MADCAP Theaters

Tempe, United States

4.2

20 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 480-634-5192
Website:
madcaptheaters.com
Address:
730 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ, 85281
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.3 miMill Ave / 3rd St
0.4 miVeterans Way / College
0.4 miTempe Transportation Center
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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Parking
Garage, Street
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Good for Kids
Yes
Good for Groups
Yes
Noise Level
Very Loud
Music
DJ, Live
Good For Dancing
Yes
Alcohol
No
Happy Hour
No
Best Nights
Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check
No
Smoking
No
Outdoor Seating
No
Has TV
Yes

Today

Today –
Local time (Tempe) 8:15 AM Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Business hours

Monday –
Tuesday –
Wednesday –
Thursday –
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

Creating an environment with unique cultural attractions will also attract new, independent businesses to the surrounding retail spaces, bringing back cult classics, and providing a space for movie enthusiasts, thespians, business professionals, and any type of group to hold meetings and themed evenings.

History

Established in 2009.

In order to increase the amount of live entertainment and cultural activity happening on and around Mill Avenue, the Downtown Tempe Community (DTC) has reinvigorated an abandoned movie theater space and turned it into the Mill Avenue District Community Arts Project (MADCAP Theaters).

Six theaters within the building have undergone simple renovations, converting them into «raw» alternative performance spaces. Each space can then be used to host a variety of performances and activities including:

Live music

Alternative and small theatre performances

Dance performances

Lectures

Master classes by touring and locally based performers

Comedy performances

Independent film screenings

Corporate Meetings

By providing affordable space to local artists, the Mill Avenue District continues it’s reputation as an art-​friendly community. MADCAP Theaters is open Thursday thru Saturday in the evenings, with a few special events during the week

Meet the Manager

Leslie C.

Manager

Leslie is the Director of Special Programming for the Downtown Tempe Community. She has taken on the project of MADCAP Theater, both running and scheduling the theaters for shows, movies, meetings, church groups, etc.

MADCAP Theaters — CLOSED also recommends

Mill Avenue District

37

reviews

Öffentliche Einrichtungen & Sehenswürdigkeiten

Leslie C. says,

«The Mill Avenue District works closely with MADCAP and is a great place to shop, eat, and play before or after a show»

Poppa Maize — CLOSED

8

reviews

Spezialitäten

Leslie C. says,

«Grab some great exotic flavors of popcorn before you catch a great show at MADCAP.»

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Vicinity

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20 reviews of MADCAP Theaters

