You or a family member, friend, or neighbor, have likely been to Rotary Theatre to receive a, scholarship, a diploma, perform in a community theater or dance production – or to watch one of these important life events happen.

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Built during the Great Depression in art deco style as part of what was then Sierra Vista Elementary School, this grand auditorium was revitalized and dedicated as Rotary Theatre in April of 1987 – a successful partnership of several local service clubs, civic organizations, private businesses, and the community.

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Although Visalia Unified School District has a nominal budget to maintain the facility and provide some updates to the sound system and stage lighting, it does not allow for the total needs of the theatre. More than 30 years of wear and tear on the seating, carpeting, and flooring had this treasure of our community looking worn and tired - and the Rotary Clubs of Visalia, along with community businesses, community volunteers, and Visalia Unified Staff have put the sparkle back in Rotary Theatre. Several members of the community joined us in the effort by sponsoring a seat in the theater for $500 with the right to put the name of your choosing on the seat. As of this writing, there are a few seats still available. If you’d like to sponsor a seat, call Shirle at 334-6806 and tell her you’re interested in sponsoring a seat in the theatre! Or, send a check for $500 to: Visalia Rotary Community Foundation 11878 Ave 328 Visalia, CA 93291 and let us know how you would like the chair to read!

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 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 Woodshop back into a Theater) 

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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. 

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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 had been made, the school budget had not allowed for keeping this gem in our community in good physical shape