Riverside Arts Center Theater (RACT) and Lobby:

The Riverside Arts Center Theater (RACT) at Riverside Arts Center (RAC) is an intimate black box theater located in the heart of Downtown Ypsilanti, MI, available for music, dance, theater, film, lectures, and other performances and arts-related events.

Space Features & Amenities:

• Stage and fixed seating
• Basic theatrical lighting package, including LED and traditional instruments, manually operated follow-spotlight, and digital lighting board
• Basic audio package: 16-channel analog mixing board, front-mounted speakers above the front of the stage, 1 wired handheld microphone
• Projector and automatic projector screen
• Three dressing rooms
• Rentals include use of the lobby, box office, dressing rooms, and backstage area
• Full Theater Renters’ Guide available for more detailed information

Ideal For:

• Small to mid-sized theater companies and independent/DIY theater-makers, school groups, and corporate groups
• Play readings, workshops, and staged productions
• Dance performances and rehearsals
• Live music concerts, recitals, and acoustic performances
• Solo performers, cabaret-style shows, and spoken word events
• Film screenings, panel discussions, and lectures
• Community arts organizations and nonprofit events
• Student performances and educational programs
• Experimental, immersive, or black box–style productions

Theater Specifications:

• Stage Dimensions: 28’ x 24.5’ x 1.5’
• Seating: 116 fixed seats on risers, room to add 20 additional audience seats, 20 stackable chairs available for setup.
• Total Theater Capacity: 153 persons
• Lobby Dimensions: 41’ x 28’, capacity: 80 persons
• Move-in/Move-out: Week-long rentals: Sunday 6:00 PM; Day-long rentals: 8:00 AM move-in / 2:00 AM move-out; Public exit by 11:59 PM

Contact & Tours:

• Theater rental bookings are managed by volunteer board members, Bette and Sally (theater@riversidearts.org)
• Companies new to RAC must complete a reference form
• Schedule a theater tour: grey@riversidearts.org or meg@riversidearts.org

North Gallery:

RAC’s largest non-theatrical space, home to rotating exhibitions and available for rentals.

Space Features & Amenities:

• Dimensions: 60’ x 50’ (3,000 sq ft), usable floor space: ~2,600 sq ft
• Capacity: 150 persons
• Exhibition Features: 10 wall sections, pedestals for 3D work, specialty track lighting
• Furniture & Equipment: 12 round banquet tables, 3 eight-foot tables, 2 six-foot tables, 12 adjustable cocktail tables, 50 black chairs, additional folding chairs
• Technical Amenities: Built-in audio system with Bluetooth, 2 wireless microphones, prep kitchen with refrigerator (no stove-top or oven)
• Accessibility: Elevator access from street level

Programming & Availability:

• Home to Ypsi Fine Arts Club and RAC gallery program (Sept–May)
• Home to Art Explorers! Summer Camps (June–August)
• Unavailable for rentals during Summer Camp
• Not available for independently organized exhibitions; partnership exhibitions evaluated case-by-case. 
• Contact maggie@riversidearts.org for more information.

Ideal For:

• Arts organizations, nonprofits, universities, corporate groups, grassroots groups
• Large community gatherings, galas, fundraisers, benefit events
• Theater after-parties, receptions, post-show events
• Performances and presentation-based events not requiring a stage
• Panels, talks, lectures, community forums
• Exhibition-adjacent programming and partnered gallery projects

Off Center (Ground Level):

Medium-sized flex space at street-level ideal for workshops, classes, rehearsals, meetings, exhibitions, and small-scale performances. Large windows provide natural light and views of Huron Street.

Space Features & Amenities:

• Dimensions: 39’ x 36’ (main space), 15’ x 11’ (prep kitchen)
• Furniture & Equipment: 6 heavy-duty 6-ft tables, 2 heavy-duty 4-ft tables, 40 tan chairs, 2 movable gallery walls with 8 panels
• Accessibility: Street-level accessible entrance, two non-gendered single-stall restrooms
• Capacity: 49 persons
• Additional Features: Access to art sink

Programming & Availability:

• Home to Art Explorers! Summer Camps (June–August), select RAC workshops and classes, and 8 Walls Microgallery. Off Center is unavailable during weekdays of summer camp, with limited availability evenings and weekends.

Ideal For:

• Artists, arts organizations, nonprofits, university groups, corporate groups, grassroots groups
• Visual and performing arts workshops and classes
• Youth programs, camps, and educational activities
• Rehearsals for theater, dance, and movement-based work
• Small-capacity performances and intimate presentations
• Artist talks, readings, discussion-based events
• Exhibitions, pop-up shows, installation-based projects
• Meetings, planning sessions, and community gatherings
• Interdisciplinary, experimental, process-oriented art-making

Dance Studio:

Light-filled, multi-purpose space primarily used for dance and movement classes, from yoga and Zumba to stage combat and intimate performances. Home to Riverside Swings and various rental events.

