MINNEAPOLIS (Oct. 19, 2023) — This month, the historic Orpheum Theatre in downtown Minneapolis was named one of the top theatres nationally at the International Entertainment Buyers Association’s (IEBA) annual Honors & Awards Ceremony. The Orpheum was one of four theatres nationwide nominated for the “Theater of the Year” award, which this year was awarded to the historic Beacon Theatre in New York City. Additionally, downtown Minneapolis’ First Avenue won “Club of the Year” at the celebration.

“Being recognized as one of the nation’s top theatres by our peers in the industry is a testament to the vibrancy of our arts and entertainment community in Minnesota. The Orpheum, its staff and its audiences deserve this recognition,” said Todd Duesing, president & CEO of Hennepin Theatre Trust, the nonprofit owner of the historic Orpheum, State, Pantages and Dudley Riggs theatres in downtown Minneapolis.

“We are thrilled that our friends at First Avenue received the prestigious ‘Club of the Year’ award,” continued Duesing. “Receiving these two national recognitions proves that downtown Minneapolis is at the forefront of live entertainment, and peers across the nation are taking note.”

IEBA is the nation’s leading not-for-profit trade organization for live entertainment industry professionals who buy, book or sell talent. IEBA has more than 1,700 active members across the nation. The IEBA board provides the nominations for the industry awards, and all IEBA members vote for the winners. Rather than being based solely on ticket sales or the number of shows produced, the criteria for award selection is also based on reputation within the industry, significance within the community and the quality of the entertainment provided.

Hennepin Theatre Trust drives cultural and economic vitality in Minnesota through leadership of the dynamic Hennepin Theatre District in downtown Minneapolis and educational programming that reaches every area of the state. Its historic theatres — Orpheum, State and Pantages — and event center at 900 Hennepin Avenue light up Hennepin Avenue with top-tier entertainment, including the best of Broadway and a wide variety of arts programming. Hennepin Theatre Trust is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at HennepinTheatreTrust.org.

This activity is made possible by voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.