Ames Center

The Main Stage is the largest of the theatres in the complex with a capacity of 1014 seats. (759 Orchestra and 255 Balcony). The theatre is outfitted with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems. The theatre is accessible on the ground and second level atrium lobbies and via elevator. The stage is 45 ft (14 m) deep by 100 ft (30 m) wide, with a 48 ft (15 m) proscenium opening. There is room for a total of 30 wheelchairs and 31 companion seats.

Fly House is 65' clear from floor to the loading gallery with 62 line sets capable of lifting 2000 lbs each. A concealed orchestra pit is located at the front of stage.

The Black Box Theatre is a completely open space, making it flexible to a variety of performance setups. The room can be hung with sound and lighting instruments and is curtained. Risers are available to set the room to a capacity of 150 seated patrons. The handicap accessible seats are located in the first row of seating and will be accommodated as needs dictate.

The Burnsville PAC currently holds eight gallery exhibits every calendar year in its 2,000-square-foot (190 m²) art gallery, which is free and open to the public. The mission is to celebrate the visual arts by displaying a diverse collection of artwork from local emerging and professional artists.

The Rehearsal Room is an 1,800 sq ft (170 m²) space complete with mirrors and ballet barres on the walls and a sprung maple floor for dance rehearsal purposes. The room can accommodate up to 100 people.

Meeting rooms can be split in half with an air wall to separate groups or completely opened to accommodate 100 guests in a theatre style setup. Classroom setups as well as any combination of hollow square table design can be accommodated in this space.

A green room is located next to the Star Dressing room in the backstage area and can be utilized for smaller get-togethers of 30-50 persons in a secluded environment. This room features an adjacent entrance area and is carpeted and well lighted. All dressing rooms are accessible therefore there are no specifically designed handicapped dressing room facilities.

The VIP Suite is located on the north end of the second floor atrium next to the open air balcony and provides for a private VIP setting for board meetings, intimate formal dining, meet n’ greets, etc.

The upper lobby, approximately 4,000 sq ft (370 m²), can seat up to 250 patrons for banquets, wedding receptions, trade shows booths and other special events. Windows are floor to ceiling offering views of Nicollet Commons Park and the Minnesota River and the Minneapolis skyline to the north.

The Ames Center's main stage is home to the Dakota Valley Symphony, a non-profit, volunteer community arts organization. The symphony is composed of a 60-member symphony orchestra, a 40-member mixed chorus and a 90-member Summer Pops orchestra and chorus, all under the direction of founder and music director Stephen J. Ramsey.[5]

The International Festival of Burnsville is a summer day-long event designed to promote and celebrate Burnsville's cultural diversity through the sharing of art, food, dance, and music of various cultures. Some of the art work for the festival is showcased in the Ames Center's Art Gallery.[6]

Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota is an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit semi-professional dance company that draws its dancers from area professional dance companies, dance schools, and community residents. TCB's rehearsal and administrative home is at the premier new facility of Ballet Royale Minnesota, the first and only dedicated classical ballet academy south of the Minnesota River, located on the border of Lakeville and Burnsville, in the heart of the Minneapolis/St. Paul south metro area. Performances are held at the state-of-the-art professional theater at Ames Center.[7]