Las Vegas is world-famous for its mega-resorts and Strip residencies, but local creators have long faced a persistent challenge: a lack of permanent, mid-sized cultural infrastructure. That narrative is changing in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas.
In a recent episode of The Ed Bernstein Show, host Ed Bernstein spoke with Daz Weller (CEO), Ginger Land-van Buuren (Executive Director), and Claudia Noriega-Bernstein (Gala Chair) about how the THIRD Street Arts and Media Incubator is turning the former Eclipse Theaters building into a dedicated haven for local theater, opera, dance, film, and creative education.
Bridging the Local Cultural Gap in Downtown Las Vegas
As CEO Daz Weller highlighted, while Las Vegas has grown into a major metropolitan area, its local arts infrastructure hasn’t kept pace with its population growth. Independent theater companies, opera groups, and local filmmakers often struggle to find dedicated, affordable, mid-sized spaces tailored to their production needs.
Instead of building from scratch, THIRD Street is repurposing a modern 10-year-old venue at 814 S. 3rd Street into an adaptable multi-use center:
- A 250-Seat Proscenium Theater: Tailored for live theater, musical performances, and dance.
- A 150-Seat Black Box & Sound Stage: A flexible venue designed for experimental work, film production, and intimate events.
- Retained Screening Rooms: Preserving cinema capabilities (up to six screening rooms upon full buildout) to host local film festivals and community screenings.
By offering move-in ready infrastructure complete with existing high ceilings, power, and safety systems. THIRD Street gives local creators turnkey access to professional-grade lighting, audio, and stage systems.
Hands-On Education: High School Credits and Lifelong Learning
Beyond performance stages, THIRD Street is built around workforce development and community education under Executive Director Ginger Land-van Buuren.
High School CTE Credits in Downtown Las Vegas
Through a partnership with the College of Southern Nevada (CSN), THIRD Street offers high school and homeschool students Career and Technical Education (CTE) credits in:
- Entertainment Engineering and Rigging
- Live Sound, Lighting, and Stage Management
- Event Management and Production Hospitality
Senior and Adult Community Programs
Partnering with UNLV’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), the incubator provides accessible community classes ranging from DJing, voice work, and stagecraft to Tai Chi and yoga.
Leadership with Global Roots and Local Vision
The leadership team driving THIRD Street combines international production experience with deep roots in the Southern Nevada arts community:
- Daz Weller (CEO): Moved to Las Vegas 16 years ago after working as an actor and director in Australia. He previously led the Nevada Conservatory Theatre and Cockroach Theatre, and has directed major productions across the region and the Strip.
- Ginger Land-van Buuren (Executive Director): A former international opera singer trained at Portland State and Portland Opera, Ginger moved to Las Vegas 17 years ago and is a founding member of Vegas City Opera.
- Claudia Noriega-Bernstein (Gala Chair): Serving as Gala Chair, Claudia is an author (Brighter Days: 88 Most Important Lessons Learned in Life for Women), host of the Don’t Shrink to Fit podcast, life coach, and former Peru telenovela star.
Mark Your Calendar: THIRD Street Gala & Cockroach Ball
To support non-profit arts programming and facility operations, THIRD Street is hosting its inaugural fundraising event on November 14, 2026, starting at 6:00 PM:
- Main Gala Headliner: World-renowned Australian pop group Human Nature
- The Cockroach Ball: Paying tribute to Cockroach Theatre (founded in 2002 by UNLV graduates), the after-party will feature themed performance rooms, music, and a “trash-to-treasure” creative fashion showcase celebrating artistic resilience.
Support Local Arts in Downtown Las Vegas
Whether you are an artist seeking venue space, a student looking for hands-on entertainment production training, or a community supporter passionate about Downtown Las Vegas, THIRD Street is built to serve the local creative ecosystem.
