The Backstage Experience at Grady Gammage Memorial Auditorium

July 20, 2021

Since opening in 1964, Gammage Auditorium has been a crown jewel in the Arizona performing arts scene and architectural landmark at ASU. Designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Gammage is named after past ASU president Grady Gammage, who envisioned a distinct university auditorium with the capacity to host renowned arts and cultural performances from around the world.

We have all dearly missed attending live performances and events during the pandemic, so I was excited to bring Mirabella at ASU residents to the theater. Gammage is located on the south end of the arts & culture corridor, just a 10-minute walk from the Mirabella at ASU campus building.

Touring the Gammage Auditorium

Before the return of live theater in the fall with Hamilton, opening on September 8 of the 2021‐2022 Broadway season, we received a generous invitation from ASU Vice President for Cultural Affairs and Executive Director of ASU Gammage, Colleen Jennings‐Roggensack, to visit the auditorium for a personal welcome and exclusive backstage tour.

Colleen shared stimulating information with us, including that Gammage operates under a self‐sustaining business model in which 90 percent of its funding comes from the Broadway series and 10 percent comes from philanthropic donations. Her cherished memories of the auditorium include the 2004 presidential debates and the funeral of Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater in 1998.

Mirabella at ASU Resident Tour: Mirabella residents take in an exclusive guided tour of Grady Gammage Memorial Auditorium

Mirabella at ASU Connections

In her tenure as Executive Director of ASU Gammage, Colleen has prioritized making theater and world‐class performances available to arts enthusiasts of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Many Mirabella at ASU residents purchased tickets to the Broadway season during the exclusive Mirabella at ASU pre‐sale access period, which made tickets available prior to the general public release.

In addition to the Broadway season pre‐sale access and group discount to the BEYOND series, Colleen invited residents to open rehearsals for a selection of performances that are scheduled to take place in the fall.

What an experience that will be!