Historic Ojai Playhouse Added to the National Register of Historic Places

January 23, 2026 - The historic Ojai Playhouse has been officially added to the National Register of Historic Places, the United States' official list of properties deemed worthy of preservation for their historical, architectural, and cultural significance. The designation recognizes the Playhouse's more than 111-year legacy as one of California's earliest single-screen cinemas and its enduring role as a cultural cornerstone in the Ojai Valley.

Originally opened in 1914 as the Isis Theatre, the 5,500-square-foot venue predates the city of Ojai itself, which was then known as Nordhoff. Built during the earliest years of cinema exhibition in California, the theater was considered cutting-edge for its time, helping set a standard for motion picture presentation as the state emerged as a global center for the film industry. The first film screened at the theater was the silent picture Valley of the Moon, adapted from Jack London's novel.

Over the decades, the theater evolved alongside the town, reflecting Ojai's changing cultural landscape. Renamed the Ojai Theater in 1926, later the Glasgow Playhouse in 1966, and finally the Ojai Playhouse in 1983, the venue remained a central gathering place for generations of residents and visitors. After closing in 2014 due to flood damage from a water main break, the Playhouse was purchased by current owner David Berger in 2020. That same year, the building was designated an Ojai Historic Landmark, further cementing its importance to the community's heritage.

Under Berger's leadership, the Playhouse underwent an extensive four-year restoration that preserved the building's historic character while integrating state-of-the-art A/V technology for both film and live events. Original materials and architectural elements were carefully restored, the historic façade remains intact, and the interior was reimagined with a contemporary minimalist design that honors the elegance of the 1914 structure. The renovation also incorporated eco-friendly practices, including energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials.

"Being added to the National Register of Historic Places is a profound honor," saidDavid Berger, owner of the Ojai Playhouse. "This recognition affirms the Playhouse's architectural and cultural importance, as well as the care taken to preserve its history while reopening it as a living, contemporary space for film and community."

Since reopening in November 2024, the revitalized 200-seat, single-screen venue has reestablished itself as a destination for film lovers, industry professionals, and the Ojai Valley community. As the primary arthouse theater on the coast between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, the Playhouse has, in its first year back, presented over 700 films, offered dozens of free screenings, hosted Oscar contenders and FYC events, welcomed acclaimed filmmakers and artists, and launched its inaugural Ojai Playhouse Film Festival. The National Register designation formally recognizes the Playhouse's place within both California's film history and the ongoing cultural life of Ojai.

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ABOUT THE OJAI PLAYHOUSE

Nestled in the heart of Ojai, California-a renowned destination for arts, entertainment, and nature lovers-the Ojai Playhouse is a historic treasure that has stood since 1914 as one of the state's earliest single-screen cinemas. After a decade-long closure, this cherished landmark was restored and reopened in November 2024, blending state-of-the-art amenities with its enduring charm. The revitalized 200-seat venue now features cutting-edge audio and visual technology, live performance capabilities, and carefully preserved architectural details that honor its century-long legacy. Offering a curated mix of first-run arthouse films, timeless classics, live events, and community gatherings, the Ojai Playhouse serves as a vibrant hub for film, arts, and connection-proudly celebrating Ojai's rich artistic spirit and cultural heritage for locals and visitors alike.

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For more information on the Ojai Playhouse, contact

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