The former federal building, a cornerstone of cultural heritage in Downtown Gainesville since 1911, is facing a significant challenge as its 112-year-old elevator has reached the end of its life and has been permanently closed. The aging elevator has always presented a unique challenge due to the building’s layout, with the main stage situated on the second floor and rehearsal rooms, offices, and the costume shop on the third. Learn More
To ensure continued accessibility to live theatre experiences while awaiting the installation of a new elevator, the Hippodrome is introducing an initiative—“Alternate Access Theatre.” This program will provide an inclusive and accessible theatrical experience for all patrons. Performances will be adapted to take place on our 2nd Stage/Hipp Cinema, located on the first floor, accommodating individuals requiring elevator access or extra assistance with stairs.
Alternate Access Theatre
Each show will feature one or more performances in the cinema, with adaptations made to fit the more intimate space while maintaining the high performance quality you have come to expect from the Hippodrome Theatre.
The performances will take place in the Cinema/2nd Stage located on the 1st Floor of the Hippodrome Theatre and include:
- 4 Accessible Seats (spaces specifically designed for wheelchairs)
- 4 Designated Aisle Seats (with retractable or removable armrests)
Our 1st floor is wheelchair accessible and equipped with ADA-compliant restrooms.
Upcoming Shows
Perfect Arrangement
by Topher Payne
August 30-September 22; Previews August 28-29
The Hippodrome and the UF School of Theatre + Dance partner to open the 52nd season with ‘Perfect Arrangement’.
It’s 1950, and new colors are being added to the Red Scare. Two U.S. State Department employees, Bob and Norma, have been tasked with identifying sexual deviants within their ranks. There’s just one problem: Both Bob and Norma are gay, and have married each other’s partners as a carefully constructed cover. Inspired by the true story of the earliest stirrings of the American gay rights movement, madcap classic sitcom-style laughs give way to provocative drama as two “All-American” couples are forced to stare down the closet door.
Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 2 p.m.
Please contact our Box Office to make a reservation (352 375 4477) or email boxoffice@thehipp.org
More Information and Press Links
The Alligator by Bea Lunardini – January 16, 2024
Historic buildings, modern problems: Gainesville’s oldest buildings
Hippodrome Theatre’s broken elevator reignites debates on historic building preservation
Mainstreet Daily News Article by Staff Reports – January 9, 2024
The Hippodrome to host historic building panel and discussion
Report by Alexus Goings – January 8, 2024
Hippodrome Theatre’s 112-year-old elevator out of service causing performance difficulties
Hippodrome Theatre – January 8, 2024
Press Release: Panel Discussion on the Preservation of Gainesville’s Historic Gems
Gainesville Sun – Article by Ron Cunningham
The Hippodrome elevator, age 112, is out for now. Here’s how the theater will adjust.
Download Article here
Hippodrome Theatre – January 5, 2024
Press Release: Historic Buildings come with Historic Challenges
The Hippodrome’s Elevator Replacement Project