Site information:

39 El Molino Ave, Pasadena

34.145141,-118.137149

Plaque information:

State plaque

Plaque text:

Pasadena Playhouse

Considered Elmer Grey's outstanding design, the Pasadena Playhouse, an excellent example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, opened on May 18, 1925. The first in America to stage Shakespeare's 37 plays, the Playhouse has provided the theatre world with quality and excellence, and trained many of its stars. The Legislature proclaimed it the State Theatre of California in 1937.

Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Pasadena Playhouse Association, Pasadena Historical Society and City of Pasadena, November 20, 1977.

OHP description:

Founded in 1917 by Gilmor Brown, the Pasadena Playhouse was designed by architect Elmer Grey and the cornerstone laid May 31, 1924. In 1928 the College of Theatre Arts was incorporated with the Pasadena Playhouse Association as a non-profit institution. In 1937, the Playhouse received the honorary title 'State Theatre of California' from the California Legislature.

Registered 7/11/1975