The Historic Hemet Theatre is just one of the entertainment destinations that falls under the umbrella of the San Jacinto Valley Community Foundation, which is collaborating with the City of Hemet to expand its offerings to appeal to all facets of creative endeavors. Not only will residents of the San Jacinto Valley be able to enjoy a variety of outlets for theatre, music, comedy and more but there will be unique experiences that will bring in visitors, and revenue, from other areas. This is the Foundation’s goal, and its board members have already begun planning as evidenced at a public meeting held at the theater on Sept. 4.
The Theatre Renovation and Expansion visioning event gave 75-plus attendees the first look at conceptual ideas that are being considered and the opportunity to provide input. It also signaled the kickoff of a capital campaign that will provide opportunities for donors and sponsors to invest in the future of the arts in downtown Hemet.
“Our aim is to revitalize the local economy by constructing a cutting-edge performing arts center and the public’s participation is crucial to our success,” HHT General Manager Alexander Yepremian said. “This has been a record year for major accomplishments by the Theatre, including collaboration with the City of Hemet’s economic development plan, the County of Riverside and other major donors and sponsors. We need to embrace growth proactively.”
Among those at the recent meeting that included concessions of popcorn, soda and more at the theater’s lobby were representatives of the City of Hemet and Riverside County. Hemet Mayor Joe Males gave a short speech that captured the intent and purpose of the Foundation’s grand plan.
“For one hundred years plus, this theater has been a cornerstone of our community, a place where dreams come to life, stories are told, and memories are made. It has stood the test of time, weathering countless changes and challenges, and today we honor its enduring legacy with a much-needed renovation,” Males said. “As we embark on this journey of renewal, let us remember the countless performers, directors, and audience members who have contributed to the rich tapestry of this theater’s history. Let us continue to support and nurture the arts, knowing that every performance, every show, and every moment on this stage is a step towards a brighter, more vibrant future.”
He also acknowledged the incredible support from the community, patrons and donors, whose unwavering belief in the power of the arts has made this renovation possible. Successful fundraising efforts in this past season have allowed the project to raise nearly a million dollars through sponsorships, grants, donations and special events.
“The theater has always been a place where diverse voices and stories converge, where people from all walks of life come together to share in the collective joy of performance,” Males said. “This renovation will not only preserve our rich history but also pave the way for more inclusive and innovative productions. We are committed to making this theater a space where everyone feels welcome and where new talents can flourish.”
San Jacinto Valley Community Foundation Vice President Andrew Kotyuk grew up in Hemet and is pleased to be involved with the project. “We are one of the oldest cities in the county and we have more assets than most cities have,” he said. “We have the airport, hospital, Western Science Center, Hemet Theatre, a college, Soboba Casino Resort; some communities might have one, but they don’t have all of them. What I envision for this board is to reignite these assets, starting with the theater to revitalize downtown.”
Hemet City Manager Mark Prestwich learned about the proposed expansion six months ago, at the same time he heard the properties to the east and west of the theater were available for purchase. “This theater is dear to my heart,” he said. “When I moved to the valley in 1975, I did not see the downtown as a destination; this is the catalyst project that will ignite downtown Hemet.”
Prestwich added that “the stars are already aligning” with other proposed projects attracting the attention of investors as well as recent grants for transportation linking the downtown corridor and a kitchen for the area.
The most ambitious proposal would remove the east and west walls of the current theater. The Foundation was able to purchase the retail space to the west (Balloons & Things) and acquire the empty lot to the east. They already planned to extend the building north by utilizing what is now a rear parking lot. The blueprints for Concept A include possible future development as well as the plan for 1,176 seats, from its current 390, and a full theatrical stage and orchestra pit. It would have four stories with rooftop events space and a full basement to accommodate costumes, a workshop and prop storage. The first floor would be dedicated to a 250-seat Black Box theater.
Concept B’s design would keep the west wall and only remove the east wall. That would allow for 1,044 seats, a full theatrical stage, fly, backstage and orchestra pit and a large Black Box theater. It would also be four stories tall with rooftop events space but would include two balconies and box seats in the main theater. Concept C proposes keeping both the east and west walls intact. It would be very similar to the previous design but would only contain 988 seats. While it will offer a rooftop bar and events space, it will only be three stories tall.
Input from the public as well as available funding will determine the final option to be chosen. Kotyuk said, “This is a critical time for the valley. We go to other cities to leave our money behind. We want to provide something for the community to be proud of so they will spend their money here but to also attract those from outside the area.”
While the focus is on elevating the arts in the valley, Kotyuk pointed out there is a much larger goal. “This is a great collaboration with the city and business leaders, bringing it back to what this valley used to be when it was prosperous and safe,” he said. “All of us will benefit from it. It isn’t just for your entertainment and the legacy of the history of the theater. Those are all wonderful things but there’s a much bigger message here about working on things that haven’t been done for decades now. That means we will have more money for police, fire, public works, paving our roads, businesses being able to give raises and expand. Not to mention the jobs it will create. I hope you feel the excitement and energy and share this vision with others.”
Guests at the Sept. 4 event learned of a unique seat naming opportunity. All seats are now numbered, and name plates will be added when purchased by those who wish to celebrate their love of theater, a birthday or significant milestone, or to honor a cherished individual by dedicating a seat of their choice at the Historic Hemet Theatre.
Additionally, membership is available at many different levels, all providing exclusive benefits to those who join the President’s Circle or the Friends Circle. Invitations to VIP events and advance ticket buying opportunities are just a couple of advantages membership brings.
On Sept. 13 and 14, the theater, at 216 E. Florida Ave., is hosting a memorabilia sale with movie posters, film reels, projectors and more items that were being stored in its upstairs office space. “Our next big show is September 21 – a tribute to Elton John – and our first-ever talent competition called Star Factor is on September 28,” Yepremian said.
Two other community meetings are being scheduled in the next 12 months to share the five-year plan for this project and receive input from the public. For more information, 951-658-5950.
