Opened November 2003, REDCAT is a contemporary arts center that is an extension of CalArts campus, and serves as the professional presenting arm of the Institute. The name REDCAT is an acronym for the Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater, though the center includes a 3,000-square-foot (280 m2) gallery space for visual art exhibitions, a 200–270 seat flexible black box theater for performing and media art programming, as well as a Lounge. REDCAT is located in downtown Los Angeles in the Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall complex.
Mark Murphy, executive director of REDCAT, has stated that the space if similar to like-minded organizations like Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Wexner Center for the Arts, and the Walker Art Center.
Programming at REDCAT features experimental dance, theater, music, film and visual arts exhibitions from around the world.
The lounge offers espresso, beer, wine, liquor, and free Wi-Fi connection, as well as a diverse book store which reflects its patrons' interests.