No registration required
Place rating: 4
St. Peter, MN
It’s been a while since my first review and things have improved. The projection is better, they have validation agreements with the garage, and they’re bringing in more really nifty shows in partnership with Cult Classics and a few other businesses and organizations in the valley.
My new complaint is that they moved ticket sales from the booth by the door to the concession counter, which means there’s often multiple lines of people buying/​picking up tickets or snacks or whatever, but only one or two unfortunate souls juggling between them which delays the process. I’d be happier if ticket sales/​will call happened downstairs to keep things moving at a pace faster than a snail’s.
Place rating: 3
Phoenix, AZ
I really want to rate the place higher. I like what it’s all about. Instead of pulling the building down and rebuilding something in that space, it has been converted to a community space.
I went to see one of their cult classics, and the staff was ok. It was completely amateur hour — I guess that’s ok for the type of movie, etc. The problem was this was a sold out movie, and the staff brought in folding chairs to sit on to watch — that would have been ok before the movie started, but ithey did it one at a time making noise for the first 30 minutes of the movie — clanging, whispering, etc. Then they kept getting up and down.
They seating was pretty bad. Low seats that reclined — normally that’s ok, but there’s usually some spring to it. These had no support at all. Halfway through my back was hurting and would have to readjust — but there was no comfortable way to sit in the chairs.
Place rating: 4
Phoenix, AZ
Private theater w six screens right in the midst of ASU college town. Cool venue. This is where you can come to get your Rocky Horror fix. Also rent out theater for musical and theatre perfomances.
Place rating: 4
Chandler, AZ
First time visiting this venue on Saturday. My wife and I joined a friend to see the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Great theatre to see cult classics and b-​movies. In the age of technologically advanced theaters this is a welcome change of pace.
Slightly annoying that it was on the 2nd floor, but I need to get in shape anyway.
Place rating: 5
Placentia, CA
Home of: Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Room, Birdemic… Horror/​Sci Fi festivals, cult movies, and anything independent and anything worth seeing.
Run by people who really care, and pretty much a non profit organization from what I understand. It exists for the artistic community and theaters are available to rent for events, movie screenings, concerts, parties, etc.
There are always fun people to hang out with, and I enjoy sitting and chatting with friends in the lobby before or after the cult movie showings. Many turn into mini events, sometimes with vendors and pre shows. Screw Harkins, and screw AMC… this place is where its at. Sure the place might be old, but its not filthy, and its all about the atmosphere of the people.
Place rating: 3
Tempe, AZ
Madcap is ok. Yes, it is cool to have a theatre where you can see old cult classics and new b-​movies, and I’m really glad it’s available, but the place is just ok.
I have only been in one of the theatres so far, and it is clean and all but the chairs were beat up. The cushions sank pretty far down and the chairs squeeked and groaned everytime someone moved around. And in my experience so far the staff has seemed less than excited that I was there. I have had no problem with movie quality or sound which is most important to me.
Look, I will come back to Madcap, and I encourage everyone to check listings and see what movies are coming up there, I hope it does well, but it just isn’t a nice place.
Place rating: 5
Tempe, AZ
Oh I love this place. When a generic Harkins theater closed on Mill, the space could have been converted into more chain restaurants and/​or overpriced urbany lofts. Instead we got an independent multi-​plex! Not one that shows new indy movies, but one that hosts weekly or monthly screenings of audience participation classics like Rocky Horror, The Room, and Carrie! Plus they have special events with some of the stars — I met Mink Stole and the stars of «The Room» within a single eight-​week period.
This place makes me happy. :)
Place rating: 4
Cleveland, OH
Since I’ve been out in Arizona, I’ve been somewhat disappointed in the lack of any really cool/​unique/​art like movie theaters, for my taste at least… except for MADCAP, that is. The theater is located in a really nice, somewhat quiet area on the unique Mill Ave. MADCAP brings in some really awesome older cult movies to watch at the theater, what’s better than seeing one of your favorite older movies on the big screen?
I check constantly online to see what they’re playing, my favorite that I’ve seen there was A Nightmare On Elm Street 2 and 3 double feature that even included the original trailers that showed with them in the 80’s, very fun. And this weekend I’m definitely not gonna miss their screening of Evil Dead II. If you’re into indie movies or cult classics, definitely come to Madcap
Place rating: 5
Scottsdale, AZ
I love this place. I work with most of these people for the Horror & Sci-​Fi Film Festival (which is happening tonight!) and Madcap Theaters couldn’t be a more perfect venue for such a killer event.
I love going into the theater knowing that I feel at home. I actually saw one of the last movies there before they shut down the Centerpoint Harkins. The people are great, the movies are awesome. Seriously, when can you see «Dont Tell Mom The Babysitter’s Dead» on the big screen anymore?
Every month they show the worst best movie you’ve seen. «The Room.» If you haven’t checked it out, i highly recommend it. Btu you must see it with a big crowd. dont go download it and watch it at home. A must see for all. Madcap holds a monthly screening of this as well as Rocky Horror Picture SHow (seen it once and that was enough).
