The Barclay Theatre Celebrates 35 Years of Excellence

Photo collage created from images on the Barclay’s website

Irvine’s Barclay Theatre is celebrating its 35th anniversary! 

Soon after Irvine became a city, a group of community leaders — guided by their conviction that the performing arts reveal the soul of a city — advocated for the creation of a community-based performing arts facility.

After 16 years of discussions, meetings, committee research, and community activism, a unique public-private partnership was established between the City of Irvine and UCI in 1989.

The City of Irvine contributed $11.3 million to the $17.4 million project. Irvine Barclay Theatre’s board of trustees raised $4.3 million from private sources, and UCI provided a 2.3-acre site for the building as well as $1.8 million in construction funding.

On September 30, 1990 the Irvine Barclay Theatre opened to the public, on time and on budget.

Thirty-five years later, the intimate 756-seat venue has attracted more than 3 million audience members throughout Southern California!

Award-winning actors, musicians, dancers, comedians, and guest lecturers have participated in 5,100 events at the Barclay.

Since its establishment, the Barclay’s mission has been threefold: support the production, marketing and promotion of community-based cultural organizations; assist UCI in achieving its educational mission; and present unique experiences of artistic and social importance for its audiences.

What makes the theatre even more special is the fact that roughly 50% of the Barclay’s productions are community-based events while another 25% of the programming comes from UCI. The remaining 25% of the performances feature world-class talent.

Mayor Larry Agran and former Irvine Councilmembers Sally Anne Sheridan and Mary Ann Gaido worked alongside then-UCI Chancellor Jack Peltason to establish the community partnership.

Agran continues to support the Barclay in his role as Mayor and as an arts enthusiast. Agran recently said: “For the past 35 years, the Barclay Theatre has been our City’s cultural arts hub, showcasing local and global talent. It continues to bring our wonderfully diverse community together to enjoy dance, music, comedy, theatrical, and educational performances.”

On September 28th, the theatre will host a free celebration — the Barclay Block Party! The event will include family-friendly activities on the plaza from 1pm until 2:30pm, followed by a high-energy performance inside the theatre by Southern California swing band Phat Cat Swinger.

To learn more about the Barclay Theatre, view a list of upcoming performances, and register to attend the Barclay Block Party, click here.