Nevada Theatre facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Nevada Theatre
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 Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | 401 Broad Street, Nevada City, California |
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| Built | 1865 |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000417 |
| Added to NRHP | March 14, 1973 |
The Nevada Theatre, also known as the Cedar Theatre, is located in downtown Nevada City, California. It is California's oldest existing theater building. This historic theater has been important for many years, from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s. It stands on the traditional land of the Nisenan people.
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A Look Back: Nevada Theatre's History
After a hotel burned down in 1863, people wanted a new theater. The Nevada Theatre Association started raising money. They sold shares for $100 each. A big dance in June 1865 helped pay the rest. The building opened on September 9, 1865. The first show was a funny play called The Dutch Governor.
Silent movies started showing here around 1908. The theater was updated in 1909 to be a movie house. In 1915, they added a sloped floor and electric lights. It closed in 1957 because of a slow economy. But people donated money, and it reopened in 1968.
Inside the Nevada Theatre
The theater has over 200 seats, including a balcony. It is used all year for live shows and movies. The building is also wheelchair accessible.
The backstage area is under the stage. It is painted light blue and has a small room with makeup mirrors.
The Amazing Mural
During the time the theater was closed for COVID-19, a beautiful mural was painted. It covers the entire auditorium. Local artist Sarah Coleman created it with help from Brianna French and Miles Toland. Sarah Coleman explained the mural's meaning in a short film. The artists won an award for their work on this mural.
Famous Performers and Groups
Many famous people have performed here. These include:
- Lotta Crabtree
- Mötley Crüe
- Jack London
- Emma Nevada
- Mark Twain
- The Second City comedy group
Today, these groups often use the theater:
- LeGacy Productions
- Nevada Theatre Film Series
- Sierra Stages
- Community Asian Theatre of the Sierra
- Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival
How the Theatre is Managed
In the 1960s, the Nevada County Liberal Arts Commission was formed. Their goal was to buy the theater from United Artists. Later, the Nevada Theatre Commission took over. This is a non-profit group that owns and runs the theater. Their mission is to "preserve and develop the historic Nevada Theatre" so the community can use it for culture and arts.
A Special Landmark
The Nevada Theatre is a very important place. It is registered as California Historical Landmark No. 863. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 14, 1973.
A special plaque at the theater says:
CALIFORNIA'S OLDEST EXISTING THEATRE BUILDING, THE NEVADA OPENED SEPTEMBER 9, 1865. CELEBRITIES SUCH AS MARK TWAIN, JACK LONDON, AND EMMA NEVADA HAVE APPEARED ON ITS STAGE. CLOSED IN 1957, THE THEATRE WAS LATER PURCHASED THROUGH PUBLIC DONATIONS AND REOPENED MAY 7, 1968 TO AGAIN SERVE THE CULTURAL NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY.
PLAQUE PLACED BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION IN COOPERATION WITH THE HISTORICAL LANDMARKS AND LIBERAL ARTS COMMISSIONS OF NEVADA COUNTY, APRIL 27, 1974.
CALIFORNIA REGISTERED HISTORICAL LANDMARK NO. 863
See also
In Spanish: Teatro Nevada para niños
