We are thrilled to announce that Pasadena Playhouse has officially purchased its iconic 1925 building – restoring full ownership of our historic campus for the first time since 1970.
For the first time in over 50 years, Pasadena Playhouse owns its iconic home once again. A place built by the community for bold storytelling is now back in the hands of the artists and audiences who bring it to life.
The lead gift for the building purchase was provided by the Perenchio Foundation and matched by major arts philanthropists Terri and Jerry Kohl. The other major donors are The Ahmanson Foundation, The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, Brad and Pamela King, Harmon and Lea Kong, Leigh and Harry Olivar, Jane Kaczmarek, Bingo and Gino Roncelli, and Erin and Jeremy Baker.
“For most of our history, we’ve been making extraordinary theater here while essentially renting our own home. Today, that changes. Thanks to the generosity of our community, this building is finally back where it belongs—with the people who built it and believe in its future. Owning our historic campus unlocks endless possibilities for what Pasadena Playhouse can be in its second century.”
DANNY FELDMAN
Producing Artistic Director
Pasadena Playhouse
“This is an inspiring community moment, and we should all share in the pride and joy of it. With this purchase, we are committing to revitalizing the powerful original vision of the Playhouse and bringing it to life for a new century. We are deeply grateful for the bold visionaries who have paved the way for this progress, and we are excited to welcome more of our community to join the effort in making extraordinary theater for everyone!”
ERIN BAKER
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Pasadena Playhouse
This moment is more than a milestone. It’s a transformation. Owning our home unlocks endless possibilities: new artistic innovation, enhanced spaces, and a bold future for the Playhouse’s next century.
ABOUT our iconic building
Pasadena Playhouse, located at 39 South El Molino Avenue in Pasadena, California, was designed in 1924 by renowned architect Elmer Grey (1872-1964). Known for iconic landmarks such as The Beverly Hills Hotel, The Huntington Art Gallery, and Wattles Mansion, Grey crafted the Playhouse in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. The theater’s interiors were designed by associate architect Dwight Gibbs, who also worked on the Carthay Circle Theatre. Today, the Pasadena Playhouse complex includes the original 643-seat historic theater; additional performance spaces; the six-story Fannie Morrison Building built in 1936 to house the renowned College of Theatre Arts; the intimate Carrie Hamilton Theater which was dedicated in memory of Carol Burnett’s late daughter in 2006; and a restaurant space opening onto the historic courtyard. Recognized for its cultural and architectural significance, the Playhouse was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
ABOUT PASADENA PLAYHOUSE
Pasadena Playhouse, the official State Theater of California and recipient of the 2023 Regional Theatre Tony Award, is internationally recognized for its significant role in the development of American theater. One of the most prolific theaters in the country, the Playhouse has staged thousands of original productions since its founding in 1917 including premieres of works by Tennessee Williams, Eugene O’Neill, Suzan-Lori Parks and hundreds more. For decades, its pioneering School for Theater Arts was a training ground for actors and theatermakers who went on to make significant contributions to the entertainment industry. Under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Danny Feldman since 2016, Pasadena Playhouse’s productions and community programs are centered on its founding idea of being a living force in its community, making theater for everyone. Today, the Playhouse continues to advance
the American theater and serves as a hub for the top theatermakers of our time.
Photos by Eric Staudenmaier