Curtain Up
SCV Performing Arts & Theater Guide
From intimate black box theater at The MAIN to world-class performances at CanyonPAC, Santa Clarita Valley has a vibrant performing arts scene that surprises most newcomers. Here is your complete guide to the venues, shows, and seasons.
Published August 5, 2026 · by Sam Silver
When people think of Santa Clarita Valley, they think of Six Flags roller coasters, hiking trails, and suburban comfort. What surprises many visitors and new residents is the depth of the local performing arts scene. Between the flagship Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons, the intimate Canyon Theatre Guild, the versatile black box THE MAIN in Old Town Newhall, and the avant-garde energy of CalArts, SCV punches well above its weight in theater, music, and dance.
As someone who has called this valley home for 22 years, I have watched the arts scene grow from a handful of community productions to a year-round cultural calendar that rivals much bigger cities. Whether you are a theater buff, a parent looking for youth productions, or just curious about a night out that does not involve a screen, this guide will steer you to the right show.
"There is something special about live theater in a community like ours. You sit in a room with your neighbors, watching real people tell a story that has never been told exactly that way before. That does not happen anywhere else. The MAIN and Canyon Theatre Guild have been doing it for decades, and I hope this valley never takes them for granted."
1
Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center (CanyonPAC)
College of the Canyons · 886 Seats
CanyonPAC is SCV's premier performing arts venue. With 886 seats and state-of-the-art acoustics, it hosts the annual Spotlight Series of touring productions, concerts, comedy shows, and family performances. Located on the College of the Canyons Valencia campus, it is the valley's go-to destination for big-ticket live entertainment.
The venue features a full orchestra pit, professional lighting and sound systems, and a welcoming lobby with concession stands. Parking is free and plentiful on campus.
2026-27 Spotlight Series
You Got Older — Stage Production
August 21, 2026 · 8:00 PM
The Doo Wop Project
September 18, 2026 · 8:00 PM
Eternamente: A Dia de Los Muertos Spectacular!
October 30, 2026 · 8:00 PM
One Christmas Night in Memphis
December 12, 2026 · 7:00 PM
Additional Spotlight Series shows are announced throughout the season. Check the CanyonPAC website for the full calendar and ticket links.
2
The MAIN — Old Town Newhall
24266 Main Street, Newhall · 81 Seats
If CanyonPAC is the blockbuster venue, The MAIN is the indie film house. This intimate 81-seat black box theater on Main Street in Old Town Newhall is where SCV's most adventurous theater happens. From avant-garde dramas and sketch comedy to live music and poetry slams, The MAIN programs year-round with an energy that punches well above its size.
The venue is walkable to all of Old Town Newhall's restaurants and bars, making it the perfect anchor for a date night. Grab dinner at Newhall Refinery before the show, then stroll Main Street under the string lights after the curtain. Sam's recommendation: the Punchlines comedy series on select Saturdays is always a great time.
The Dresser
August 7-9 & 14-16, 2026
Ronald Harwood's classic backstage drama about an aging actor and his devoted dresser. A moving and funny exploration of ego, loyalty, and the theater itself. Shows Friday and Saturday at 8:00 PM, Sunday at 2:30 PM.
You Got Older
August 21-23 & 27-30, 2026
Clare Barron's darkly comic drama about a woman navigating illness, family, and an unexpected talking cow. A hit at The MAIN's 2025 season, returning by popular demand. Contains mature themes.
Change the Station
September 11-13 & 18-20, 2026
A world premiere at The MAIN. A young woman returns to her childhood home and discovers a radio that tunes into stations from the past. A story about memory, grief, and the songs that shape us.
Every Brilliant Thing
September 25-27, 2026
A one-person show (with audience participation!) about a woman who, at age seven, starts a list of everything worth living for. Hilarious, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting. Do not sit in the front row unless you are ready to be part of the show.
The Velocity of Autumn
October 9-11 & 16-18, 2026
A touching two-character play about a 79-year-old woman who has barricaded herself in her Brooklyn home and her estranged son who climbs through the window to negotiate. Warm, funny, and fiercely honest about aging and family.
