Directions
The Loft Theatre is conveniently located in the Metropolitan Arts Center at 126 North Main Street in downtown Dayton, between First Street and Second Street. We’re located between the Victoria Theatre and Uno Pizzeria & Grill. Just look for the big red sign! Once inside the lobby, take either the stairs or the elevator to the third floor.
Parking
On-street parking is free on weekends and after 6:00 p.m. on weekdays in permitted spaces. There are several paid-parking surface lots and garages available within walking distance of the Loft Theatre. Be aware that some garages may not be open on weekends or late evenings on weekdays.
Ride the Flyer to The Loft Theatre
Take the Free UD Flyer to Bus stop #2103–N.Main St. @ E 2nd St. to The Loft Theatre, home of The Human Race Theatre Company.
Dining Near The Human Race Theatre
There’s often more to a trip to the theatre than just seeing to the show. If you’re looking for a place to grab a bite beforehand, here are a few restaurants and hotels near the Loft Theatre and beyond to help plan your trip. We strongly recommend you contact restaurants in advance for reservations and hours of operation.
Flying Pizza
New York-style pizza.
- 223 North Main St.
- Dayton, OH 45402
- (937) 222-8031
Fifth Street Brewpub
Beer co-op in a renovated timber house with a beer garden serving gourmet pub fare & house brews.
- 1600 E. 5th St.
- Dayton, OH 45403
- (937) 443-0919
South Park Tavern
Craft beer tavern serving creative pies and pub fare, plus arcade games and live music on weekends.
- 1301 Wayne Ave.
- Dayton, OH 45410
- (937) 586-9526
Uno Pizzeria & Grill
Well-known for its Chicago style deep dish pizza. But also encompasses favorite dishes that diners expected from a high quality, full-service restaurant.
- 126 North Main St.
- Dayton, OH 45402
- (937) 910-8000
Spaghetti Warehouse
Italian Grill combines the traditions of Old World Italian favorites with American abundance in hearty, made-from-scratch dishes.
- 36 West Fifth St.
- Dayton, OH 45402
- (937) 461-3913
Old Scratch – Neapolitan Pizza and Craft Beer
Every ingredient—from the classic dough we knead to the fresh mozzarella we select, to the sausage and red onion jam we hand-make—is carefully selected and crafted, because we know the devil is in the details. Pizzas are artfully prepared to order and cooked in a wood-burning oven until perfectly flame-kissed. Pair your pie with a specialty house cocktail or regional craft beer in our open-air, casual, and communal hall.
- 812 S. Patterson Blvd.
- Dayton, OH 45402
- (937) 331-5357
The Barrel House
The Barrel House is an independently owned and operated, bar and bottle shop for craft beer and fine wine.
- 417 E. 3rd St.
- Dayton, OH 45402
- (937) 222-4795
Brixx Ice Company
Our menu has a wide variety of items. We offer everything from Cream Penne Pasta to California Fish Tacos, hand-patted certified Angus burgers to jumbo chicken wings, and of course our famous Turkey Melt sandwich. No matter what the craving, there is something to satisfy every taste bud – like another Brixx original, the Dayton Cuban sandwich.
- 500 East First St.
- Dayton, OH 45402
- (937) 222-2257
The Brunch Club
Breakfast, lunch and now dinner! The Brunch Club is a family diner in Dayton, OH that is known for made-to-order homemade meals that will have you coming back for more. Great Customer service and hot food.
- 601 North Main St.
- Dayton, OH 45402
- (937) 222-7411
Jay’s Seafood Restaurant
Ohio’s premier Seafood Restaurant.
- 225 East Sixth St.
- Dayton, OH 45402
- (937) 222-2892
Lily’s Bistro
Seasonal American meals, like free-range fried chicken with Southern sides, in an elegant setting.
- 329 East Fifth St.
- Dayton, OH 45402
- (937) 723-7637
Oregon Express
Offers a pleasant and unique atmosphere with delicious food, drink, and fun entertainment with Dayton’s best live music nightly.
- 336 East Fifth St.
- Dayton, OH 45402
- (937) 223-9205
Roost Modern Italian
A refreshing, upscale take on traditional Italian dishes.
- 524 East Fifth St.
- Dayton, OH 45402
- (937) 222-3100
Smokin’ Bar-B-Que
Authentic Texas-style slow hickory smoked bar-b-que.
- 200 East Fifth St.
- Dayton, OH 45402
- (937) 586-9790
Thai 9
Dayton’s premium Thai and Sushi Restaurant.
- 11 Brown St.
- Dayton, OH 45402
- (937) 222-3227
The Trolley Stop
This tavern, dating to 1839, offers American eats, craft beers & cocktails, plus pool and live music.
- 530 E. 5th St.
- Dayton, OH 45402
- (937) 461-1101
Wheat Penny Oven & Bar
California-style pizza and more.
- 515 Wayne Ave.
