The Restoration of the Historic Plaza Theatre Incorporates State-of-the-art Technology, Making It an Ideal Venue for Modern Performances

June 17, 2025

Palm Springs venue has a history of groundbreaking tech since its opening in 1936

PALM SPRINGS, CA – June 17, 2025: The Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation announced today the historic theatre will reopen in December 2025 with state-of-the-art technology including an L-Acoustics sound system – the industry standard for premium venues – plus a 4K laser projector, 28-foot projection screen, and advance hearing loop technology for hearing- impaired patrons, all housed within this meticulously restored downtown icon.

“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,” said J.R. Roberts, Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation President. “The Plaza Theatre will provide a 'living room’ for all of Palm Springs, and we know that our local partners will greatly benefit from the sophisticated technology we are providing.”

“Early on in the planning process of this complete restoration, the Plaza Theatre Foundation Board decided to invest in the best and most effective technology available for modern theatres,” said John Bolton, Senior Vice President and Plaza Theatre General Manager. This approach required a significant monetary investment by the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation. The payoff will be the ability to provide organizations with a theatre that offers state- of-the-art technology that will thrill any artist. When the technology bids came in, the Board stuck with their decision and did not cut any corners. As a result, the Plaza Theatre will rival any other venue in terms of the technology required for modern productions. This commitment to excellence ensures 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)
Yamaha has long been renowned for providing sophisticated products that feature amazingly efficient feature-laden digital consoles, offering the most outstanding digital effects and sound control.

Main Line Arrays & Amps: L-Acoustics A15i cabinets with LA4X amplifiers
This Panflex technology allows for adaptable directivity, ensuring a clear audio experience throughout the theatre.

Monitors: Martin LE1000 monitors
Martin Audio's LE100 is a compact, two-way passive monitor that minimizes distortion and reduces nonlinearity associated with overly high compression ratios.

Hearing Impaired System: Williams AV C5 2 induction loop system
The renovation plan for the Plaza Theatre enabled the historic building to accommodate new technologies, complying with and surpassing current ADA requirements. One aspect of this is the installation of a Williams AV C5 2 induction loop system, featuring 27 receivers and earphones, which enables the theatre to deliver exceptional audio experiences to visitors with T- Coil-enabled devices, such as hearing aids and cochlear implants.

Lighting Console: GrandMA 3 Light with Extension
GrandMA 3 Light is the perfect solution for remote playbacks on a small footprint and can be used for followspot caller, keylighting board operator, remote media server live calls or just as an extension for the GrandMA3.

Followspots: Lycian 1280 LED followspots
These will allow acts to better highlight performers on stage.

Cinema Projector: Barco SP4K-20 4K laser projector
This projector offers higher contrast and enhanced uniformity for on-screen projections, delivering stunning results throughout the product's lifetime.

Screen: Stewart 336” diagonal cinematic projection screen masked to 1.85:1
Stewart Filmscreen offers an unparalleled visual experience and is the reference standard projection material within the AV industry.

Historical Technology Features

The Plaza Theatre has consistently offered cutting-edge technology over the decades. Since the theatre first opened to the public in 1936 with the world premiere of the Oscar-winning George Cukor film, Camille, it has showcased a wide range of significant technological advances. These include:

1936: State-of-the-art projectors: Just weeks before the theatre’s opening, twin Super Simplex projectors, the first of its kind and specially made for the Plaza Theatre, were installed.
1936: The Plaza Theatre was one of the first installations anywhere of Western Electric’s Mirrophonic Sound System, an innovative state-of-the-art loudspeaker sound system.
1936: “Atmospheric” design: The initial design of the Theatre showcased an “atmospheric" setting with a faux-Spanish village being depicted on the side walls and lighting effects that make the ceiling slowly transform from twilight to nighttime with twinkling ‘stars’ above. These innovative design features have been preserved and will be restored to ensure that future guests can marvel at this tranquil “outdoor” village scene.
1937: Sound assistance: Headset earphones (like those worn by telephone operators of the era) were installed in the back rows of the theatre for patrons with hearing difficulties. This was a very high-tech and rare installation for a theater.
1941: Jack Benny broadcast live on the NBC Network from the Plaza Theatre’s stage coast to coast, giving tiny Palm Springs national exposure.
1949: The innovative “cycloramic curved screen” was installed.
1950: The Plaza Theatre introduced glow-in-the-dark uniforms for ushers and cashiers.

1953: First “pay per view” service: Paramount and Telemeter (a subscription television service developed by the International Telemeter Corporation) set up their inaugural closed-circuit network from the Plaza Theatre using a coin-to-box machine connected to any television set. This technological innovation represented a significant milestone in the broadcasting industry, allowing for the distribution of television programming to a more geographically diverse audience.
1953: New screen technology: A CinemaScope wide-angle screen was installed in the Plaza Theatre.

About the Plaza Theatre

Originally built in 1936, the Plaza Theatre was initially used for film premieres and screenings, nationally broadcast radio theatre programs, and other performances. In its later years, the theater was home to the long running show “The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies.” Over the decades, the building deteriorated, so the City of Palm Springs initiated a capital campaign to restore the beloved structure to its former glory. Currently nearing completion, the comprehensive restoration and rehabilitation plan is providing essential infrastructure repairs, installation of new theatrical equipment, and structural improvements to ensure that the building meets today’s fire prevention and American Disabilities Act mandates. When the restoration is complete in December 2025, the Plaza Theatre will be poised to continue to provide the city and its visitors with top-notch entertainment for years to come.