Punchlines Comedy Series
August 8, October 3, December 5, 2026
The MAIN's recurring comedy showcase featuring stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy. Each edition brings a different lineup of local and regional comedians. A fun, affordable night out on Main Street. Sam's tip: buy tickets in advance as these tend to sell out.
About the Guild
Founded in 1965, the Canyon Theatre Guild is SCV's oldest continuously operating community theater. Its 257-seat house on Main Street in Newhall has been the launching pad for generations of local performers, directors, and theater lovers.
The Guild produces a full season of musicals, dramas, and comedies each year, with a mix of classic titles and contemporary works. They also run youth theater programs that give kids and teens a chance to perform in fully staged productions. For many SCV families, the Guild is where a lifelong love of theater begins.
Recent productions have included Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella, A Christmas Story, and South Pacific. The 2026-27 season lineup is announced in late summer, so check their website for the latest schedule.
3
Canyon Theatre Guild
24242 Main Street, Newhall · 257 Seats
The Canyon Theatre Guild is the heart of community theater in Santa Clarita Valley. For over 60 years, this Main Street institution has been producing shows that bring together local talent of all ages. The space itself is intimate enough that every seat feels close to the stage, and the volunteer-driven energy makes each performance feel like a genuine community event.
If you have never been to a show at the Guild, Sam recommends starting with one of their musical productions. The local casts bring an enthusiasm that is hard to replicate, and the ticket prices are a fraction of what you would pay in Los Angeles for a comparable experience.
4
California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)
24700 McBean Parkway, Valencia
CalArts is one of the most prestigious arts universities in the world, and it is right here in Valencia. Founded by Walt and Roy Disney in 1961, CalArts has produced generations of artists, animators, musicians, and performers who have shaped American culture.
The campus hosts a year-round calendar of student and faculty performances, film screenings, gallery exhibitions, and special events. Because CalArts is a conservatory, the productions are often experimental and cutting-edge. You will see work here that you cannot see anywhere else in SCV.
Many of the shows are free or very low cost. The annual Summer Breeze Music Festival in June is a highlight, but the fall and spring semesters bring an even richer schedule of dance concerts, theater productions, and music recitals.
Fun Facts About CalArts
- Founded by Walt Disney himself in 1961
- Alumni include Tim Burton, John Lasseter, and many Pixar and Disney animators
- The Herb Alpert School of Music at CalArts is world-renowned
- Most campus events are free and open to the public
- The CalArts gallery hosts rotating exhibitions of student and faculty work
Sam's tip: CalArts events are a hidden gem for SCV residents. The productions are professional-grade and the atmosphere is electric. Mark your calendar for the start of the fall semester in September when the performance calendar kicks into high gear.
5
Santa Clarita Shakespeare Festival
The MAIN and Various Venues
The Santa Clarita Shakespeare Festival brings the Bard to life every summer with free performances at The MAIN and other venues around the valley. The 2026 festival presented Coriolanus from July 31 through August 2, with four free performances at The MAIN in Old Town Newhall.
The festival is part of a growing cultural tradition in SCV, offering accessible Shakespeare for audiences of all ages. Performances are free with advance registration through Eventbrite. The festival also hosts educational workshops and community outreach programs throughout the year.
While the 2026 production has just wrapped, keep an eye on the Santa Clarita Shakespeare Festival website for information about the 2027 season and year-round programming.
Shakespeare Festival WebsiteMore to Explore
More Performing Arts in SCV
Beyond the major venues, SCV has a rich ecosystem of music, dance, and performance groups that keep the valley's cultural calendar full year-round.
Santa Clarita Master Chorale
A community chorus performing classical and contemporary choral works at CanyonPAC and venues across the valley. Seasonal concerts throughout the year, including a beloved holiday program.
Santa Clarita Ballet Company
The valley's premier ballet organization, presenting annual productions of The Nutcracker and other classical and contemporary works at CanyonPAC.
