California Theatre

California Theatre Need tickets? Have questions? Contact Us! Carolyn August
Box Office Manager
(925)427-1611
[email protected]

The Gem of Old Downtown Pittsburg
California Pittsburg TheatreBuilt by Sylvester and Salvatore Enea, the California Theatre opened in 1920 as a premiere venue for live vaudeville performances and silent films. The elegant theater was designed by architect A.W. Cornelius, who designed other grand theaters in San Francisco and throughout California, including the California Theatre in Richmond and t

he Fox Theater in Salinas. The auditorium featured a large art-deco chandelier with a beaux-artes style ceiling decoration. The carpets were thick and luxurious, and the balcony was grand. It was always a special treat to catch a show at the California Theatre. Adults paid 25 cents, children 15 cents. Singers, acrobats, dancers, and entertainers of all types performed at the California before their opening night on the circuit in San Francisco. An impressive pipe organ resonated during the silent films, and between shows. When talking pictures were the newest technology, the theater was modified to accommodate them. Flash Gordon and cowboy heroes Ray “Crash” Corrigan, Tim Holt, Tex Ritter and Fred Scott thrilled audiences. Entertainment tastes changed, and the California Theatre closed in 1954. A roof leak damaged the ceiling, which collapsed into the abandoned auditorium. Over the years, local theater groups and downtown businesses urged its restoration, but the task seemed overwhelming and costly. Renovation
In 1994, the City began a major clean up and stabilization of the deteriorating theater. In 2008, City planners approved designs for renovation of the theater exterior, and by 2009, the project that eventually became a $7.6 million restoration began in earnest. Restoration artist Beate Bruhl recovered or recreated artwork in the entryway, the balcony and the auditorium, recapturing the grandeur of the original. Her painstaking work refurbished or replaced vivid paintings, original sculptures and murals, including images of winged nymphs dancing on clouds alongside the stage. Light fixtures and handrails were restored, and when necessary, fabricated to match photographs from a half-century ago.

04/23/2026

Meet the cast of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

BRITTANY YOUNG (GWENDOLEN FAIRFAX) is an actor and writer. She is originally from Chicago and is now based in the Bay Area. Brittany has trained in screenwriting at Second City (Chicago) and in acting at z/a Studios (San Francisco), grounding her work in both strong narrative craft and a versatile performance technique. Her stage credits include Loose Knit with Masquers Playhouse, From One to Another with African-American Shakespeare Company, The Bloodless Jungle with The Black Repertory Group and 3rd and Palou for The Bayview Opera House. In addition to her work as a performer, Brittany serves as the musical theater choreographer for the Salesian Boys and Girls Club, where she brings movement and storytelling to young performers.

The Importance of Being Earnest
May 1-10, 2026 at the Pittsburg California Theatre
Visit www.tickets831.com to purchase tickets.
For more information, visit www.ptcca.org

Photo credit Sara Nicole Mindful Photography

01/27/2026
Just in time for Christmas.... Pittsburg Theatre Company is pleased to present its 2026 Season. Season Tickets are now a...
12/19/2025

Just in time for Christmas....
Pittsburg Theatre Company is pleased to present its 2026 Season. Season Tickets are now available. Visit www.ptcca.org for more information or go to www.tickets831.com to purchase tickets.

Give the gift a theatre!

Questions call 925-427-1611 or 925-439-7529.

08/15/2025

COMING IN 2026!
Season tickets now available.
For more information, see https://pittsburgcommunitytheatre.org/season-tickets-2026/

The Color Purple - January 30-February 8, 2026
Th Importance of Being Earnest - May 1-May 10, 2026
Footloose - September 18-27, 2026
A Christmas Carol - December 18-21, 2026

For personalized help purchasing the tickets (as it is a multi-step task online), contact the Pittsburg California Theatre directly at 925-427-1611 or visit them in person.

OR, for more personalized service call Dianna any Sunday afternoons between Noon and 5 pm at 925-427-PLAY (7529). She will be happy to help you. Leave a message if you don't get thru and she will return your call.

Closing day for CHICAGO!Don’t miss it! Such great talent, musician and skilled crew to bring a top notch production. Pi...
05/18/2025

Closing day for CHICAGO!
Don’t miss it! Such great talent, musician and skilled crew to bring a top notch production.
Pittsburg-this is something to
be proud of. Visit www.tickets831.com for tickets.

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Photo credit Sara Nicole Mindful Photography

Photos taken and owned by Sara Nicole Mindful Photography

05/12/2025

Opening weekend was a huge success… three shows with three standing ovations!
What people were saying…
… better than what I saw in San Francisco!
… good enough to take on tour!
… Outstanding!
… loved the orchestra!

Now just Three chances left to see CHICAGO!
Friday - May 16 @ 7:30 pm
Saturday - May 17 @ 2:00 pm
Sunday - May 18 @ 2:00 pm
Live at the Pittsburg California Theatre
California Theatre

Visit www.tickets831.com for tickets or call the box office 925-427-1611

05/10/2025

Address

351 Railroad Avenue
Pittsburg, CA
94565

Opening Hours

Tuesday 12pm - 5pm
Wednesday 12pm - 5pm
Thursday 12pm - 5pm
Friday 12pm - 5pm

Telephone

+19254271611

Website

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