By Shelley Bennett
The arts will be taking center stage in Lassen County with the opening of the Susanville Performing Arts Center, a re-imagining of the historic Sierra Theatre dedicated to live performance, education and community engagement.
When negotiations between the City of Susanville and the Susanville Symphony failed to come to an agreement, it seemed that the dream of having a local performing arts center was dead. That’s when Sierra Theatre owners Michael and Carolyn came up with a solution.
Separate from their theater corporation, they applied for and received 501(c)(3) non-profit status, in the name of the Susanville Performing Arts Center, brainstormed with community members, and formed a board made up of daughter Tanya, Jeremy Couso, Jillaine Laughlin, Shelley Bennett, and Mark Sanders.
Located in the heart of Susanville at the Sierra Theatre, SPAC will feature a 250-seat main auditorium and a 150-seat auditorium, rehearsal space, and community classrooms.
Thanks to a generous donation from the Susanville Symphony and free labor from Michael and Mark, renovations are already taking place with the building of a new sound booth, stairs to the stage, and removal of the old DJ table at the front of the auditorium which enlarged the dance floor.
There are many more upgrades planned, including the addition of dressing rooms and covering the recessed stage lights with Lexon Polycarbonate to level the surface of the stage. Funding will bring this to fruition sooner.
Applying for and receiving available grants will undoubtedly take time so tax deductible donations of any amount would be greatly appreciated. Donation boxes are located at the box office and checks can be mailed to PO Box 1176, Susanville, CA 96130.
SPAC is already hosting free movies, scheduling theater rentals, and booking live events. A grand opening will be held after upgrades are completed.
SPAC will host an exciting first season filled with fundraising, the Susanville Symphony, theater, dance, live music, and cultural programming, including collaborations with local schools and arts organizations. In the future, the center will provide educational workshops and outreach programs to inspire young artists across Lassen County.
The Sierra Theatre will continue to showcase first run movies during the holidays and school vacations. SPAC will be hosting free movies on some Fright Night Fridays, Silly Saturdays, Spiritual Sundays, Wild & Wacky Wednesdays, and Throwback Thursdays.
Designed with both audiences and performers in mind, the center blends classic architecture with welcoming spaces that highlight the beauty of this historic building.
The Susanville Performing Arts Center is more than just a venue it’s a home for creativity, learning, and connection. We’re thrilled to provide a place where the community can come together to celebrate the arts, discover new talent, and share unforgettable experiences.
