specialized lighting effects are created for performances. This craftsmanship is often what audiences do not see but what makes each production polished.

Location: Evanston

Inception: 1980

Operator: Northwestern University

Address: 10 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston, Illinois 60208

Website: https://wirtz.northwestern.edu

GPS coordinates: 42.05190,-87.67280

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:21