Space Features & Amenities:

• Dimensions: 39’ x 33’ (studio), 34’ x 14’ (waiting area)
• Flooring: Wood floors
• Natural Light: Windows with views over Huron Street
• Capacity: 49 persons
• Equipment & Furnishings: Permanent and portable ballet barres, built-in sound system, 6 ceiling-mounted theatrical lights, folding chairs, storage closet

Ideal For:

• Dance classes and rehearsals
• Individual movement practice
• Movement-based fitness, yoga, Zumba
• Stage combat and physical theater training
• Intimate movement-centered performances
• Small group rehearsals for theater or interdisciplinary work
• Community-based movement programs and classes

Accessibility:

• Elevator access from street level
• One single-stall, all-gender bathroom
• Water fountain available (only water on dance floor; food/beverages must remain in lobby)

Studio One:

Versatile rehearsal room and makerspace with abundant natural light, mirrors, and flexible furnishings. Used for visual arts activities, art classes, drop-in shared studio use, rehearsals, and creative groupwork.

Space Features & Amenities:

• Dimensions: 42’ x 19’
• Capacity: 20 persons
• Flooring: Laminate
• Windows & Natural Light: Views to Huron Street and north over parking lot; two walls of windows
• Creative & Rehearsal Features: 16–17 ft wall of mirrors, upright piano, projector screen, art sink
• Furniture & Equipment: 2–3 six-foot tables, 20 wood-backed cushioned chairs
• Accessibility: Elevator access from street level. Bathrooms are located on floors directly above or below the Studio One floor.

Ideal For:

• Theater companies, improv groups, small rehearsal ensembles
• Dancers and movement-based practices requiring mirrors
• Musicians, music educators, music ensembles, rehearsals, small group practice
• Visual artists and makers (drawing, painting, fiber arts)
• Art classes, workshops, drop-in studio sessions
• Craft groups and collaborative creative projects
• Small meetings, planning sessions, retreats, creative workgroups
• Interdisciplinary artists combining visual art and performance

Top Floor Main Room (TF-M):

Flexible, light-filled space used for organization meetings, retreats, theater rehearsals, performing arts classes, and small performances. Semi-shared with occupants of Top Floor Rooms A and B, who pass through TF-M to access their rooms and the bathroom.

Space Features & Amenities:

• Dimensions: 22’ x 51’

• Capacity: 50 persons

• Lighting: Large windows, track lighting

• AV & Technical: Built-in audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, 1 wireless handheld microphone,  1  wireless lapel microphone, projector, automatic projector screen

• Kitchenette: Sink and small fridge for light food prep

• Furniture Access: 4 conference tables, 2 8-ft tables, 1 6-ft table, 50 wood-backed padded chairs, 10 black conference chairs

• Shared Access: Bathroom and kitchenette; semi-shared with Rooms A & B

• Accessibility: Direct access via elevator connecting to street level

Ideal For:

• Organization meetings, retreats, and strategic planning sessions
• Small performances, theater rehearsals, performing arts classes
• Workshops, training sessions, professional development
• Community groups, nonprofit gatherings, club meetings
• Artist talks, panels, discussion-based events
• Creative residencies or small collaborative projects
• Rehearsals or small showcases for dance, music, or theater.

Top Floor Room B (TF-B):

Medium-sized flexible space, primarily used as a rehearsal studio, classroom, meeting space, or as additional space supporting activities in TF-Main. Occupants must pass through TF-Main to access the top floor’s bathroom and kitchenette.

Space Features & Amenities:

• Dimensions: 19’ x 19’9”
• Capacity: 25 persons
• Lighting: Track lighting
• Windows: Two large windows providing natural light
• Security: Lockable door with key code
• Furniture & Equipment: 2 8-ft tables, 1 6-ft table, access to 50 chairs in TF-M
• Storage: On-site storage closet
• Accessibility: Direct access to elevator connecting to ground level; shared access to top floor bathroom and kitchenette

Ideal For:

• Rehearsals for theater, dance, or music ensembles
• Small group classes, workshops, and training sessions
• Meetings, planning sessions, and organizational retreats
• Supplemental or breakout space for larger events in TF-Main
• Intimate performances or presentations for small audiences
• Collaborative arts projects and creative teamwork
• Artist talks, small lectures, or discussion-based events

Artist Studios:

Currently All Rented

Five private studios ranging from 120–150 sq ft, providing bright, industrial-style workspaces.

Space Features & Amenities:

• Size: 120–150 sq ft per studio
• Walls: White wood and brick
• Floors: Gray concrete
• Lighting & Climate: Shared overhead lights, heat, and air conditioning
• Security: Locking door for each studio
• Additional Features: Safety paint cabinet, work sink
• Accessibility: Elevator and stair access; small half-flight of stairs required

Ideal For:

• Visual artists (painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media)
• Small-scale crafts and fiber arts
• Independent or emerging artists seeking dedicated studio space
• Creative work requiring flexible, light-filled, industrial-style space
• Collaborative or solo projects not requiring public exhibition

To join the waitlist for the Artist Studios, email grey@riversidearts.org.