Pasadena Playhouse

Pasadena Playhouse is a theater with 686 seats on South El Molino Avenue in California, whose facade and courtyards show elements of Spanish Colonial architecture. The auditorium extends over several levels with balconies and an orchestra pit, while side rooms include rehearsal halls and classrooms for acting programs.

The venue began in 1917 as an initiative by a drama group and moved to the current building in 1924. In 1937 it received official recognition as State Theater of California.

The building takes its name from the city where it stands and has served for over a century as a place for drama and actor training. Today audiences visit mainly for evening performances and premieres, while daytime hours are reserved for classes and rehearsals.

Performances take place mainly in the evenings and on weekends, with the season running from fall to spring. Memberships provide access to multiple shows as well as special events and workshops for elementary school children.

In its early decades the house operated several independent stages simultaneously, which enabled up to 322 productions per year. This approach differed markedly from other American theaters of that era.

Location: Pasadena

Inception: 1925

Architects: Elmer Grey

Official opening: 1924

Architectural style: Spanish Colonial Revival architecture

Capacity: 686

Phone: +(626)3567529

Website: https://pasadenaplayhouse.org

GPS coordinates: 34.14513,-118.13730

Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:37