Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation

Mission: The Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation was formed to protect and restore the Fox Theatre, a historically significant architectural icon on the National Register of Historic Places, and to provide culturally significant entertainment for the greater Orange County area while supporting arts initiatives in the community.

Vision: A fully restored Fox Theatre will act as an economic driver for the City of Fullerton creating a destination for culturally significant entertainment throughout the region. The Foundation will act as stewards of this important architectural icon ensuring its use and relevance for current and future generations.

While providing a wide variety of entertainment options, the space will also act as an incubator for artistic expression by supporting local arts initiatives. Along with other not-for-profit leaders in the region, The Fox Theatre will partner and support these groups with a creative space for expression open to people of all walks of life.

The Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation (FHTF) was formed in 2001 to acquire and restore the Fox Fullerton Theatre, a historic vaudeville and silent movie house, which had been closed and abandoned since 1987.
Here's a more detailed timeline:
1925: The Fox Fullerton Theatre (originally Chapman's Alician Court Theatre) opened as a vaudeville and silent movie house.
1987: The theater closed and was abandoned.
2001: The Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation (FHTF) was formed.
2004: A development company obtained a purchase option for the theater, but the FHTF negotiated to take over the option and raise the funds to buy the theater.
November 2004: The FHTF raised the funds to buy the theater.
January 24, 2005: The Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation closed escrow on the purchase of the venue.
2006: The Fox Fullerton Theatre was entered in the National Register of Historic Places on October 25.

The FHTF has 11 Board Members made up of members from the local community. Brian Newell is the President, Bob Winklemann and Dan Beaumont are Co-Vice Presidents, Pat Shepard is the Secretary and Susan Bevins is the Treasurer.

The past 12 months has seen substantial progress on the Fox Fullerton's restoration journey back to life: 1) Completed State of California requirements for $2.5 million dollar grant for Phase 2 construction. 2) Completed and opened new restrooms for Day of Music 2024 event, 3) Completed first part of HVAC system with air-handling, 4) Started and will have mostly completed restoration of Fox lobby with new paint, flooring, doors, etc. 5) Developed programs for in-kind donor companies to get involved with Fox project with goods and services. For 2025 we will continue to restore sections of the Fox to show the community progress while we plan for bigger milestones to be completed; 1) Finalize updated final construction budgets with phased components, 2) Develop and launch capital campaign, 3) Develop investment program for those who wish to be involved but can't or don't want to donate, 4) Complete grand staircase project attached to newly restored lobby, 5) Have more events to show off Fox to the community and potential donors.

The Fox and FHTF's most pressing needs are largely financial since we have to get the theatre completed and up and running for the community and region's enjoyment. Short-term needs would be $1.5M - $2 million to get the Fox to a "Certificate of Occupancy" level with the City. This construction would include all lower ADA requirements and modifications as well as completing the environmental systems with installation of donated chiller and boiler equipment to provide heat and air-conditioning. Future needs would include restoration of upstairs balcony areas, new seating, stage and performance technology equipment, attached retail space renovation, and a new 15,000 square footage addition with an elevator to upstairs ADA restrooms, office space (leasable) and lobby expansion. This cost is being figured at this time and could be $20+ million dollars.

A restored Fox Fullerton Theatre will serve the local Fullerton, North Orange County and entire Southern California regions as an entertainment venue for film, music, dance, live theatre, spoken word and other various community events.

N/A- We don't currently have an ED as President Brian Newell is acting ED.

On behalf of the Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation, I want to express our deep appreciation for your dedication to strengthening our community. The Fox Fullerton Theatre stands as a vital piece of our region’s history, a cultural landmark that has the potential to once again serve as a vibrant gathering place for the arts, education, and civic engagement. A fully restored Fox Theatre would not only preserve a cherished piece of our past but also create new opportunities for local artists, businesses, and residents to connect through shared experiences.

With your support, we can complete this restoration and reopen the Fox as a hub of creativity and community pride. Your investment will help breathe new life into this historic venue, providing a space where future generations can celebrate the arts and heritage of Orange County. We would be honored to partner with OCCF in making this vision a reality.

Sincerely,
Brian Newell, President
Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation