Riverfront Playhouse

The show must go on … and it will be amazing…

Riverfront Playhouse, the region’s longest continually-operating, non-profit community theater, recently celebrated the opening of its new facility at 1950 California St.in Downtown Redding. And while the pandemic might have delayed the curtain going up, rest assured, this year’s shows are spectacular.

“The dedication and hard work to bring this theatre to fruition is a reflection of the tremendous generosity and commitment to the performing arts in the North State,” says Darryll Alvey, former president of the Riverfront Playhouse Board of Directors. “We are sincerely grateful to the volunteers and donors who made our vision a reality.”

From its first production in 1981 – “Seesaw” – to this season’s “Dracula, Down for the Count,” “Steel Magnolias” and “Proof”, Riverfront Playhouse celebrates the human experience. It enriches our collective soul. Riverfront Playhouse provides the stage for all within our community to explore, experience and learn the many aspects of live theatre.

Nearly every phase of its operation is volunteer-based – from its board of directors to staff, set builders, directors, stagehands and actors. “Redding is home to a broad and deep pool of theatrical talent, including actors, singers, dancers, directors, set designers and stage technicians, and we’re pleased to give the community an opportunity to express their art in our theatre,” Alvey says. “There have been more than 200 plays performed on the Riverfront Playhouse stage. There are so many great memories from people who have been part of the theatre for the past 41 years and those who are new to Riverfront.”

In addition to hosting big-city quality productions, Riverfront Playhouse also rents its facility for community events, small performances and business presentations. It also hosts an art gallery for local artists to display and sell their work with all proceeds going directly to the artist.

The California Street location was designed to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act for not only the patrons, but staff and actors, as well. And it gives back to upcoming generations of would-be theater-lovers through its scholarship to graduating high school seniors, as well as providing a place for children to participate in all aspects of live theatre from set-building to production, stage crew and the tech booth, while working alongside veteran actors and directors.

And if the first 41 years of the Riverfront Playhouse are any indication of the future of Redding’s artistic gem, the next generation of theatergoers is in for a treat. 

Riverfront Playhouse – 1950 California St. // (530) 221-1028 riverfrontplayhouse.net