Guild Theater

2828 35th Street
Sacramento, CA 95817
(916) 736-1185

The Guild Theater is a nonprofit theater managed by St. HOPE Academy, a nonprofit community development corporation whose mission is to revitalize inner-city communities through public education, civic leadership, economic development and the arts. Established in 1989 by NBA All-Star and Oak Park native Kevin Johnson, St. HOPE educates, trains and empowers citizens to change the landscaped of low-income areas, beginning with the Oak Park neighborhood in Sacramento, California.

The Guild Theater is the only remaining theater of the numerous early 20th century motion picture houses for which Oak Park was once known. Designed and financed by Joseph Lewis and completed in 1915, it was the largest of three theaters on 35th Street in Oak Park at that time. Originally called the Victor Theater, the building's structure reflected the influence of the Moorish Revival on theaters of that era.

For many decades, the Guild Theater was a premiere entertainment destination and in its earliest days played host to vaudeville shows. The theater eventually fell into a state of disrepair and remained vacant for many years. St. HOPE has updated and restored the Guild Theater and currently showcases film, lectures and live performances. Over the past year, the Guild has played host to a wide variety of events. From a town Hall meeting with former Governor Gray Davis to a concert featuring hip hop icon KRS-ONE, the Guild Theater is committed to making every event an educational experience.

The Guild Theater is located in the 40 Acres Art Gallery and Cultural Center. Opened in May 2003, 40 Acres is St. HOPE's catalytic economic development project. 40 Acres is comprised of the Guild Theater, Uncle Jed's Cut Hut (barber shop), underground books (bookstore), the Upper Rooms Apartments, Starbucks Coffee and the 40 Acres Art Gallery. The complex is located in the heart of Sacramento's inner-city.

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