The Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation has announced that the historic Plaza Theatre will reopen in December 2025. This meticulously restored downtown icon will feature state-of-the-art technology, including an L-Acoustics sound system, a 4K laser projector, a 28-foot projection screen, and advanced hearing loop technology for hearing-impaired patrons.
J.R. Roberts, President of the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation, stated that “The Plaza Theatre will provide the best technology to enhance any show, whether the performer is a world-class star or a local non-profit with a small budget”. He added that the theatre aims to be “a ‘living room’ for all of Palm Springs.” John Bolton, Senior Vice President and Plaza Theatre General Manager, explained that the decision to invest in the “best and most effective technology available for modern theatres” was made early in the planning process and required a significant monetary investment. This commitment ensures that the Plaza Theatre “will rival any other venue in terms of the technology required for modern productions” and that “every production will be effortless and memorable.”
Technological additions to the theatre include:
- House Control: Yamaha DM7-EX (120 Channel with CTL-DM7 Expansion).
- Main Line Arrays & Amps: L-Acoustics A15i cabinets with LA4X amplifiers, featuring Panflex technology for adaptable directivity and a clear audio experience.
- Monitors: Martin LE1000 monitors to minimize distortion.
- Hearing Impaired System: A Williams AV C5 2 induction loop system with 27 receivers and earphones, providing exceptional audio experiences for users with T-Coil-enabled devices and surpassing current ADA requirements.
- Lighting Console: GrandMA 3 Light with Extension, ideal for remote playbacks and various operational roles.
- Followspots: Lycian 1280 LED followspots to highlight performers on stage.
- Cinema Projector: Barco SP4K-20 4K laser projector for high contrast and enhanced uniformity.
- Screen: Stewart 336″ diagonal cinematic projection screen, considered the reference standard in the AV industry.
The Plaza Theatre has a long history of incorporating groundbreaking technology since its opening in 1936. Notable past innovations include the installation of twin Super Simplex projectors and being one of the first venues to feature Western Electric’s Mirrophonic Sound System in 1936. Its unique “atmospheric” design with a faux-Spanish village and celestial lighting effects, which will be restored, also dates back to its opening. Other historical technological advancements include headset earphones for patrons with hearing difficulties (1937) , a live coast-to-coast broadcast by Jack Benny (1941) , an innovative “cycloramic curved screen” (1949) , glow-in-the-dark uniforms (1950) , the first “pay per view” closed-circuit network (1953) , and a CinemaScope wide-angle screen (1953).
Originally built in 1936, the Plaza Theatre served as a venue for film premieres, radio theatre, and other performances. In later years, it hosted “The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies”. After decades of deterioration, the City of Palm Springs initiated a capital campaign to restore the beloved structure. The comprehensive restoration and rehabilitation plan includes essential infrastructure repairs and structural improvements to meet modern fire prevention and ADA mandates. Upon its completion in December 2025, the Plaza Theatre will be ready to provide top-notch entertainment to the city and its visitors for years to come.