Foundation for the Performing Arts Center of Pacific Grove - (831)582-7976 or (831)582-7977

The Foundation for the Performing Arts Center of Pacific Grove is to make the performing arts available to the community. http://www.performingartscenterpg.org/

HISTORY

The Performing Arts Center of Pacific Grove was originally built in 1923 as part of an expansion of the Pacific Grove High School. It was primarily used for school and community productions and was enjoyed by locals throughout the 1920s and 30s.

It miraculously survived a fire in 1946 that destroyed most of the high school and became a fixture of the local music and artistic scene.

Over the years this "art deco" facility has hosted many world renowned artists including Ella Fitzgerald.

In 2003, the Pacific Grove Rotary Club decided to make the Performing Arts Center's restoration and rebirth its Centennial Project to celebrate 100 years of Rotary (1905-2005).

The Performing Arts Center continues to host performances of the highest caliber and is poised to become one of the true "must plays" in California.

Following the completion of the new high school and transition to the middle school, the Performing Arts Center continued to serve the community, but began to fall into a state of disrepair. By the close off the 1990's the Center was in need of a complete restoration.



In summer 2004, a major effort was put forth by the Pacific Grove Rotary Club in partnership with the Pacific Grove Unified School District. This effort completely renovated the interior of the middle school auditorium including complete painting, replacement of all seat coverings, installation of new house lighting, refinishing of the floor and other items. These tasks required over 2500 Rotarian man hours and almost $90,000.00 from funds raised from Rotarians and the generous support of the citizens of Pacific Grove and lovers of the arts from throughout the Central Coast. The rundown auditorium was reborn as the Performing Arts Center of Pacific Grove. The P.A.C. as it is known was dedicated in late 2004 and has seen a steady rise in concerts and performances from both local and national artists.

Installation of an electronic billboard was completed in late 2007. Additional work, funded by the Measure D School Bond was completed in September 2009.

Following the completion of the restoration and renovation of the Performing Arts Center in late 2004, the Pacific Grove Unified School District and Pacific Grove Rotary Club realized that a permanent non-profit group was required to continue the upkeep and improvements necessary to ensure the future and vitality of the center.

In 2005, the Foundation for the Performing Arts Center of Pacific Grove was formed as a 501c 3 non-profit and was charged with continuing the revitalization of the Center. This revitalization includes the physical attributes of the Performing Arts Center, it's presentation to Pacific Grove and the community at large, and its outreach to local and national performing artists.

In 2007, the Foundation is worked in partnership with the PGUSD and the Pacific Grove Rotary Club to help administer the funds allocated toward additional improvements by Measure D. The first step has been the installation of an electronic billboard to highlight upcoming events and shows.

Currently, the Foundation continues to assist various organizations who bring performers to the art center by providing staff as ushers, ticket sales, publicity, and programs, plus produce performances that earn funds to add to the programs in our schools along with maintaining the performing arts center.

The Performing Arts Center of Pacific Grove was originally built in 1923 as part of an expansion of the Pacific Grove High School. It was primarily used for school and community productions and was enjoyed by locals throughout the 1920s and 30s. www.performingartscenterpg.org

Tags: Music Store,Event Venue,Auditorium