The city of Guadalupe has launched the Royal Theatre Capital Campaign, a region-wide effort to secure the remaining funding needed to complete the restoration of the historic Royal Theatre and its transformation into a community performing arts center.
Along with the campaign opening, the city is releasing its May 2026 Royal Theatre Status Report, providing residents, supporters, donors, and community partners with a comprehensive update on the progress made to date and the work that remains ahead.
Originally opened in 1940, the Royal Theatre served for decades as a cultural and entertainment hub for Guadalupe and the surrounding communities.
“After being closed and red-tagged for many years, the theater is now undergoing a significant restoration and expansion project that will preserve its historic character while creating a modern community focused performing arts center for future generations,” organizers said.
The project includes restoration of the historic theater auditorium, construction of classrooms, a public plaza, an outdoor amphitheater, a commercial kitchen, a green room for performer and other community-serving spaces designed to support performances, education, cultural programming, and community events.
The Status Report details the substantial progress already achieved, including successful grant awards, historic preservation efforts, project approvals, fundraising accomplishments, and the commencement of construction activities.
While these accomplishments have moved the project forward significantly, funding gaps remain for several key project elements necessary to fully realize the vision for the Royal Theatre Performing Arts Center.
“The Royal Theatre belongs to the community,” said Tom Brandeberry, managing the Capital Campaign. “We have made tremendous progress thanks to the support of grant agencies, foundations, elected officials, community organizations, and individual donors.
The Capital Campaign represents the next step in bringing this vision to completion and creating a lasting community asset for generations to come.”
The city is seeking support from individuals, families, businesses, foundations, philanthropic organizations, and corporate partners who are committed to historic preservation, arts education, economic development, and community revitalization.
The city is in the process of creating several opportunities for donors to be recognized, including a donor board, plaques, and naming rights, while keeping the Royal Theatre name intact.
“The Royal Theatre is more than a building,” said Mayor Julian Ariston. “It represents Guadalupe’s history, culture and future. Completing this project will create opportunities for education, entertainment, tourism, economic development, and community gathering for decades to come.”
The city urges community members and potential supporters to review the May 2026 Status Report to learn more about the project’s accomplishments, remaining needs, and opportunities to participate in the Capital Campaign.
For information regarding donations, naming opportunities, sponsorships, or partnership opportunities, call Tom Brandeberry, project manager/capital campaign coordinator/Royal Theatre Project, City of Guadalupe, 916-281-7638; or email brandeberrytom@gmail.com.
The Royal Theatre Project is the restoration and adaptive reuse of the historic Royal Theatre in Guadalupe.
Once completed, the facility will serve as a community-based performing arts center supporting films, live performances, educational programming, cultural events, youth activities, and community gatherings while preserving one of the region’s most important historic landmarks.