What’s the mission of your organization?

The mission of the City of Brea’s Curtis Theatre is to entertain, inspire, and connect our diverse community through exceptional performing arts programs, premium facilities, and professional staff.


Is there a story behind your organization’s name?

The Curtis Theatre opened in 1980. In 1982, the theatre was named in honor of Dr. Glenn Curtis, who had practiced medicine in Brea for over thirty years.
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Dr. Glenn Curtis established his practice in Brea in 1927, continuing until 1958, when ill health forced his early retirement in 1959. "Doc" Curtis, as he was known, was devoted to the community and helped the ill whether they could afford to pay or not. Although his life as a doctor was a busy one, he found time for many other pursuits including his love for the arts. He became known as one of the outstanding general practitioners in northern Orange County and was referred to by others as Brea’s Country Doctor. His energy was unbounded. Everything he did was with great zest and enthusiasm. He was intensely interested in community, civic, and government affairs.


What kind of productions could we expect from your organization?

We present something for everyone including musicals, plays, comedy, concerts, and youth theatre.


What’s your organization’s origin story?

When developing the plans for the Brea Civic & Cultural Center, the community decided the Center would include a library, the Brea Gallery, a cable television studio, and the Curtis Theatre among city offices and police headquarters. Since the theatre’s opening in 1980, the Curtis has been home to many local community theatre groups such as the Young Americans, Cabaret Repertory, and the Lilliput Players. In the early 1990s, the theatre became the home to the Brea Theatre League, the Civic Light Opera of Brea, and Brea’s very successful youth theatre program. The theatre was also home to the short-lived Brea City Orchestra. During the mid to late 1990s, the Curtis attracted local community production groups including Prism Productions, Good Guys Productions, and the Vanguard Theatre Ensemble to create shows for what was known as the Premiere Series.


How is your organization different today?

In addition to producing and presenting a wide array of performing arts, the Curtis Theatre has become a home for several local theatre companies. Stagelight Family Productions has produced phenomenal youth theatre shows at the Curtis Theatre for well over 30 years. Southgate Productions has been bringing high-quality, full-scale musicals to the Curtis Theatre stage since 2012. More recent collaborations with STAGEStheatre and Begins & Ends With 'A' Productions have added critically acclaimed performances to the Curtis Theatre season offerings.


Outside of your main productions, do you offer other programs for the community?

The Curtis Theatre has a robust youth theatre program that gives participants and their families two opportunities per year to experience what it takes to put on a large-scale musical. There are also several special events offered by the Curtis Theatre and the City of Brea that allow the general public to experience the arts in Brea.


What surprises you the most about producing theatre in your community?

There is a rich and diverse theatre culture in Orange County being cultivated by an incredible group of talented and dedicated artists. It is surprising that more people aren't aware of it.


What are your organization’s short and long term goals?

Our goal is to continue to entertain, inspire, and connect our diverse community through exceptional performing arts programs, premium facilities, and professional staff. We will do everything in our power to promote these ideals well into the future.


How would people get more involved with your organization?

The biggest thing you can do is get the word out! Follow us on our social media. Get on our mailing list. If you still want to do more, we are always looking for volunteers to help with all kinds of tasks. Email CurtisTheatre@cityofbrea.net for more information.


Name one last thing you want people to know about your organization.

Between our season, youth theatre program, special events, and rental calendar, the Curtis Theatre hosts well over 300 events per year.