Theatre Facilities

The CSUB Theatre Program produces its shows in the Frances B. Doré Theatre. Many CSUB Music Program concerts are performed there as well. There are two performance spaces: a proscenium stage and a black box theatre.

The Doré Theatre, named after Frances B. Doré, was dedicated in May 1979. Mrs. Doré came to California in 1915. She and her husband (vice president of Superior Oil Company) were Bakersfield residents of many years. Together they supported a variety of Kern County charities. Doré gave the California State Bakersfield Foundation one-fourth of a family trust as a lasting gift, asking that it be used for the construction of buildings on the Bakersfield campus.

The mainstage proscenium theatre has continental seating and can accommodate 495 patrons which includes room for wheelchair placement. The stage area is approximately 32 feet wide and 34 feet deep. It has a 48-foot proscenium and is equipped with a 24-line fly system and an orchestra pit on a hydraulic elevator. A black drape or a natural muslin sky drop are available for backdrops. There is a computerized lighting and sound system as well as an assistive listening system. In addition to serving as the primary venue for Theatre and Music Department events, the Doré is available for rental on selected dates by outside groups. For information contact Merry Coder at (661) 654-3983 or mcoder@csub.edu 


The Doré Arena Theatre is a flexible, black box space located behind the mainstage and is used as a theatre classroom and for intimate performances. It is the venue for our Theatre for Young Audiences performances, senior projects, and one main season play each year. The space has a fixed grid lighting system and can be configured for theatre-in-the-round, proscenium, thrust or other formats and may seat up to 85 audience members. Since it serves as a classroom throughout the year, it is not normally available for rental.

In addition, the theatre building has a Design Studio, a Costume Shop, a Scene Shop, and an Acting Studio (an additional classroom space). The Albertson Room (named after actor Jack Albertson) is off of the lobby and is equipped with a kitchen. It is used for receptions, lectures, and meetings.