California Theatre (San Bernardino) facts for kids
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| Address | 562 W. 4th St. San Bernardino, California United States |
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| Owner | City of San Bernardino |
| Operator | Theatre Arts International |
| Type | Movie palace |
| Capacity | 1,718 |
| Screens | 1 |
| Current use | Performing arts venue |
| Opened | 1928 |
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California Theatre
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 Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Architect | Perrine, John Paxton |
| Architectural style | California Churrigueresque |
| NRHP reference No. | 09001116 |
| Added to NRHP | December 22, 2009 |
The California Theatre of the Performing Arts, often called the California Theatre, is a special place for shows and events. It's located in the historic Downtown area of San Bernardino, California. This grand building first opened its doors in 1928.
It was once part of the famous Fox Theatre chain. The theatre still has its original Wurlitzer pipe organ. This amazing instrument can make many different sounds. Famous entertainer Will Rogers gave his last performance here in 1935.
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About the California Theatre
The California Theatre is a very important building in San Bernardino. It has been a center for entertainment for many years. People come here to see all kinds of live shows.
A Peek into History
When it first opened in 1928, the California Theatre was a big deal. It was built as a "movie palace." This meant it was a fancy place to watch films. It was part of the Fox Theatre chain, which owned many cinemas.
Early Movie Magic
In the early days of Hollywood, filmmakers used the theatre. They would "test-screen" their new movies here. This helped them see how audiences reacted. It was a way to make sure the movies were perfect.
Many classic films were first shown to audiences at this theatre. Movies like "King Kong" and "The Wizard of Oz" were seen here in the 1930s. Imagine being one of the first people to see those!
What Happens There Today?
Today, the California Theatre is a busy performing arts center. It's managed by a group called Theatrical Arts International. This is the biggest theatre company in the Inland Empire area.
Live Shows and Music
The theatre hosts many exciting events. It brings in Broadway tours from all over the country. This means you can see big, professional stage shows. The San Bernardino Symphony has also performed here since 1929.
The theatre has also been used for TV tapings. Shows like "The Latin Divas of Comedy" and "The Payaso Comedy Slam" were filmed here. It continues to be a lively place for entertainment.
See also
In Spanish: Teatro California (San Bernardino) para niños
