About Rotary Theater
Rotary Theater, a 300-seat theater on the Redwood High School Campus is a community gem that provides a “just right size” venue for countless school and community performances and events. In 1987, Rotary Theater was dedicated as Visalia Rotarians led a group of community service organizations, businesses, and individuals who came together to fill the need for this smaller theater. ( read how two renegade teens inspire turning a wood shop back into a theater)
Rotary Theater has brought our community together for many special events – it has hosted performances for Visalia School’s Theater, Drama, Band, Orchestra, and Dance groups. All Visalia Unified School District High Schools also use the theater for scholarship awards nights. Other community organizations such as Dancers Edge, Dance Arts, and Eleanor Roosevelt School have used the theater for performances. Other organizations have utilized the for special events or for training. In all, before COVID 19 closure, the theater was being utilized a total of 143 days out of the year for special events in addition to usage by classes during school hours.
For a time after it was dedicated, Rotary Theater was operated under a joint powers agreement between the city of Visalia and Visalia Unified School District. City ownership of the theater meant a limited budget for routine maintenance. In 2005, the theater was taken over by Visalia Unified and while some improvements to stage lighting and equipment have been made, the school budget has not allowed for keeping this gem in our community in good physical shape.
The Rotary Theater needs revitalization
Rotary Theater needs revitalization. A team of Rotarians and community volunteers, now 34 years later, are once again working on a plan to making it look fresh and inviting again.
- Replacing theater seating
- Installing new carpeting
- Installing and retrofitting house and decorative lighting fixtures.
- Refinishing floors
- Repainting the interior
- Replacing some bathroom fixtures
- Replacing the outdoor sign
- Restoring access to the stage loading dock
- Replacing the stage curtain.
Here is how you can help make the changes possible
Please join us in our efforts to make Rotary Theater a community gem once again.
- Buy a seat with naming rights for yourself, your business, or in honor of a loved one - Click here
- Attend our Centennial Celebration fundraiser planned for January 22, 2022 - Click here
For more information call 559.334.6806