Parking isn’t so great here because you have to pay to park in the garage, but I’ve learn to live with it. If you’re hungry, you can walk over to PF Changs or Chilis across the way or that new sushi place that took over Uno’s Pizzeria.
This place just has the coolest vintage feel going through out the entire place. It kinda reminds me of (im showing my age here) the old United Artists Theaters that used to be outside of Metrocenter near the library. If anyone remembers all the posters they had everywhere. Just a cool feeling.
Andrea Beasley-​Brown (aka Midnite Movie Mamacita) runs her shows there’s and it’s never a dull moment. So check it out people! You wont be sorry.
Place rating: 4
Phoenix, AZ
This is a true film buff’s movie theater. I love the vibe, the people and the goofy screenings/​events. This is seriously my favorite independent movie theater ever.
They have something for everyone and have very reasonable prices. Plus, they work really hard to bring out the actors, directors, etc. from movies. It makes for a fantastic movie going experience and it’s always great to get together with the die-​hards who love the cult classic films like I do.
Granted, it is a little rundown and could use a little work, but I think that kind of adds to the atmosphere and vintage appeal.
Place rating: 5
Phoenix, AZ
I’m not shilling, but here are our mailing lists (since this has come up repeatedly):
Mill Avenue District/​MADCAP —
Midnite Movie Mamacita (Movies at MADCAP) —
Place rating: 3
Phoenix, AZ
I like MADCAP. This is the type of theater I can see myself in often. I love the vintage, love the vibe, love how I feel when I’m here. I want to go more often. I may actually enjoy going to the movies again, something I really haven’t done more than a couple times in probably a decade.
What makes me sad is that I almost never hear about what is going on there. I wish they had some sort of mailing list that informed me of events because I occasionally wake up in the morning wondering why I haven’t been in ages and then it’s like. yeah… because we never talk. Like the friendship you want to keep going and you have a hard time communicating for some reason. Ugh. If they have a mailing list I haven’t found it.
I really want to give MADCAP four stars… come on. find a good way to promote your events and awesomeness. Make me spend my $$.
Place rating: 3
Phoenix, AZ
Ah, MADCAP. You took over a theater I enjoyed attending when I lived on that side of town. Back then, I was much younger and could assimilate into the Mill Avenue crowd. These days, and all I see are punks and hooligans up to no good. When did I become so old?
It was a little sad walking in for their Grindhouse Redux showing of *The Evil Dead* and *The Hills Have Eyes II* this past Saturday. The ticket costs $ 8 for both or $ 8 for either one. So, if you get there on time, you can watch two movies for the low, low price of $ 8. Add in a large popcorn and bottle of soda for $ 5, and you have a nice little date with yourself.
The actual theater could use a bit of work: Shampoo the seats, power wash the floors, Febreze the walls. It smells like old shoes in there. Which actually would work to your advantage if you’d trying to break up with someone and you want them to initiate it so you’re off the hook and look like the better person. Really, I have to think these things up!
I almost needed a guide to get me to the right theater because none of them seem to be properly marked.
Although the theater wasn’t filled to even 50% capacity, they were a spirited crowd and they helped to inflate my rating (otherwise, it would have been a solid 1.27 stars).
Apparently, their Facebook account is more accurate than the offical website. But since I don’t Facebook, this doesn’t do me any good. But, overall, I had a good time and probably wouldn’t have experienced this location if not for the event I was attending Saturday. Because it actually started at 8, I was out of the theater 2 hours earlier than I anticipated. Early enough to be thoroughly revolted by the shenanigans of the ASU crowd and their deplorable behavior.
This is Grampy Bacon signing off.
Place rating: 3
Tempe, AZ
I really want to like MADCAP. I love the idea of playing old b-​movies and some forgotten favorites. The boyfriend and I went to MADCAP last weekend to see their Chuck Jones presentation. Unfortunately, we were pretty disappointed, not that it was completely MADCAP’s fault but still.
My biggest problem with MADCAP is the price of admission. $ 10! That’s more than a new movie. Why should I pay $ 10 to see a movie that I could get on DVD for half the price? I know the money is going to a bigger cause — having a cool theatre in town — but I just wish it was cheaper. If it was $ 5 I think I would go a lot more. For $ 10 it has to be something I really want to see and after not being so impressed by the Chuck Jones things I’m a little wary. There wasn’t even a screen in the theatre — just a white wall.
If they showed new independent movies for $ 10 and old movies for $ 5 I think they would really have something cool going on. I hope they can figure it out because I’d really like to see the place become what it could be.
Place rating: 4
London, United Kingdom
For someone who grew up going to Centerpointe (the name of this theater when it was owned by Harkins, before it closed), coming to MADCAP for the first time is a little weird. It’s such a shell of its former self.
The escalators are blocked off, so you must stair it up to the second level. The concession and theaters on the first floor are not used, it appears. Perhaps for bigger fest events they’re put to use?
We came to see Black Dynamite, but it took us several minutes to find the theater where it was playing. There was a random movie in one, a poetry slam in another, and no one — from the concession workers to the ticket worker — could tell us where it was. We eventually found it on our fourth try.
