Working to bring a world-class theater to our community

to share the joy of the performing arts, theater, dance and music to our little corner of the world.

When restored the Sutter Theater will celebrate the juxtaposition of a restored 1950s movie theater and a modern and contemporary 299-seat performing arts theater — as well as a black-box theater for smaller performances and dinner theatre. The Sutter Theater will embrace our history and our future, creating a performing arts destination for Yuba and Sutter visitors and residents alike.

Match Grant Opportunity!

The Sutter Performing Arts Association’s goal of having the Black Box open in 2018 was successful thanks in part to the many contributors to the Match Grant Opportunity of 2018. Your generous gifts of $40,000 were matched dollar for dollar for a total of $80,000.

The Association is very grateful to our anonymous donors who provided not only the match resources, but also the inspiration to initiate this grant and then challenge others to join. And join you did! Thank you so much again and stop by sometime to see our wonderful Black Box! It will soon be a jewel in our community.

Building Photos © Jerry A. Gregg

Latest News

5 Decades of Love Through Music | Photo Gallery

On October 6, about 100 previous students of Dean Estabrook’s music and choral teachings united to perform under the direction of Adrian Estabrook Mora, Dean’s daughter. In addition, Dr. Ayke Agus on violin and piano and the extraordinary Little Stars Trio performed.

Our Street Piano is Up and Running!

At our September Artist reception attendees were enchanted when Carter Green came by with his grandparents and shared his keyboard talents.

Veridian String Quartet Concert

On April 7, 2019 SPAA was pleased to host the spring concert for the Veridian String Quartet entitled “Music in Bloom: Greatest Hits for the String Quartet”. A large gathering of music lovers graced the BlackBox for what proved to be a most delightful and educational performance. The acoustics in…

COVID-19 Notice

In order to help stop the spread of the Corona Virus, the Theater Art Gallery will be closed until further notice, and all gallery showings and receptions have been postponed. We're sorry for any inconvenience.

Please watch this website and follow us on Facebook for further developments.

Our History

The video you are about to view is a brief historical account of the Sutter Performing Arts Association’s (SPAA) work to restore the Sutter Theater into a performing arts community center. The video features two board members, Terri Tomlinson and Joe Moye as they respond to questions about our progress from the beginning with the purchase of the theater, to our current phase of building a “Black Box” venue. A special thank you to Joe Steele and the Dreambound Productions team for donating the their expertise and resources to create and publish this video.

Four Phases to A Beautiful Theater
and Community Center

Phase One (complete)

The creation of the organizational structure, developing a fundraising strategy to cover ongoing operational costs and feasibility studies (earthquake standards, lead paint/asbestos mitigation and ADA requirements for 299 person capacity).

Phase Two (complete)

SPAA secured Redevelopment Funds from the City of Yuba City for the second phase NOW COMPLETE which is an exterior restoration and essential interior repairs to open a small gallery/venue space.

Phase Three (currently in progress)

This phase set in motion, an estimated $500,000 upgrade, for partial interior renovations to include creating a “Black Box” theater which will be open for smaller productions and events. Snack bar and lobby renovations will follow.

Phase Four

A 299 seat theater! A state-of-the art Performing Arts Venue that provides a setting for a rich array of culturally diverse performing arts programming for the region.

2019 Sutter Performing Arts Association Goals

The Black Box is now operational on a limited-event basis. Our priority for construction is to complete the restrooms and then continue with the Lobby remodel.

Complete Restrooms

Install prep plumbing
Install sheetrock, tape and texture
Float wall and ceiling
Purchase and install fixtures
Purchase and install counter, backsplash and flooring materials
Purchase and install finish plumbing fixtures
Complete electrical

Complete Lobby, Lounge and Café

Rebuild staircase
Secure engineering specifications
Repair walls and ceiling
Install sheetrock, tape and texture
Rehab ticket booth
Install choir memorial
Complete electrical and plumbing
Complete carpentry
Repair and refinish floor
Repair and clean existing duct work and conduct environmental tests

Complete construction on Black Box

Complete sealing of floor
Engineer and install HVAC units
Purchase and install sound system including speakers
Purchase and install theatrical lighting
Place purchased stars in location

Here is an easy way to help Sutter Performing Arts Assoc. if you are an Amazon shopper.

Just go to “smile.amazon.com” and log into your Amazon account. You can then name Sutter Performing Arts Assoc. as your charity of choice. After that every time you purchase from Amazon they will make a donation to us based on a percentage of your purchase. After you have registered this with them you shouldl always then purchase from “smile.amazon.com” rather than the “amazon.com” site. Don’t worry, they will keep reminding you and give you the opportunity to change to the correct site. All of your account preferences and records remain the same. Such a simple way to make a donation and help us bring a community theater to the Yuba/Sutter area.

Here is another easy way to help Sutter Performing Arts Association:

purchase items from The Theater Art Gallery. A percentage of each sale goes into the renovation fund.

Theater Art Gallery Hours of Operation

Wednesday - Saturday 12:00 – 5 pm

Artist receptions are held on the first Thursday of the month from 5 to 7 pm. Always free admission and exhibits change each month.

Sutter Performing Arts Association

754 Plumas St
Yuba City, CA 95991
Phone: (530) 740-0105