The theater’s mezzanine level will be called the “Auen Mezzanine.”
The Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation announced that the Auen Foundation, a Coachella Valley-based private grant-making foundation, has agreed to name the historic theatre’s mezzanine as the Auen Mezzanine. The $250,000 contribution helps the Plaza Theatre Foundation move closer to completing its capital fundraising campaign to restore the historic Plaza Theatre, making it once again accessible to all residents and visitors of the Coachella Valley and beyond. The Auen Foundation will receive prominent recognition as a Founding Donor, as well as on the donor wall, which honors those who have taken the step to name an element or location in the theatre officially. Patrons visiting the Plaza Theatre during every event will see that prime seats are in the Auen Foundation Mezzanine. The Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation is currently raising the remaining $6 million needed to fund the ongoing extensive restoration and update of the theatre, which is scheduled to open in early December 2025.
“The Auen Foundation is proud to support the Plaza Theatre Foundation as a founding donor in the restoration of this cultural treasure in the heart of Palm Springs,” said Sherrie Auen, Trustee of the Auen Foundation. “Aligned with our mission to enrich quality of life — especially for our aging population — this transformative project will bring people of all ages together to enjoy performances, programs, and shared experiences, while ensuring this iconic space remains accessible and vibrant for generations to come.”
‘With this incredible gift, the Auen Foundation is directly supporting and contributing to the cultural enrichment of our community,” said J.R. Roberts, President of the Plaza Theatre Foundation. “We are honored to work with this respected foundation, which helps increase quality of life for so many. Several significant naming opportunities are remaining, so other organizations and individuals may join the Auen Foundation to help us restore this icon, where the culture of Palm Springs takes center stage.”
Located in the center of downtown Palm Springs and built in 1936, the Plaza Theatre was a vibrant home for film premieres and screenings, nationally broadcast radio programs, and other performances. In its later years, the theater was home to the long-running “The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies.” It had fallen into disrepair and has been closed since 2014. The comprehensive restoration and rehabilitation will provide essential infrastructure repairs, installation of new theatrical equipment, and structural improvements to ensure that the building meets current fire prevention and Americans with Disabilities Act mandates. When the restoration is complete, the Plaza Theatre will be poised to continue to provide the city and its visitors with top-notch entertainment for years to come.
Oak View Group will operate the theatre and is currently selling tickets for its star-studded lineup of initial performances beginning with Lily Tomlin on December 2 and 3, 2025. To see a full list of scheduled performances for the inaugural season, visit the Plaza Theatre’s website at www.palmspringsplazatheatre.com.
