The Granada Theatre

==Granada Theatre== The Granada Theatre is a historic performing arts venue located in the heart of Downtown Santa Barbara, California. As a central feature of the city's cultural landscape, the theatre has been a local landmark for nearly a century and is recognized for its significant contribution to the communal life of the region. The theatre is not only a hub for live performances but also boasts Santa Barbara’s only state-of-the-art, all-digital 4K HD resolution cinema system with a 40-foot screen for film presentations. It has been honored with TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence, reflecting its status as an iconic institution within the community. ===History=== The Granada Theatre's history is intertwined with the cultural development of Santa Barbara. In 1997, the Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts (SBCPA) embarked on a mission to identify a potential site for a performing arts center. After comprehensive studies, the SBCPA board decided that renovating an existing downtown theatre would be more advantageous than constructing a new facility. The Granada Theatre was chosen for its prime location, superior acoustics, and the opportunity to restore a historic structure rather than build from scratch. ===Restoration=== The restoration of The Granada Theatre aimed to create a world-class performance hall to serve the region's performing arts companies for the next century. Extensive consultations with local performing arts groups led to a renovation plan that addressed their specific needs, including improved acoustics, a wider proscenium arch, a deeper stage, a flexible dance floor, and modernized dressing rooms. The project involved demolishing the existing stage house and erecting a new structure that preserved the theatre's historic façade. In 2005, the project faced a significant challenge when a seismic retrofit was mandated, necessitating costly design changes to ensure the safety of patrons in the event of an earthquake. Despite these hurdles and rising construction costs, the SBCPA board's commitment to the restoration resulted in a state-of-the-art venue that retained its historical charm while incorporating contemporary technological advancements. The Granada Theatre reopened on April 9th, 2008, following the comprehensive restoration. The successful project was made possible through the support of numerous individuals and businesses, ensuring that the theatre would continue to be a cherished landmark for future generations. ===Partnerships and Community Engagement=== The theatre is home to eight resident companies and is a proud member of the Santa Barbara Historic Theatre District. The Granada Theatre also houses The Jurkowitz Center for Community Engagement, which is dedicated to fostering community access to the performing arts through various programs and initiatives. ===Support and Involvement=== The Granada Theatre encourages community support through donations, volunteering, and participation in its events. Contributions at any level help to bring high-quality performing arts to the community and maintain the theatre's status as a premier cultural destination. The Granada Theatre stands as a testament to the power of community engagement and the importance of preserving historical landmarks. Its restoration and continued operation reflect a deep commitment to the arts and the cultural vitality of Santa Barbara.