Building
History

Located at 3050 Los Angeles Avenue this Gothic
structure has served the Simi Valley community since the mid 1920's when it was
constructed as the Simi Community Methodist Episcopal Church. Since then it has
also served as a mortuary, Jewish temple, a residence and even a temporary high
school. It was the anchor building for an area that came to be known as
"community center". In 1991, the City of Simi Valley acquired the property for
reuse as a Cultural Arts Center. The project included both the conversion of
the building for cultural and community uses and restoration of the original
historical features of the building which was approved as Ventura County
Historical Landmark No. 67 in July of 1981.
On November 3 and 4, 1995 it reopened as the Simi
Valley Cultural Arts Center with star of stage and screen Rita Moreno in
concert. Since then, the Cultural Arts Center has been host to hundreds of
performances - plays, musicals, concerts, art shows, films, weddings,
receptions, business meetings, youth festivals, and much more. Patrons from
near and far have come to enjoy the Center's quality entertainment at
family-friendly prices.
The facility includes a 220 seat main theater, with
newly renovated individual theater seating on the main floor as well as the
balcony. The theater is fully equipped with state of the art sound and lighting
equipment, making it a favorite venue to perform for many musical artists
because of the excellent acoustics and warm atmosphere. The digital projector
and full size movie screen provide the perfect setting for film festivals or
special screenings. There are two art galleries showcasing both regional and
local artists throughout the year, as well as a working fireplace and two fully
equipped dressing rooms. The multipurpose community room with a seating
capacity of 70-90 on the lower level is host to various business meetings,
receptions, parties and more with a fully functioning catering kitchen
adjoining.
With blockbuster productions such as "Fiddler on the
Roof" and "Jesus Christ Superstar", to sold out concerts by Ronny and Classics
and Ticket To Ride: A Beatles Tribute, to international virtuoso performances
by Nabil Azzam, Sasha Toperich, Aloke Das Gupta and others, audiences continue
to give the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center rave reviews, making it Ventura
County's choice for affordable family entertainment!
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