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About Us

Cabrillo Playhouse has been a cultural cornerstone of San Clemente since 1953. Located just a block from Avenida Del Mar, the theatre operates from an intimate Spanish Colonial Revival building that places audiences only steps away from the stage.

With sixty-four seats and a strong tradition of volunteer involvement, the Playhouse offers an intimate setting where audiences experience live theatre up close. Each season features a mix of musicals, comedies, and dramas showcasing the best of local talent.

As one of the longest continuously operating community theatres in Orange County, Cabrillo Playhouse remains dedicated to bringing engaging, accessible live theatre that connects and enriches the South Orange County community.

Our Team

Michael Lopez

Producing Artistic Director

Hillary Pearson

President

Holly Jones

Vice President

Asta Gersovitz

Secretary

Kathi Koehler

Treasurer

Tom Marshall

Community Relations

Will Minton

Advancement

Carissa Mace

Volunteer Coordinator

Aaron Carlow

Technology

Elana Harnack

Social Media Manager

Lisa Garcia Coredes

Stage Manager

Our History

Cabrillo Playhouse was founded in 1953 when local residents established the San Clemente Community Theatre to bring live theatre to their growing seaside town. From its earliest productions, the organization relied on the energy of volunteers and the enthusiasm of audiences who believed that live theatre belonged in the heart of their community.

The theatre operates in a 1928 Spanish Colonial Revival home, now recognized as a historic Ole Hanson residence, reflecting the architectural character of San Clemente. In 1966, the theatre company purchased the home and adjacent lot to establish a permanent venue, transforming the residence into what is now the Cabrillo Playhouse. Over the years, the Playhouse has expanded to sixty-six seats while maintaining the intimate environment that has long defined the audience experience.

Generations of volunteers have built sets, performed on stage, managed productions, and welcomed audiences. Their efforts have allowed the Playhouse to stage hundreds of productions and remain one of the oldest community theatres in Orange County.

During the pandemic, the organization adapted by creating an outdoor performance space that allowed theatre to continue safely. This effort led to the development of the Garden Cabaret program, which has since become a popular part of Cabrillo Playhouse programming.

Most recently, the theatre completed the Raise the Roof campaign, a renovation project totaling approximately $250,000. Improvements included raising the stage ceiling, refreshing the lobby, installing new seating, and upgrading the lighting system. A $50,000 Breakaway Fund grant from the Samueli Foundation helped support installation of the theatre’s new lighting system as part of the renovation.

With these improvements in place, Cabrillo Playhouse continues its long tradition of volunteer-driven theatre while entering a new era of artistic possibilities for audiences and performers alike.

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