What Is The El Rey Theater Alliance?

The El Rey Theater Alliance is a volunteer group of Chico residents, artists, and business leaders who believe that the El Rey Theater should be preserved, restored, and reopened as a multiuse cinema and performing arts venue.

ERTA applied for non-profit status in July, 2007. Pending that status, The North Valley Community Foundation is assisting ERTA with managing donations and developing a business plan.

TIME CRUNCH!

Because the El Rey Theater is on the market and could be bought at any time for commercial or office development, ERTA must act quickly to secure and preserve the building.

ERTA’s current activities include:

  • An architectural feasibility study of restoration needs and costs.
  • Purchase agreement negotiations with current owners.
  • Community outreach to bring Chico’s ideas, enthusiasm, support and funding to the El Rey.
  • Creating a programming plan that reflects community needs, interests and innovations.
  • Creating a fundraising plan that incorporates private donations, community outreach events, grants from public and private foundations, and support from the Northern California film industry.
  • Creating a business plan and budget based on projected costs and revenues.
  • Learning from similar theater restoration groups that have achieved success in their communities.

Who Are We

ERTA’s executive committee is a group of concerned volunteers who came together to investigate strategies for saving the El Rey Theater. The committee includes:

  • Gary Quiring of Gary Quiring Photography, who hastened to document the El Rey’s famous fairy murals when they were slated for destruction.
  • Lisa West, Director of Marketing of Gary Quiring Photography.
  • TJ Glenn, Chico architect who is familiar with the El Rey structure and is carrying out our feasibility study; Board member, Downtown Chico Business Association.
  • Earl W. Jessee, Partner and Art Director, LearningChange, a design and business consulting firm; President, Downtown Chico Business Association.

  • The late Bill Nathan of Harvest Grant Consulting helped spearhead the drive to “Save the El Rey” before his untimely passing on June 29 2007. His ideas and enthusiasm continue to inspire ERTA.
  • Many volunteers have pledged to help in our effort.