Maltz Jupiter Theatre

The Maltz Jupiter Theatre is a prominent not-for-profit professional theatre located in Jupiter, Florida, renowned for its dedication to performance, production, and education. Established as a 501(c)(3) public charity, the theatre has become a cornerstone of the arts in the tri-county area, serving over 100,000 people annually. With an average annual budget of $8 million, approximately 40% of which is derived from donations, the theatre has cemented its reputation as a leading cultural institution. Founded in October 2001 under the non-profit Palm Beach Playhouse, Inc., the theatre quickly garnered support from a passionate group of volunteers and staff. The landmark building that houses the theatre was purchased for $2.67 million and was acquired by the organization with the aim of revitalizing theatre in the Jupiter community. Following a successful capital campaign, the theatre underwent significant renovations and was renamed the Maltz Jupiter Theatre in February 2003 to honor major benefactors Milton and Tamar Maltz. The renovated 28,000-square-foot facility officially opened on February 29, 2004, as a 554-seat state-of-the-art regional theatre. Under the leadership of Andrew Kato, who joined as Producing Director in 2005 and became Artistic Director the following year, the Maltz Jupiter Theatre has expanded its programs and facilities. In August 2007, the theatre established the Goldner Conservatory, offering educational programs for hundreds of students. The conservatory and the theatre's volunteer base have been integral to its success, with nearly 600 students per year participating in various programs and over 400 volunteers contributing to the theatre's operations. The theatre's prominence is recognized by the League of Resident Theatres (LORT), the largest professional theater association in the United States, categorizing it as Florida's only LORT B theatre based on its box office income. The Maltz Jupiter Theatre has a history of nurturing new talent and productions. In 2008, it received grants to create the Emerging Artists Series in Musical Theatre Playwriting, leading to the development and success of several productions, including "Academy," which won Best Musical at South Korea's 2010 Daegu International Musical Festival. The theatre has also established a Youth Artists Chair summer mentorship program, further emphasizing its commitment to education and emerging talent. In 2012, the Maltz Family Foundation provided a substantial gift towards a $10 million endowment, ensuring the theatre's future. The theatre has since embarked on the Believe Capital Campaign, a multi-phased expansion to enhance its facilities, including a second performance space and improved production capabilities. The first phase was completed in 2019, with further developments continuing into the coming years. The historic building that the Maltz Jupiter Theatre calls home has its own storied past. Originally the Burt Reynolds Dinner Theater, it was a cultural hub from 1979 to 1996, hosting performances by numerous celebrities and housing the Burt Reynolds Institute for Theatre Training. After a series of ownership changes and a period of closure, the building was revitalized and reopened as the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, continuing its legacy as a center for the performing arts in South Florida.