"If it can be done in a theatre setting or performed on stage, you can see it here." Those are the words of Tom McMahon of the Carlsbad Village Theatre. McMahon and his wife Judy McMahon, formerly Judy Dunham, are the current owners of the downtown historical landmark.
Lights, camera and action don't even begin to describe the wide array of performances and events that are presented at the classic entertainment hall these days. Live stage performances such as concerts, dance events, stand-up comedy and plays; large screen presentations; business and education seminars; group meetings; community, religious outreach and holiday events, infomercials, commercial video taping, all of these and more are conducted at the theatre.
"We've had over 1,000 events at the theatre in the last 10 years," says Tom. "That averages out to about 100 events a year. So, if we do the math, we have at least 8 or 9 events here each month. I'd say that's pretty good."
Carlsbad Village Theatre will celebrate its 80th anniversary next year. Touted as a multi-purpose auditorium that provides a unique historical venue for a variety of live entertainment, cinema, business and community events, the theatre was built in 1927. Performances held at the theatre then ranged from the original black/white silent movies to vaudeville productions.
In 1961 Donald C. Dunham and his wife Marjorie Dunham, Judy McMahon's mother and father, took over ownership. Both were very civic-minded individuals and deeply community oriented. Donald served as President of the Board of the Carlsbad Chamber from 1963-1964 and Marjorie was also involved in community organizations.
In 1993, Donald and Judy assumed ownership. In 2000, they did a major renovation of the place. This renovation included putting in brand new carpet, drapes and seats; upgrading the cinema screen and the lighting components; installing a new title curtain; enhancing the stage to a “Bil-Jax” portable staging system, and many other ancillary improvements.
"We wanted to keep the old-theatre feel but we needed to make improvements and adjustments. Sometimes you have to change with the times," said Tom.
Presently the theatre is doing well, according to its owners. Tom reported that business was up 52% from 2004 to 2005 and there is a lot of repeat business which he equates to happy customers.
"We're a for-profit commercial venture, you see," Tom remarked. "We find people to do shows here or to rent out the place. People keep coming back to use the theatre for their events. I figure they're satisfied customers."
Tom says that he markets to tourists, using hotels and other tourist attraction spots to get the word out. But the majority of his business is simply word of mouth.
Future events at the theatre include stand up comedy acts, religious group meetings, a fundraising event by the optimist club and the Vagina Monologues,presented by the North County African American Women’s Association.
As for the future of the theatre: "We'll continue onwards and upwards," says Tom.
For more information regarding the Carlsbad Village Theatre or for tours, contact Tom McMahon by phone at (760) 720-2460 or email him at [email protected]. Visit the theatre website as well at www.carlsbadvillagetheatre.com. The theatre is located at 2822 State Street in downtown Carlsbad.
Lights, camera and action don't even begin to describe the wide array of performances and events that are presented at the classic entertainment hall these days. Live stage performances such as concerts, dance events, stand-up comedy and plays; large screen presentations; business and education seminars; group meetings; community, religious outreach and holiday events, infomercials, commercial video taping, all of these and more are conducted at the theatre.
"We've had over 1,000 events at the theatre in the last 10 years," says Tom. "That averages out to about 100 events a year. So, if we do the math, we have at least 8 or 9 events here each month. I'd say that's pretty good."
Carlsbad Village Theatre will celebrate its 80th anniversary next year. Touted as a multi-purpose auditorium that provides a unique historical venue for a variety of live entertainment, cinema, business and community events, the theatre was built in 1927. Performances held at the theatre then ranged from the original black/white silent movies to vaudeville productions.
In 1961 Donald C. Dunham and his wife Marjorie Dunham, Judy McMahon's mother and father, took over ownership. Both were very civic-minded individuals and deeply community oriented. Donald served as President of the Board of the Carlsbad Chamber from 1963-1964 and Marjorie was also involved in community organizations.
In 1993, Donald and Judy assumed ownership. In 2000, they did a major renovation of the place. This renovation included putting in brand new carpet, drapes and seats; upgrading the cinema screen and the lighting components; installing a new title curtain; enhancing the stage to a “Bil-Jax” portable staging system, and many other ancillary improvements.
"We wanted to keep the old-theatre feel but we needed to make improvements and adjustments. Sometimes you have to change with the times," said Tom.
Presently the theatre is doing well, according to its owners. Tom reported that business was up 52% from 2004 to 2005 and there is a lot of repeat business which he equates to happy customers.
"We're a for-profit commercial venture, you see," Tom remarked. "We find people to do shows here or to rent out the place. People keep coming back to use the theatre for their events. I figure they're satisfied customers."
Tom says that he markets to tourists, using hotels and other tourist attraction spots to get the word out. But the majority of his business is simply word of mouth.
Future events at the theatre include stand up comedy acts, religious group meetings, a fundraising event by the optimist club and the Vagina Monologues,presented by the North County African American Women’s Association.
As for the future of the theatre: "We'll continue onwards and upwards," says Tom.
For more information regarding the Carlsbad Village Theatre or for tours, contact Tom McMahon by phone at (760) 720-2460 or email him at [email protected]. Visit the theatre website as well at www.carlsbadvillagetheatre.com. The theatre is located at 2822 State Street in downtown Carlsbad.