Carpenter Performing Arts Center
The Carpenter Performing Arts Center is on the Cal State Long Beach campus at Atherton Street. It opened in 1994 and is named for Richard and Karen Carpenter, who were university alumni and major donors. The main hall seats 1,054, and the stage design was modeled on the New York State Theater at Lincoln Center.
The 2026 to 2027 season mixes jazz, dance, comedy, cabaret, tribute concerts and speaker events. Musical Theatre West has staged its productions here since 1997.
Refreshments are sold in the lobby, and some cabaret shows offer a dinner add-on. Everyone who enters needs a ticket, including infants, and photography is not allowed during performances. Campus parking requires a permit, so allow extra time to buy one before the show.
Know Before You Go
- Venue type: Theater
- Opened: 1994
- Operator: California State University, Long Beach
- Programming: Jazz, dance, musical theatre, comedy, cabaret and tribute concerts
- Ages: All ages (every entrant needs a ticket)
- Phone: 562-985-7000
This profile is part of The 824 Journal Guide to Live Music Venues in Los Angeles and Orange County.
Official Links
Sources
Photo: Carpenter Center via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Share this:
Venue Details
- Address
- 6200 E. Atherton St.
Long Beach, CA 90815 - City, State
- Long Beach, CA
- Capacity
- 1054
- Indoor / Outdoor
- Indoor
- Standing / Seated
- Seated
- Parking
- Patrons buy campus parking permits for the lot near the theater; see the directions and parking page for current details.
- Phone
- 562-985-7000
Amenities
- Food
- Limited (lobby refreshments)
- Drinks
- Beverages sold in the lobby
- Bag Policy
- The center asks patrons not to bring large bags or backpacks because it cannot store items during performances.
https://www.carpenterarts.org/visit/faq
Photographer's FAQ
- Camera Policy
- Photography and videography are not allowed during performances.
https://www.carpenterarts.org/visit/faq