McCallum Theatre for the Performing Arts

The McCallum Theatre for the Performing Arts began in 1972 when a group of leaders in the community created the Friends of the Cultural Center, Inc. Their goal was to create a state of the art performance center that would enhance the lives of desert residents by giving them affordable, convenient access to the performing arts. It was not until 1988 that their vision came to fruition when the McCallum Theatre was opened. The theatre was named after the McCallum pioneer family. The mission of the theatre is to " to entertain and educate the public by offering a variety of performing arts experiences that reflects the diversity of people, interests, and tastes of the communities and constituents served by the Theatre." The theatre relies on volunteers to operate and provide services to theatre goers and the community. More than 425 people help as ushers, docents, administrative workers, and Green Room attendants in the theatre. The theatre is associated with The Muses and the Patroness Circle, both of which help raise money for the theatre. Famous names such as Betty Ford, Dolores Hope, and Leonore Annenberg have been members of The Muses. The groups plan special events and fundraisers including A Theatre Ball and Grandma's Attic. The McCallum is an historic option for seeing live performances and those in the Palm Desert area often enjoy what the theatre offers.