Who.What.Where.When

Iroquois Amphitheater

Iroquois Amphitheater

http://www.iroquoisamphitheater.com/

The Iroquois Amphitheater is a state-of-the-art, handicapped-accessible theater with seating for 2,348 that hosts a variety of performing arts and cultural programs located in Iroquois Park. The Iroquois Amphitheater is the official amphitheater for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

The Iroquois Amphitheater was constructed in the spring of 1938 through federal Works Progress Administration labor. The facility has been a source of pride for South Louisville for decades, although years of patchwork repair created problems in the Amphitheater, taking it away from its original historic design.

After the 2000 performance season, Metro Parks began an ambitious project to modernize the facility while preserving the Amphitheater’s historic features and unique character. The original 1938 stagehouse was carefully restored, and historic materials were saved and re-used in the renovated Amphitheater. The renovated Iroquois Amphitheater offers greatly expanded opportunities for the highest quality arts entertainment while staying true to the historic spirit of the facility.

Then-Alderman George Melton, who represents the neighborhoods around Iroquois Park, lined up a team of local and state leaders to finance the project, which received funding from the Commonwealth of Kentucky, as well as the City of Louisville and Jefferson County Fiscal Court, both of which have since been replaced by Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government. The Louisville Olmsted Parks Conservancy provided private funds to support the project.

Renovation to the Iroquois Amphitheater was completed in Summer 2003 and a first full season of productions took place in 2004. Improvements include more seating, a partial roof that protects performances from rainouts while still giving the audience an open-air experience, a new stage, expanded concession options, increased number of restrooms, and a year-round room for community meetings. Some of the most dramatic changes will be appreciated by performers and backstage personnel: modern dressing rooms with heating and cooling systems, control rooms, a green room, and more

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