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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts?
Established in 1983 to create a performing arts center by renovating one of the city's historic downtown theatres,
SBCPA surged ahead with renewed leadership in 1997. In 2000, the group decided to acquire, restore, endow and manage The Granada. [Back to Top]
Q:Who owns The Granada?
In February 2003, a collective $3.5 million contribution from two local philanthropists, businessman Michael Towbes
and publisher Sara Miller McCune, allowed SBCPA to close escrow on the theatre. SBCPA is the legal owner of The Granada. An additional $1.4 million was secured, enabling us to acquire 10,000 square feet of additional, adjacent space.
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Q:What is the primary goal of the restoration?
To create a first-class, year-round venue for theatre, dance, orchestra, recitals, opera, musicals, film series, lectures
and conferences. The Granada will also become an anchor for the historic cultural district, a beautiful example of Santa Barbara's history, its architecture and traditions. A four-part educational component will complement mainstage offerings. [Back to Top]
Q:Who will use the theatre once it is renovated?
The Granada will host the Santa Barbara Symphony, State Street Ballet, Opera Santa Barbara, CAMA, Santa Barbara Choral Society, UCSB Arts & Lectures, a Broadway Series, the Family Series, national and international touring groups and civic events. Additionally, there will be occasional, self-produced "signature events." [Back to Top]
Q: Who is the restoration team?
Sachs Morgan Studios theatre design projects include The Pantages, Kennedy Center Concert Hall, San Francisco's Orpheum Theatre and ten classic Broadway theatres. Our acoustician, Dave Conant of McKay, Conant, Brook, has received kudos for designs on the Guggenheim Museum in Bilboa, Spain, The Bartolo Center at Notre Dame, Disneyland Paris, The Phoenix Orpheum and Symphony Hall, the Balboa in San Diego, and Egyptian Theatre in LA. The decorative restoration firm of EverGreene Associates 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, including rehabs of the Arlington , Lobero and Riviera theatres. [Back to Top]
Q: What are the primary components of the restoration?
The comprehensive vision includes:
- Excellent, reconfigured sightlines for 1,550 people
- Restored loge and balcony sections with eight charming new side boxes
- Elegantly restored and improved architectural lighting throughout
- Significantly expanded and automated orchestra pit and backstage areas
- Eleven new dressing rooms with 50 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
- Numerous acoustical refinements, including a custom designed orchestra shell
- Fabrication of the original marquee and a mini "Schubert Alley" in the rear Paseo
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Q: What is the total price for the project?
The total cost to acquire, renovate and endow the 1924 Spanish-Moorish theatre is approximately $50 million: $5 million for acquisition, $36 million for design, demolition, excavation and construction, $3 million contingency, $4 million for furniture, fixtures, and equipment, and $2 million for administration and ramp-up costs. A separate endowment will subsidize rental costs for our region's fine nonprofit performing arts groups. [Back to Top]
Q: How much has been raised to date for the Restoration Campaign?
As of September 5, 2007, nearly $46.5 million has been secured (over 92% against the $50 million goal) from 794 gifts. Seventy-two local foundations have granted $17,439,600. [Back to Top]
Q: When will the fundraising campaign end and the theatre reopen?
The "Final Phase" will culminate with the Grand Re-Opening of the restored theatre scheduled for March 2008.
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Q: Why should The Granada be a priority in my charitable giving?
An investment in The Granada renovation project is a superb opportunity because:
- The Spanish-Moorish themed theatre has great architectural and historical appeal and possesses excellent natural sight lines and acoustics.
- Santa Barbara's major performing arts companies will finally have a home worthy of their superb artists and fine productions.
- 150,000 annual Granada patrons will help transform State Street above Carrillo into the cultural district of Santa Barbara. The Granada will be the jewel in the crown of the overall Master Plan for the revitalization of the Upper State Street area.
- The Granada presents the most cost-effective answer for a downtown performing arts center. The cost to renovate the theatre is roughly 50% of the cost of building a new venue. The Granada will boast the largest backstage space in the region, suitable for fully staged opera, ballet, orchestra, musical theatre and contemporary pop concerts.
- The completed theatre is projected to increase downtown revenues by more than $5 million a year.
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Q: Are there still naming opportunities at The Granada?
With hundreds of existing donors, many theatre namings have already been secured in perpetuity. However, there are still a number of excellent opportunities as part of this final campaign phase. All donors contributing $5,000 or more
will receive permanent recognition on our lower lobby donor wall. In addition, donors able to take advantage of 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 will enjoy the best seats in the house for many Granada performances.
The community has been waiting many years to establish a performing arts center in downtown Santa Barbara. That time is now and you can help finish this campaign and guarantee a completed restoration in time for the reopening of the theatre in March 2008.
Click HERE to view the excellent namings that are still available.
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