- Dayton, OH 45410
- (937) 496-5268
Blind Bob’s
Casual tavern serving burgers, sandwiches and finger foods, with trivia, karaoke and live bands weekly.
- 430 E. 5th St.
- Dayton, OH 45402
- (937) 938-6405
Dublin Pub
Dayton’s only authentic Irish pub. Wonderful Irish food and lively music.
- 300 Wayne Ave.
- Dayton, OH 45410
- (937) 224-7822
El Meson
From the moment you step through the door at El Meson, you will think you are in the heart of the Latin world. Serves a wide variety of traditional Hispanic food.
903 E Dixie Dr.
- Dayton, OH 45449
- (937) 859-8229
Marion’s Piazza
Marion’s Piazza has been serving award-winning pizzas, giant sandwiches and other Italian specialties in a relaxing “old Italian courtyard” atmosphere for over 45 years.
With 8 locations in the greater Dayton area, including:
- 711 Shroyer Rd.
- Dayton, OH 45419
- (937) 293-6991
Mudlick Tap House
Visit Mudlick Tap House, a gastropub in downtown Dayton pouring high-end beer and cocktails served with chef-inspired food.
- 145 E 2nd Street
- Dayton, OH 45402
- (937) 895-4066
Pine Club
Since 1947, the Pine Club has developed a national reputation as one of the great steak houses in the country and a tradition in Dayton.
- 1926 Brown St.
- Dayton, OH 45409
- (937) 228-7463
Jimmie’s Ladder 11
Great appetizers, homemade soups, salads, big wings, sandwiches, burgers, quesadillas, pizzas, fresh seafood, steaks chops and pasta.
- 936 Brown St.
- Dayton, OH 45410
- (937) 424-1784
Coco’s Bistro
An independent restaurant where you can have your power lunch, a rehearsal dinner, a fun night, or a place to propose.
- 250 Warren St.
- Dayton, OH 45402
- (937) 228-2626
Dayton’s Original Pizza Factory
Liberate yourself from chain pizza. We also have calzones, sandwiches, and salads.
- 1301 Wayne Ave.
- Dayton, OH 45410
- (937) 586-9526
Hotels Near The Human Race Theatre
If you’re coming in from out of town, you might want a place to rest your head afterward.
Here are a few hotels near the Loft Theatre and beyond to help you plan your trip. We strongly recommend you contact hotels in advance for reservations and hours of operation.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Dayton
- 305 East Monument Avenue
- Dayton, Ohio 45402
- (937) 331-9330
Courtyard Dayton
- 2006 Edwin C. Moses Blvd.
- Dayton, OH 45417
- (937) 220-9060
AC HOTEL DAYTON
- 124 Madison St.
- Dayton, OH 45402
- (937) 965-7500
Dayton Marriott
- 1414 South Patterson Blvd.
- Dayton, OH 45409
- (937) 223-1000
House Guide & Policies
Accessibility
Our theatre and public facilities are fully ADA accessible. Take the Elevator to the Third Floor, and use the ramp to access the theatre level. Ensure that the box office knows of your particular seat and equipment requirements before coming to the theatre.
Should you require ASL or audio descriptive services, please request these through the box office no later that 48 hours before your desired performance.
Latecomers
For the consideration of our patrons, we will not seat anyone in their regular seat while a performance is in progress. Latecomers and patrons leaving during a performance for any reason will be seated on a seat-available basis to the rear of the house at the house manager’s discretion.
Health & Safety Policies
The Human Race follows the science and guidelines as set forth by the CDC and local government agencies. The Human Race also follows the mandates of Actors’ Equity Association – the union for professional actors and stage managers in the United States.
Masks are welcome at the Loft Theatre, but not required. If you are feeling ill, remember that we can reschedule your tickets for another performance.
We encourage getting the vaccine and booster to keep yourself and others around you safe.
Children
Some productions at the Loft Theatre may be inappropriate for children. Parents are advised to use their own discretion, or attend our Parent’s Day Out performances.
Recording and photographs
All video or audio recording of any portion of our productions is strictly prohibited. The taking of photographs is also prohibited.
Theatre etiquette
Please turn off alarms, pagers, and phones. For everyone’s enjoyment of the performance, please refrain from talking, unwrapping candy, text messaging, or the excessive use of perfume. If you experience a disturbance, please notify an usher and the situation will be handled discreetly. Remember to turn off your phone again after intermission.
Beverages
While beverages purchased at our Loft Bar may be taken into the theatre, we remind you to be sensitive to our other patrons.
Smoking
The Metropolitan Arts Center is a smoke-free building. All onstage smoke, fog and haze effects are created with water-based, non-toxic materials.
Emergencies
Emergency Phone Messages can be received during the performance by leaving your name and seat location with the house manager. Leave our emergency phone number (937) 225-3503 ext. 1, with those who may need to reach you. Messages will be delivered to you as soon as possible.