About Altarena
Our Mission
Since 1938, Alameda Little Theatre Inc. has been presenting live theater in Alameda. In 1957 the company acquired an abandoned grocery store on High Street and turned it into the Altarena Playhouse, where we have been presenting creative, intimate, and artistically ambitious stagings of plays, musicals and revues ever since. Our inclusive and welcoming atmosphere makes Altarena a “great place to go” for patrons and a “great place to work” for artists. From re-envisioning the classics to promoting new works, our critically-acclaimed productions and our educational outreach programs foster greater appreciation and understanding of the theater arts in Alameda and throughout the Bay Area.
Our History (list of all productions since 1939)
The Altarena Playhouse began life in 1938 as the Alameda Little Theatre and has continued on its course of providing theatrical entertainment for 70 years. Altarena is the oldest continuously operating community theatre in the Bay Area.
Over 500,000 people have seen shows at Altarena!
The first play produced was “Riddle Me This” opening on April 21, 1939 at the Adelphian Club. Later shows were done at the Alameda Hotel. The first permanent home was the Hideaway Playhouse; so named because it was hidden away behind Cottage Baths in a converted dance hall at Alameda’s famed Neptune Beach. The group performed on a regular stage for eight years.
In 1957, A.L.T. moved to an abandoned grocery store at 1409 High Street. Because the building was so small, it was decided to seat the audience on all four sides and perform in the middle. This is “theatre in the round”; the name “Altarena” was derived by taking the initials of Alameda Little Theatre, A.L.T., and adding the style of performing, “arena.” In 13 years the non-profit organization succeeded in paying off the mortgage on the building, and in 1970 a mortgage-burning party was held.
Through the years, The Altarena Playhouse has presented musicals, comedies, and dramas. We currently present six main productions each season, as well as several special events, concerts, and benefit performances. Anyone may audition, and many Alamedans fondly recall their moment of stardom at Altarena.
Board of Directors and Staff
Patrick Tracy (President)
Susan Bunker (Vice President)Armando Fox (Treasurer)
Dian Hale
Diana Moore (Secretary)
Artistic Director: Frederick Chacon
House Manager: Star Valdez
Advisory Board
Jeff Cambra, Producer, Alameda Currents
John R. Jacobs, Vice President, Bank of Alameda
Patrick Kenney, Owner and Co-founder, Cairdea Design & Marketing
Cathy Leong, Marketing Specialist, Cairdea Design & Marketing
Cheryl Principato, Owner, C’era Una Volta
Honorary and Emeritus Board
Emeritus:
Lee Eichelberger, Mark Hanna, Adair Jorgensen, Pat Marr, Cathy Peinado, Marion ShermanHonorary:
Wilma Chan, Former State Assemblywoman
Brian Copeland, Playwright/Performer
Beverly Johnson, Mayor, City of Alameda
Alice Lai-Bitker, Supervisor, Alameda Co.
Melody Marr, CEO, Alameda Chamber of Commerce
Frank Matarrese, Alameda City Councilman
Chris Pucci, Concert Tenor
