Carco Theatre
Every stage tells a story, we’re ready to tell yours.
Films • Presentations • Plays • Concerts • Graduations • Speaking Engagements • and much more
Carco History
Carco Theatre was built in Cedar River Park in 1971 by the City of Renton with significant financial support from the Paccar (Pacific Car and Foundry Company) Foundation. In fact, Carco derives its name from Paccar. The original vision for the theatre was to “serve as a center for many community oriented projects from band concerts, dance programs, road shows, and performing arts presentations to public meetings, lecture series. flower shows and community forums.” Except for the flower shows, the vision remains the same to this day. Today the theater is operated by Puget Sound Access, the nonprofit operating the South Puget Sound public access channel.
Carco Theatre Upcoming Events
Tracy Wallschlaeger Exhibition
Visit Carco February 23 to April 30 during business hours.
Tracy Wallschlaeger is a painter and illustrator exploring the hidden dimensions of human-animal co-existence. In her work, these seemingly disparate worlds collide with a quick and quirky vibrance calling our attention to less whimsical realities like diminishing wildlife habitats.
MTZG presents "Marriage" by Nikolai Gogol
Sunday, March 24th from 5:00pm
Belles of the Sound
Bells of the Sound’s turning 30! You’re cordially invited to join us in celebrating our 30th anniversary with some of our favorite pieces – from beloved handbell compositions to jazzy classics.
Cheers to 30 Years will be presented at 7:00 PM on Saturday, April 13, 2019 . Tickets are $12/adults and $10/youth and seniors at the door
(children under 8 are free). For more information, please visit www.bellsofthesound.org, email
info@bellsofthesound.org, or call (206) 574-8417.
Carco Theatre Event Center Programs
Children's Performance
We offer after-school musical theatre classes, summer drama camps, and video production workshops for kids aged 6-18. Carco provides these programs at low-cost, while ensuring that the instruction is high quality and fun! We also provide scholarships for kids from low-income
families for these programs.
Multicultural Presentations
Carco staff encourages multicultural organizations and diverse populations to bring their events to a public venue, where they can be professionally produced with the respect and cultural sensitivity they deserve. We offer discounted rates for nonprofits and Renton residents, and we
work to make sure everyone feels at ease and at home here. At Carco Theatre, we don’t “tolerate” diversity, we celebrate it!
Independent Film
We partner with regional film organizations to present screenings, film festivals, and movie nights. Carco Theatre has a 20’X20’ film screen and a Sony digital laser projector for film showings. We also have a high definition robotic camera system and live switcher that allows us
to capture anything onstage and then edit it for broadcast or streaming. Finally, we operate Puget Sound Access Channel 77, broadcasting in the South King County region, so everything that happens here can be programmed to Puget Sound Access – Comcast Channel 77.
Carco Theatre Services
At Carco Theatre and Event Center, we offer many options and services that can
make your life easier, bring more people to your event, improve the quality of
your performance, and/or help your audience enjoy themselves. Our primary goal
is to exceed your expectations and to give you the event you dream of.
Event Planning
From your first call to us, through the theatre tour, and all the way to curtain, we help you plan all the logistics and production elements necessary to produce an exemplary event. Our policies and procedures make it easy for you to be in control of your budget, time and outcomes. You may use any licensed caterer, vendor or restaurant, and we can also help you find them.
Marketing
Your event is important to us. Therefore, we offer assistance in promoting public events. When you provide us with marketing materials at least one month ahead of your event, we post it on our website, social media, and regional online calendars. We also have spaces to display posters and postcards. Our goal is to make sure you have all the support you need to be successful.
Production
Carco Theatre is fully-equipped with theatrical lighting and sound systems. These are included with your rental. We also have a pool of professional event staff that will meet with you for a free production meeting to ensure that your designs and plans are fully understood. We also allow you to call your own show and supplement with your own ushers and technicians. This flexibility helps ensure that your event runs smoothly, and that you save money where it makes sense.
Rental Information
- Seats up to 300
- 40’X40′ modified thrust stage (extends 20′ past the proscenium opening into the audience)
- Double-wing offstage space with ample crossover
- Film screen and projector
- Steinway Concert L-sized grand piano
- Dressing rooms, green room & rehearsal hall
- Professional high-definition audio/video recording & broadcasting available
- Free Wi-Fi and parking
- Concessions service including beer & wine
Contact Us
Phone: 206-775-8600
Visit Us
Carco Theatre
