The UCLA Nimoy Theater: A Legacy of Performance and Renovation

The UCLA Nimoy Theater, a landmark in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, boasts a rich history, evolving from a neighborhood film house to a state-of-the-art performance venue. Its journey reflects the changing landscape of entertainment and the enduring commitment of UCLA to the arts.

Origins as the UCLAN Theatre

The story begins on Christmas Day 1940, with the opening of the UCLAN Theatre at 1262 Westwood Blvd. Frances Seymour Fonda, the mother of actors Peter and Jane Fonda and then-wife of Henry Fonda, was the driving force behind its creation. The UCLAN Theatre opened its doors, offering a double feature of "They Drive by Night" and "He Stayed For Breakfast," with an affordable 20-cent admission.

World War II brought success for the house as a neighborhood theatre for the UCLA crowd. As in nearly every theatre, one of the big draws during the war years was including the latest newsreels as part of the program. In the late 40s the UCLAN began running many foreign films.

Transformations and Name Changes

Over the decades, the theatre underwent several transformations in ownership and branding, reflecting the evolving trends in the entertainment industry. It was known at various times as UCLAN Theatre, Crest Theatre, Westwood Theatre, Loew's Crest, Metro Theatre, Majestic Crest, and Bigfoot Crest Theatre.

In 1955, the Fonda family sold the building, though it remained under the management of its original operators, the Dietrich and Feldstein circuit.

The theatre was later operated by Fred Stein's Statewide Theatres. Loew's had it in the late 60s and early 70s calling it the Loew's Crest. General Cinema had it after Loew's left in 1972. assets, including the lease on the Crest.

The Disney/Pacific Theatres Era: An Art Deco Revival

A significant chapter in the theatre's history began in the 1980s when Disney's Buena Vista Theatres and Pacific Theatres partnered to renovate the Crest. BAR Architects of San Francisco and L.A. handled the 80s renovation for Disney/Pacific Theatres. Joseph Musil was the lead designer for that project.

The renovation, designed by Joe Musil, transformed the theatre into a Hollywood fantasy-land with an Art Deco motif. The facade became fancier and deco in style with the redo. Musil, a Disney Imagineer, consulted on the creation of the Art Deco-style theatre within Euro Disney.

Bill Anderson, a Disney scenic artist with 30 years of experience designing Rose Parade floats, designed and painted the sidewall murals. Bruce Tunis designed and painted the lobby ceiling mural.

The sidewall murals were designed and painted by Disney scenic artist Bill Anderson. The lobby ceiling mural was designed and painted by Bruce Tunis.

Read also: Navigating Tech Breadth at UCLA

The transformed Crest featured a deco-style proscenium arch and sidewall murals depicting Hollywood and Los Angeles landmarks, enhanced with fluorescent paints illuminated by blacklights. The auditorium ceiling was painted blue with twinkling stars, creating an atmospheric experience.

Independent Operation and Landmark Status

Robert Bucksbaum acquired the theatre in 2003, renaming it the Majestic Crest Theater. In 2008, the City of Los Angeles designated it a Cultural-Historic Landmark, recognizing its architectural and cultural significance.

Bigfoot Entertainment and Carmike Cinemas

In 2010, Bigfoot Entertainment, an international film and TV production and financing firm, purchased the theatre. The Bigfoot Crest Theater showcased films produced or acquired by Bigfoot and was managed by Carmike Cinemas.

Carmike improved Bigfoot's scheduling, introducing higher profile films, niche showings, midnight horror movies, Asian Film Nights, and an annual film festival. However, Carmike closed the Crest in early October 2011, and Bigfoot put it up for sale in December 2011.

Resurgence and Final Closing as a Film House

In 2013, the theatre was resurrected with a program of revivals and special events. A new team secured a lease, presenting revivals, HD screenings of opera and ballet, and special events.

Read also: Understanding UCLA Counselors

The theatre closed for good at the end of 2016 when a lease was up.

UCLA Acquisition and the Birth of the Nimoy Theater

In October 2018, UCLA acquired the theatre, spearheaded by Kristy Edmunds, then the head of the Center For the Art of Performance. The acquisition was made possible by a donation from Susan Bay Nimoy, honoring her late husband, actor Leonard Nimoy.

UCLA's vision was to transform the Crest into an intimate performance venue for CAP UCLA, providing a platform for diverse artistic expressions.

The UCLA Renovations: A Modern Transformation

BAR Architects was the project designer for the UCLA renovations, with tech consultants from the Shalleck Collaborative. The estimated construction cost was around $11 million.

The renovations carefully preserved numerous features, among them the art deco inspired elements including the historic marquee, light fixtures, decorative columns, and wall mounted interior decorative pylons, designed by Disney Imagineer Joseph Musil during a significant remodel in 1987. The Nimoy’s design promotes the health, comfort, and welfare of the performers and audience. The venue anticipates receiving LEED Certification in recognition of the remodel’s efficient energy use, healthy indoor air quality, and building reuse. Restrooms are gender inclusive to create a safe place for all staff and guests.

The revised scheme for the auditorium decor. The rear section is stadium-style seating with the front in a flat "flexible" configuration. Parts of the 1980s side wall murals were reinstalled but the 80s proscenium was removed.

The renovated theatre features 150 permanent seats on risers and a flexible seating area that can accommodate up to 299 seats in various configurations. The stage is 35 feet wide with a flexible depth of 15 to 23 feet.

Grand Reopening and Inaugural Season

The UCLA Nimoy Theater opened its doors to the public on September 17, 2023, with a free performance by Las Cafeteras. The inaugural season commenced on September 23 with a performance by Grammy-winning poet J. Ivy.

"The opening of the Nimoy marks an exciting new chapter for the arts in Los Angeles and further solidifies UCLA’s role in shaping the cultural fabric of our community,” said UCLA Chancellor Gene Block.

Location and Accessibility

The UCLA Nimoy Theater is located in Westwood Village, near the UCLA campus and the Hammer Museum. The address for GPS is 10866 Wilshire Blvd. The entrance to the parking lot is on Glendon Avenue, directly to the left (north) of the Los Angeles Public Library, Westwood Branch.

Parking for all CAP UCLA shows begins 1 hour before the lobby opens. Entering before this will incur the $30 day parking fee. Patrons have the option to pay their ticket at the pay station as they are exiting the lot or pay at the exit gate, however you are encouraged to pay as exiting the structure to save time after the performance. *Please Note: Surface lot immediately behind The Nimoy is not open on evenings and weekends and is not operated by CAP UCLA.

Our Box Office at The Nimoy opens two hours before performance time. You can walk up for any questions about tickets or to make purchases. Those twenty-one and over with valid ID can choose from a selection of beer, wine and mixed beverages. Water, soda and coffee are also available to purchase.

Accessible seating is located at the cross-aisle. Nimoy House Staff are happy to assist any guest to their seat upon arrival at our front doors via wheelchair service. The Nimoy is equipped with an assistive listening system.

Policies and Guidelines

CAP UCLA has implemented several policies to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests:

Contactless ticketing: Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance.
Hand sanitizing: Hand sanitizing products are available in the lobby and restrooms.
COVID-19: Guests experiencing COVID-19 symptoms are asked to stay home, and their tickets will be exchanged or refunded.
Late seating: There is no late seating for performances unless authorized by the artist.
Photography: Photography, video, and recording equipment are prohibited.
Cell phones: All devices must be silenced before the start of the performance.
Children: Children over the age of five are welcome to attend most events and must have a ticket.

tags: #UCLA #Nimoy #Theater #history #and #information