Artistic Director Message

It's been quite a trip!  Grandeur, intrigue, passion and betrayal.  Exotic productions, world-renowned stars.  The Empress has seen it all.  From the Grandeur of the Theater's opening in 1912 to the betrayal of the Mare Island closure, she has stood at the center of the community's Arts and Entertainment.  Always a trend setter, she has followed the trends in entertainment from live Vaudeville performances to silent films.  And brought the height of modern technology to Vallejo with talking pictures in 1929.  She has weathered prohibition, and two world wars.  A disastrous fire, the birth of television, and a tragic earthquake all endeavored to spell the end for our Grand Dame.  But it seems that, like the inimitable soul of Vallejo itself, the Empress cannot be kept down for long.

And after a bit of a breather, (it takes her a bit longer to catch her breath than it once did), she is ready to make her debut in the 21^st Century.  While she is a splendid 96 years old, you'd only know it by the majestic way in which she carries herself, for this Empress is truly regal, resplendent in her royal colors and gilded crown.

The Empress and I are excited to welcome you back to Vallejo's most enduring home for arts and entertainment.  To wonder at the grandeur, intrigue, passion and betrayal, and the world-renowned stars that made her beloved in the first place.

Whether independent films, music, comedy, dance or theater are your muses, you'll find the Empress has a place in her empire just for you.

It's been a long journey, but welcome home Vallejo! 
The Empress requests an audience with you.