About

At Dayton Live, we recognize that the heart of an arts organization will always be the people we bring together and the experiences we share.

Our mission is to strengthen community engagement in the arts through inspiring performances, educational opportunities, and world-class venues. We bring people together for arts, culture, and entertainment.

More than 400,000 guests visit Dayton Live to experience approximately 300 diverse performing arts and entertainment events each year, including touring Broadway shows, local and global music, comedians, unique lectures and presentations, and a variety of educational and family-centered offerings for the young and young-at-heart. The Dayton Live Creative Academy offers classes and camps for young performers; the Community Spotlight Program supports local groups, musicians, poets, and performing arts companies; and the Miami Valley High School Theatre Awards (MVHSTAs) celebrate, support, and advocate for high school theatre education.

Dayton Live was incorporated as Victoria Theatre Association, a non-profit, in 1976 as part of a community effort to save the Victoria Theatre (built in 1866) from demolition and ensure performing arts experiences remain accessible for future generations. Today, Dayton Live’s facilities – Schuster Center, Victoria Theatre, Metropolitan Arts Center (home of The Loft Theatre), PNC Arts Annex, The Arts Garage – and several resident organizations make up the Dayton City Center’s Performing Arts District.

As the largest employer of performing arts professionals in the Miami Valley, Dayton Live’s productions, presentations, and programs generate $37M in economic activity and support nearly 600 full-time equivalent jobs for the region each year.

Schuster Center Performance

Leadership

Dayton Live is fortunate to be overseen by passionate professionals with decades of experience in venue management.

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Group of Teen Volunteers awaiting instructions

Employment & Volunteering

Come work with a great group of individuals who care deeply about bringing the arts and our community together in a variety of ways. We have full-time, part-time, and volunteer positions available each year.


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Audience of a musical performance in the Schuster Center Winsupply Theatre

Community Commitment

We are committed to the Dayton community because the heart of an arts organization will always be the people we bring together and experiences we share.


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Audience of a musical performance in the Schuster Center Winsupply Theatre

Community Reports

Each year, Dayton Live prepares a report to the community about that season’s highlights and successes. The information is reported at the Annual Meeting and published in the Community Report.


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Tables set up for a reception on the stage of the Victoria Theatre

Rentals

Host your event in style or present your performance in one of Dayton’s premier theatres! We love to throw a great party and our venues provide the dramatic backdrop to put you and your special day in the limelight.


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