What is the Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts?
Re-established in 1997, SBCPA is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation with four specific goals: to acquire, restore, endow and manage The Granada as a performing arts center.

Which goals have been achieved to date?
After the acquisition of The Granada in 2003, SBCPA embarked upon a comprehensive renovation of the 1924 landmark theatre.  The Granada reopened in March 2008, thus completing the final phase of the restoration project. 

Who uses the theatre?
The Granada hosts the Santa Barbara Symphony, State Street Ballet, Opera Santa Barbara, CAMA concerts, Music Academy of the West, UCSB’s Arts & Lectures Series, a Broadway Series, a Family Series, national and international touring groups and civic events. Additionally, there are occasional self-produced “signature events.”  A four-part education program, “Arts Ed at The Granada,” began in 2006 and currently serves area youth.

Who is the restoration team?
Sachs Morgan Studios’ theatre design projects include The Pantages, Kennedy Center Concert Hall, San Francisco’s Orpheum and ten classic Broadway theatres. Our acoustician, Dave Conant of McKay Conant Brook, has received kudos for his designs for the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, the DeBartolo Center at Notre Dame, The Balboa in San Diego and The Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles. The decorative restoration firm of EverGreene Studios transformed Radio City Music Hall, the Metropolitan Opera, The Pantages and many others. Coordinating architect Steve Metsch of Phillips Metsch Sweeney Moore specializes in code compliance and accessibility. His credits include the Arlington, Lobero and Riviera theatre rehabilitations.

What are the primary components of the restoration?
The comprehensive vision included the following upgrades and amenities:

*     Excellent reconfigured sightlines for 1,550 people
*     Numerous acoustical refinements, including a custom designed orchestra shell
*     Elegantly restored and improved architectural lighting throughout
*     Significantly expanded backstage areas and automated orchestra pit
*     Ten new dressing rooms with 48 make-up stations
*     New, state-of-the-art box office and support rooms
*     First-class computer-controlled stage equipment and sound
*     Beautifully restored and upgraded public spaces and amenities
*     Reproduction of the original marquee and a mini “Shubert Alley” in the rear paseo

What are the fundraising goals?
The cost to acquire and renovate the 1924 Spanish-Moorish theatre is $60 million: $5.1 million for acquisition, $42 million for the physical project, $5 million for architects and consultants, $400,000 for project fees and permits, $2.5 million for furniture, fixtures and equipment, $2 million for campaign overhead, and $3 million for contingencies. Any funds not utilized for contingencies will be added to our endowment.

Are there still naming opportunities at The Granada?
Excellent namings are still available!  Donors reserving naming opportunities will receive recognition on handsome plaques placed adjacent to the specific naming.  Donors contributing $50,000 or more are also eligible to join the Ovation Circle, where they can enjoy the best seats in the house for many Granada-presented events. All capital campaign donors of $5,000 or more will be recognized on our Donor Wall in the main lobby. Click here to view the excellent namings that are still available.

Be a part of history today!
For further information about contributing to The Granada, please call our Development Department at (805) 899-3000.