Fred Kavli Theatre Information
The Fred Kavli Theatre is a 1,800-seat theatre based inside of the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. The venue has become home to the New West Symphony ever since its original founding and stands adjacent to a park named for Richard and Mary Carpenter.
The complex was originally constructed in 1994 at a cost of $63.8 million upon the former site of Jungleland, a famous private Zoo. The entire construction project was designed by AIA Gold Medal architect Antoine Prodock and featured a postmodern and modern architecture style that featured large sculptures mounted to the sides of the building. The 210,000 sq foot building was ornamented with Indian sandstone to give it a unique look and feel that accentuates performances and events held there. The building is also noted for its tall construction standing at ten stories in height and descending as low as 22 feet underground where it is anchored in volcanic rock.
It might surprise plaza visitors that the site was home to a Chumash summer camp in pre-colonial times and was also land that belonged to Egbert Starr Newbury, where he established Conejo Valley’s first post office.
As far as the Fred Kavli Theatre, it has enjoyed success over the years featuring a wide variety of memorable musical performances and stage shows from noted performers including; Kenny Rogers, The Beach Boys, LeAnn Rimes, Willie Nelson, David Copperfield, BB King, Sheryl Crow, and many others.
Address: 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362, United States
Box Office: +1 805-449-2787
Administration: +1 805-449-2700
Big productions, intimate shows, and everything in between – the Bank of America Performing Arts Center stands as one of Southern California’s premier venues. It’s set in the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, designed by renowned American architect Antoine Predock. The 3-acre complex achieves his vision of combining “the fantastic duality of Southern California – the man-made realm and the landscape.”
The result? A space that blends contemporary design with natural beauty. Towering oaks, bubbling fountains, and park-like views frame the BAPAC and its twin theatres.
Productions are staged in two venues:
- Fred Kavli Theatre (1,800 seats) – The main stage hosts touring Broadway hits, chart-topping artists, symphonies, and world-class dance.
- Janet & Ray Scherr Forum Theatre (394 seats) – A more intimate space. Perfect for comedy, community theatre, and speaker series.
More than 300,000 guests pass through each year, with over 400 performances ranging from ballet to big band, folk to film, jazz to magic, and more. Even offstage, BAPAC keeps the arts alive – the Fred Kavli Theatre lobby doubles as an art gallery, showcasing work from local and international talent.
Events at Fred Kavli Theatre
From Broadway musicals to laugh-until-you-cry comedy acts, enjoy a mix of big productions and intimate performances all year long.
Broadway musicals
Touring productions bring Broadway’s biggest hits straight to Thousand Oaks. Past productions have included:
- Chicago – The Musical – The global phenomenon.
- Mama Mia! – The beloved singalong musical inspired by ABBA.
- Ain’t Too Proud – A celebration of iconic vocal group, The Temptations
- To Kill a Mockingbird – A stage adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.
- Dragons and Mythical Beasts – Family-friendly entertainment.
Concerts
Music icons and emerging stars take the Fred Kavli Theatre stage. Here’s a glimpse:
- Rock and pop legends – The Beach Boys, Sheryl Crow, and Kenny Rogers
- Country icons – Willie Nelson and LeAnn Rimes
- Jazz and Blues greats – B.B. King and David Sanborn
Symphonies and classical music
As the home of a resident symphony orchestra, expect a mix of:
- Season-long symphony concerts
- Renowned soloists and guest conductors
- Film scores performed live by a full orchestra
Dance and ballet
The stage transforms for world-renowned dance companies. Highlights include:
- Moscow Ballet – The Nutcracker in all its grandeur.
- Modern dance showcases – Emerging choreographers and dynamic performances.
- Folk and international dance – Celebrating cultures through movement.
Comedy, speakers, and live entertainment
A lineup that goes beyond music and theatre. The stage hosts:
- Comedy tours from national headliners
- Distinguished speaker series featuring authors, journalists, and thought leaders like Dr. Jordan B. Peterson
- Live podcasts and interactive Q&A events, like Heather Joan Lynch: Penguins of Antarctica
Community productions
Beyond major tours, the Fred Kavli Theatre stays connected to Thousand Oaks. The venue hosts:
- Local theatre productions
- Youth performing arts showcases
- Cultural festivals and community concerts
The New West Symphony at the Fred Kavli Theatre
Some venues have resident artists. The Fred Kavli Theatre has the New West Symphony. Since 1995, this professional orchestra has drawn top-tier talent from Los Angeles’ deep well of musicians, taking on everything from Beethoven to Bernstein. At the helm? GRAMMY®-winning Music Director Michael Christie.
The history of Fred Kavli Theatre
A city-backed vision turned into a cultural landmark.
In October 1994, the Thousand Oaks City Council opened the doors to what is now the Thousand Oaks Bank of America Performing Arts Center. The goal? To bring world-class entertainment to the Ventura County community.
Owned by the City of Thousand Oaks and run by the Cultural Affairs Department, the complex includes more than just theatres. Thousand Oaks City Hall and the 3-acre Mary and Richard Carpenter Plaza Park sit on the same grounds and form a central hub for arts, government, and public spaces.
Of course, the theatre footprint has a history that stretches far beyond its 1994 opening. Before the theatre was built, the land was home to a Chumash summer camp and Jungleland USA, a private zoo where Hollywood’s famous lions and tigers once lived.
The transformation into a $63.8 million performing arts complex marked a new chapter, led by AIA Gold Medal-winning architect Antoine Predock.
Who is Fred Kavli?
Some people make their mark in business. Fred Kavli took it further. The Norwegian-American businessman ventured into science, technology, and philanthropy. He founded Kavlico Corporation in 1958 and quickly turned it into a global leader in aerospace and automotive sensors.
Selling the company in 2000 could have been the end of the story. It wasn’t. Instead of retiring, Kavli poured his fortune into something bigger – The Kavli Foundation, dedicated to advancing science for the benefit of humanity. His name now sits on research institutes across the world, backing breakthroughs in astrophysics, nanoscience, and neuroscience.
But it’s not just science that Fred Kavli champions. After making a generous US$2.5 million donation to the Civic Arts Plaza, the complex’s largest theatre was named in honor of the California local.
See the below pages for further information on the Fred Kavli Theatre at Bank Of America Performing Arts Center:
Fred Kavli Theatre Parking:
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Ticket Policies:
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Fred Kavli Theatre Seating Chart:
View the Fred Kavli Theatre at Bank Of America Performing Arts Center seating chart and the various seating options.