Santa Clarita Symphony
A volunteer community orchestra performing classical concerts at CanyonPAC and other venues. A wonderful showcase of local musical talent.
Youth Theatre at The MAIN
The MAIN offers youth theater productions and classes throughout the year, giving young performers a chance to experience live theater in a professional setting.
Canyon Theatre Guild Youth Program
The Guild's youth theater program produces two fully staged shows annually, with participants ages 8 to 18. A fantastic program for aspiring young performers.
Old Town Newhall Music & Arts
Beyond theater, Main Street Newhall is home to live music venues, art galleries, and the monthly ArtWalk. The creative energy in Old Town makes it SCV's cultural epicenter.
Upcoming Shows at a Glance
Here is every major show happening in SCV from August through December 2026. Mark your calendar and get your tickets early.
| Date | Show | Venue | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 7-9 | The Dresser | The MAIN | atthemain.org |
| Aug 14-16 | The Dresser (Final Weekend) | The MAIN | atthemain.org |
| Aug 21 | You Got Older (PAC) | CanyonPAC | canyons.edu/pac |
| Aug 21-23 | You Got Older (The MAIN) | The MAIN | atthemain.org |
| Sep 11-13 | Change the Station | The MAIN | atthemain.org |
| Sep 18 | The Doo Wop Project | CanyonPAC | canyons.edu/pac |
| Sep 25-27 | Every Brilliant Thing | The MAIN | atthemain.org |
| Oct 3 | Punchlines Comedy | The MAIN | atthemain.org |
| Oct 9-11 | The Velocity of Autumn | The MAIN | atthemain.org |
| Oct 30 | Eternamente: Dia de Los Muertos | CanyonPAC | canyons.edu/pac |
| Oct 30-Nov 1 | War of the Worlds | The MAIN | atthemain.org |
| Nov 13-29 | Pipeline | The MAIN | atthemain.org |
| Dec 5 | Punchlines Comedy | The MAIN | atthemain.org |
| Dec 12 | One Christmas Night in Memphis | CanyonPAC | canyons.edu/pac |
| Dec 18-20 | A Christmas Carol | The MAIN | atthemain.org |
Dates and showtimes subject to change. Always confirm with the venue before making plans. Canyon Theatre Guild season to be announced.
Sam's Tips for Theater Night in SCV
After two decades of attending shows across the valley, here are Sam's tried-and-true tips for a perfect night out at SCV theaters.
Book Ahead for CanyonPAC
CanyonPAC's Spotlight Series shows often sell out, especially the holiday performances. Buy tickets at least two weeks in advance for popular shows. The box office is on the College of the Canyons campus, and you can also order online.
Make It a Main Street Date Night
Both The MAIN and Canyon Theatre Guild are on Main Street in Old Town Newhall. Park once, grab dinner at Newhall Refinery or Egg Plantation before the show, and walk to the theater. After the curtain, stroll Main Street for dessert or a nightcap at a craft cocktail bar.
Free & Low-Cost Options
CalArts events are often free. The Shakespeare Festival is free with registration. Canyon Theatre Guild tickets are typically $15-$25. You do not need to spend a fortune to enjoy live theater in SCV. Sam's recommendation: try a $15 show at the Guild to see if community theater is your thing.
Parking & Getting There
Old Town Newhall has free street parking and public lots. CanyonPAC has a large free parking lot on the College of the Canyons campus. CalArts also offers free parking for evening events. None of the major venues charge for parking, which is rare in Southern California.
See You at the Theater?
Sam is passionate about the SCV community in all its forms. Whether you are looking for a show recommendation, want to know which neighborhood has the best access to the arts, or need help buying or selling a home in the valley, he is here to help.
Sam Silver, REALTOR with Equity Union Real Estate · CalDRE #01412755
All show dates, times, and ticket availability are subject to change. Please confirm directly with each venue before making plans. This information is compiled from publicly available sources as of August 2026 and is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This is not intended as a solicitation if you are currently working with another real estate broker.