Originally formed as a non-profit organization in 1983, Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts reinvigorated in 1997 with the vision of creating a world class performing arts center to serve Santa Barbara and the region. We started by renovating one of the city's historic downtown theatres, The Granada. This storied venue, the anchor of Santa Barbara’s Cultural District, underwent a monumental restoration and re-opened in March 2008. The Granada is proud to be the home of the area’s finest performing arts companies — Opera Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Symphony, CAMA, State St. Ballet and Santa Barbara Choral Society. The venue is also a favorite stop for UCSB Arts & Lectures events on tour as well as Music Academy of the West’s Summer Festival Concert Series. Additionally, The Granada offers the popular, family friendly enTRANCE! THE SERIES and a first rate Broadway Series. A dynamic array of outside presenters also bring top-level productions on tour to The Granada.