Fox Theater
The Fox Theater of Bakersfield epitomizes an era of elegance, romance and big screen entertainment otherwise impossible to experience this side of Hollywood. Opened on Christmas Day 1930, The Fox was one of the last of its kind built in the Gilded Age. The first film on The Fox's big silver screen was "Just Imagine", a sci-fi tale set 50 years in the future to 1980. The Fox featured the first "talkie" motion pictures and its stage was graced by live performers who among many were prestigious artists such as Bakersfield native Metropolitan Opera baritone Lawrence Tibbett (1933), world-renowned soprano Kirsten Flagstad (1939), the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra (1939), and the classic pianist Arthur Rubinstein (1940).
The 1500 seat Fox Theater was designed by famed Los Angeles architect S. Charles Lee. Known for his trademark "The Show Begins on the Sidewalk;" his designs would later gain classic status as paragons of style and beauty. The Fox Theater's Type I construction consists of poured concrete over steel which would prove itself by withstanding in the 1952 earthquake. In 1953, the original Mediterranean Village interior was replaced with a contemporary Art Deco motif inspired by Fox West Coast Theaters' Charles P. Skouras. A lavish concession area was added, along with a remodel of the marquee, box office and main entrance -- embellished with glitzy 50's bright metals, terrazzo and neon.
In 1977 the big screen went dark as The Fox closed its doors after 47 years in show business. Except for a brief period from 1983-84, The Fox sat silent until June 28, 1994, when The Fox Theater Foundation, a non-profit organization, officially saved it from the wrecking ball. Funds were donated by over 380 "Save The Fox" donors for the down payment, with restoration beginning July 1st. The people of the community are the true stars, whose contributions and visions continue to restore the Fox to her former glory. The Fox Theater Foundation's goal is to complete a five star restoration making the Fox Theater the heart of downtown's cultural district.
Today, The Fox Theater in Bakersfield is recognized as a community treasure for its fine acoustics and is the only remaining Fox with its rare Skouras signature intact. Beginning at the sidewalk on a rainbow of polished terrazzo and inside amid towering gold leaf, she is the exquisite blend of Spanish Colonial and Art Deco. She beckons you away from reality into romantic enchantment with a galaxy of stars floating in the neon glow of an indigo sky; The Fox is truly a place where dreams come true!.
• Cameras, Audio and Video Recorders: Generally, non-professional point and shoot cameras without flash are permitted, however audio or video recorders are not permitted in The Fox Theater. No professional cameras, audio, or video recorders are permitted. This policy is altered to accommodate the preference of the artist. To inquire if cameras, audio, or video recorders are permitted for a particular event, please contact 661-324-1369
• Security Screening: To ensure safety and security, everyone is subject to a courteous screening upon entering The Fox Theater; security measures include screening via metal detector and bag inspections. Please note, all personal belongings are subject to inspection and prohibited items discovered during security inspections must either be returned to the owner's vehicle or discarded: Items will not be held for later pick-up.
• Prohibited Items: Items prohibited in The Fox Theatre include - but are not limited to - weapons (this includes weapons accompanied by a valid CCW permit), aerosol cans (hair spray, mace, pepper spray, etc.), outside food & beverage, pocket knives, utility tools, laser light pointers, bottles, cans, large bags and coolers. Prohibited items discovered during security inspections must either be returned to the owner's vehicle or discarded: Items will not be held for later pick-up. The Fox Theater reserves the right to expand or modify the items prohibited at any time.
• Disturbances: All patrons must maintain appropriate behavior at all times. Any patron using offensive language, engaging in disorderly conduct, disturbing other patrons, or violating any Venue Policies may be ejected from the venue and may be subject to arrest. Ejected patrons will not receive a ticket refund.
• Parking: Street parking is available around the Fox Theater and the surrounding areas.
• Smoking: Smoking is prohibited inside The Fox Theater. Designated smoking areas are located outside the building, 20 feet away from any entrance or window.
• Serving and Consumption of Alcohol: The Fox Theater has the right to deny alcoholic beverage service to anyone and will eject anyone under the age of 21 who is observed consuming alcohol or appears intoxicated.
• Ticket Reselling and Scalping: Any ticket resold at a value higher than listed on the ticket or sold in or around the Fox Theater is illegal and will be reported to the local law enforcement agency.• Cameras, Audio and Video Recorders: Generally, non-professional point and shoot cameras without flash are permitted, however audio or video recorders are not permitted in The Fox Theater. No professional cameras, audio, or video recorders are permitted. This policy is altered to accommodate the preference of the artist. To inquire if cameras, audio, or video recorders are permitted for a particular event, please contact 661-324-1369
• Security Screening: To ensure safety and security, everyone is subject to a courteous screening upon entering The Fox Theater; security measures include screening via metal detector and bag inspections. Please note, all personal belongings are subject to inspection and prohibited items discovered during security inspections must either be returned to the owner's vehicle or discarded: Items will not be held for later pick-up.
• Prohibited Items: Items prohibited in The Fox Theatre include - but are not limited to - weapons (this includes weapons accompanied by a valid CCW permit), aerosol cans (hair spray, mace, pepper spray, etc.), outside food & beverage, pocket knives, utility tools, laser light pointers, bottles, cans, large bags and coolers. Prohibited items discovered during security inspections must either be returned to the owner's vehicle or discarded: Items will not be held for later pick-up. The Fox Theater reserves the right to expand or modify the items prohibited at any time.
• Disturbances: All patrons must maintain appropriate behavior at all times. Any patron using offensive language, engaging in disorderly conduct, disturbing other patrons, or violating any Venue Policies may be ejected from the venue and may be subject to arrest. Ejected patrons will not receive a ticket refund.
Explore Related Categories
