About Us
The Theater at Innovation Square is Rochester's center for Performing Arts, Entertainment and Community Engagement. Formerly known as Xerox Auditorium, The Theater has been a much-loved space in Rochester for generations. Located just blocks from the Strong National Museum of Play, GEVA Theatre and The Eastman School of Music, The Theater at Innovation Square offers a wide array of programming for all ages and demographics.
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The Theater is the dream of local Rochester couple Natalie Fuller and Karl
Stabnau, who decided to make Karl’s hometown their forever home after finishing multiple graduate degrees. They immediately embraced the Rochester arts community through teaching and concert programming.
Having grown up here, Karl has watched local arts organizations struggle to find the "Goldilocks" performance space — not too big, not too small, but just right. When the opportunity presented itself to operate The Theater at Innovation Square, the couple excitedly pivoted their plans (and life savings) from making a house down payment to diving into the world of managing and programming a performing arts venue and forming Innovation Arts Management.
As the world emerged from the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, it was an interesting time for Karl and Natalie to decide to open a theater. However, the closures gave them the necessary window to complete a whirlwind 6-month renovation of the 700-seat theater, now equipped with state-of-the-art tech and a new thrust stage.
With the goal of supporting Rochester arts groups that are seeking a venue as they once were, Karl and Natalie are providing the “just right,” and perhaps perfect, home for arts organization small and large, both locally known and internationally celebrated. Curtain up, downbeat! We’re ready for the show.
Location, Parking and Box Office
For more information regarding The Theater, please browse our menu for Directions & Parking, Accessibility, Dining & Accommodations and Box Office
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LOCATION
The Theater is located between at the corner of Broad and Chestnut Street in the heart Rochester's downtown. The address, 131 Chestnut Street, is between GEVA Theatre and the Eastman School of Music, just two blocks from The Strong National Museum of Play. The main lobby doors open onto the courtyard at the center of the block, reminiscent of Rockefeller Center in New York City. Please visit Directions & Parking for more information including pictures.
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PARKING
The Innovation Square Parking Garage is linked directly to The Theater by elevator and is open to the public during events for a fee. The entrances to the garage are found on Chestnut Street (between Broad and Court) and Court Street (between Clinton and Chestnut). Please visit Directions & Parking for more information including pictures.
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BOX OFFICE/WILL CALL
The Box Office is located inside the lobby doors on the main floor. Tickets can be purchased on the website 24 hours a day by or in person an hour before the event. Phone calls are welcome at 585-281-4893, and messages will be answered Monday through Friday, 11am to 2pm. Once renovations are complete, check back for official Box Office hours to purchase tickets in person or make phone calls during the week.
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