A friend got some popcorn and I was floored when he said they didn’t have butter for it. Wha? It’s just … dry popcorn? That’s been prob sitting there for a few hours? What’s the point? I know, it’s better for you without the «butter flavoring,» but an artery-​clogging, movie-​going staple!
So, all this sounds like I don’t care for MADCAP, but that’s not true. I love what they’re doing, and I’ll take a bare bones, butter-​free operation to get my fill of cult classics, random indie greats, John Hughes fests, horror fests, b-​flicks and more any day. And thank god someone is using that space — there’s so much abandoned space and so many empty dirt lots in PHX it’s just fucking embarrassing. So kudos, all around to MADCAP — what it stands for, what it offers, and even its skimpy concession.
Place rating: 5
Tempe, AZ
The story of how MADCAP came to be is an amazing one. It starts during the peak of the real estate bubble, just moments before it was about to burst. Tempe, late in the game, decides they want to become Dubai. It is deemed that the epicenter of this neo-​yuppie mecca is to be called the «Centerpoint» Condo Towers. Condos in the Centerpoint will feature valet, concierge, and endless views of the smog soaked, slump block peasant dwellings below them. FAA regulations are relaxed and ground is broken on the two tallest buildings ever erected in Tempe.
Fast forward three years… The bubble burst and the dude financing the project checks himself out early. The half finished Centerpoint is now an enormous, vacant, glass and i-​beam sculpture dedicated to the profound economic blunder that was to be the cornerstone of Tempe’s gentrification.
But, there’s some good to be told from all this! The owner of the now empty 7th St. Harkins Theatre (which was supposed to be a health club for Centerpoint) decides to be an awesome person and donate the space to the city for the arts. MADCAP is born.
Going into MADCAP Theatres is a bizzare yet familiar and comfy experience. Imagine you’re going to hang out at your stoner friends house to watch weird movies. Now imagine that friend, for some magical reason, was able to live in a GIANT FUCKING THEATRE with 11 SCREENS! Imagine how much fun that would be. That’s what it’s like to go to MADCAP. MADCAP hosts some of the most hillarious and entertaining film events possible. I’ve seen the 80s classic RAD there with a special guest doing BMX stunts. I’ve watched the cult classic The Room four times at MADCAP. During Thanksgiving, when I wanted to flake on awkward fam time, MADCAP understood. They had an all night Thanksgiving Movie Marathon for me to go to instead.
I’m not sure MADCAP will live forever. Eventually the economy will recover and Tempe will want it’s prime real estate back. But, until then let’s enjoy it as much as we can.
Place rating: 5
Tempe, AZ
In my earlier review I was like, «Only if they served beer…» sometimes they do, now! Only during certain screenings, like with Rad and the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, but it’s awesome.
This is really, honestly, the coolest theater in Phoenix.
Maybe one day this place will need a roommate and I can stay in one of the theaters.
Place rating: 5
Ithaca, NY
Bottom line: any theatre that brings Rocky Horror back to Mill Ave gets 5 stars just for that. (See, I’m not hard to please.)
And they showed Showgirls here the other night. I MISSED IT (!) but again, any theatre that shows Showgirls on Mill Ave gets 5 stars.
They also do live music performances and about a million other cool things here, but for me, it’s all about Rocky Horror.
I think (i.e. hope) that MADCAP signals a change back to the «old» Mill Ave. The things that are going on here are the best reuse of this old building. Thank you to all the people who made this happen.
Place rating: 5
Scottsdale, AZ
The Mill Avenue District Community Arts Project (MADCAP) has taken over a once empty building and created an arts and music venue that is affordable and in one of the best locations in the Valley! Local favorites, Captain Squeegee, The Dorsets, Dry River Yacht Club, and more have been performing there and have raved about the venue! Recently, the Midnite Movie Mamacita was brought in to program films like The Room, Rocky Horror Picture Show, International Sci-​Fi & Horror Film Festival, and so much more! This is a great addition to Downtown Tempe and perfect for the Mill Avenue area to expand on it’s urban and eclectic roots in the music and arts industry!
Place rating: 5
Chandler, AZ
Not knowing my way around Mill Avenue in Tempe, I was nearly stymied trying to find these theaters. The street numbering system made no sense! But a quick question to a loitering local solved my problem. I was pointed in the right direction… and then quickly hit up for a buck for booze. Regardless, I stumbled into this strange venue, noticing people exiting with musical instruments. I surmised the underground movie action I was looking for lay upstairs since that’s where folks seemed to be gathering. Turns out, the concession line doubled as the box office line so I asked for one adult and some peanut M & M’s.
I enjoyed my time at the movie! This was a showing of the original 70’s version of The Inglorious Bastards and the crowd was chock full of geeks and fanboys eagerly awaiting the upcoming 2009 Quentin Tarantino purposefully misspelled version. I was brought here by reading a blurb in the Phoenix New Times, but came to find out that this was just one of the many underground movies put on by Midnite Movie Mamacita (
).
The theater we were in held only about 100 chairs, but was perfect for such a small group (about 40 in attendance). The movie was quite dated and groanworthy at times, but the venue was small enough that audience members periodically offered commentary in the spirit of Mystery Science Theater 3000. At the end of the movie, a Quentin Tarantino trivia contest (with prizes!) was held with the audience. I walked out of there with a free movie poster!
I’ll be back to check out this venue, if not for another Midnite Movie Mamacita movie, then for another event hosted by the Mill Avenue District Community Arts Project (M.A.D.C.A.P.).