Discover the Calvin Simmons Theater
Introducing the newly-remodeled Calvin Simmons Theater
Designed with Artistry
Inside the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts are 5 historic venues, none more glamorous than the Calvin Simmons Theater. The proscenium theater was originally designed in the Beaux Arts style of 1915 by architect Henry Hornbostel - a former student of École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Like other Beaux-Arts buildings – Oakland + San Francisco’s City Hall for example – the room features classical details and sculptural reliefs. These details, like the trellis of fleur-de-lis on either side of the stage, showcase the French inspiration behind Beaux-Arts architecture and speak to the City Beautiful movement that was in full swing at the time of construction. The philosophy behind the City Beautiful was that such beautification could promote a harmonious social order that would increase the quality of life.
At the time the center was concepted, there were no large convention halls located in the Bay Area and only 2 located in the entire western U.S. Truly ahead of its time from the beginning, it was stated that, "Probably no building in America is better fitted out with conveniences such as permanent public telephone rooms, telegraph stations, checking facilities, rest rooms for women, elaborately fitted up smoking rooms for men ... parking station for automobiles and exits of a nature that provide for emptying the building of 9,000 persons in four minutes." Keeping with this legacy, the features of the newly renovated theater are once again ahead of their time.
The Calvin Simmons Theater stage in 1914
90 Years of Programming
For 90 years after its initial construction, the Calvin Simmons Theater hosted many performances and performing arts companies that reflected the richness and diversity of Oakland. In this space, Oakland Jazz Choir hosted Martin Luther King tributes, Oakland Ballet dazzled audiences with their performances, and young musicians made their name. Many recognizable organizations that run programming today hosted concerts, showcases, and performances in the Calvin Simmons Theater 20, 30, some even 50 years ago.
Calvin Simmon’s Legacy
Of note, the Oakland Symphony hosted their regular seasonal programming in the Calvin Simmons Theater, until the 1994/95 season. In fact, the theater is named after a former conductor of the Oakland Symphony, Calvin Simmons. Simmons, a musical prodigy, worked with numerous major symphony orchestras before joining Oakland Symphony in 1978, when he was only 28 years old. He was one of the first African-American conductors of a major symphony, and tragically passed away at 32 years old. Six years later, the theatre at the Oakland Auditorium (now Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts) was officially renamed to honor his legacy.
New Era, New Upgrades
The Calvin Simmons Theater seats in 2015, before renovations began
Despite the fondness that many Oaklanders had for the Henry J. Kaiser Center and Calvin Simmons Theater, it closed its doors in 2005. Since then, the building sat mostly-dormant for over a decade until redevelopment broke ground in 2021. Now, 20 years after its closure, the Calvin Simmons Theater is opening its doors to the public again. Just like before, the theater will be home to Oakland performing arts organizations showcasing their work on a larger stage. It will also bring national touring acts to Oakland, from comedians and jazz artists to entire Broadway productions.
Those who may be returning to the theater after many years may note that it looks largely unchanged. The beautiful Beaux-Arts details were masterfully restored. Upon closer inspection though, the Calvin Simmons Theater has received major upgrades.
Some updates include:
New plush seating on all 3 floors, cupholders included for your showtime cocktail
Improved sightlines – none of the 1,300 seats have a bad view
ADA accessible spaces on the orchestra and mezzanine level
State-of-the-art Meyer Sound Systems
A fully-automated fly system
All new theatrical lighting
Digital projection capabilities on our 20 x 30 foot screen
All new marble bathrooms for all genders in theater lobby
At the Calvin Simmons Theater, classic style truly meets modern comfort. Our team is excited to present this long-hidden gem to the Oakland community and beyond.
See it for Yourself
The 2025/26 season will be the first official season presented in the Calvin Simmons Theater since its 2005 closure. In the meantime though, the Center will be unveiling the many new features and opportunities through an opening season of events. Be one of the first to experience this historic venue and check out upcoming events here. Keep checking back as our calendar will be updated regularly.
10/07/24 - An Evening with Patti Smith
The first public show in the newly renovated Calvin Simmons Theater
