Chautauqua Playhouse

Chautauqua Playhouse is located at 5325 Engle Road number 11 in Carmichael, California. Rodger Hoopman formed the playhouse in 1975. The Chautauqua shows the used tents to tour the country during the early portion of the twentieth century is where the playhouse got its name from. The company was offered a revival tent during 1975 but after a number of problems that idea and the tent collapsed.

The first show was Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in fall of 1975, shown in Old Sacramento's Old Eagle Theatre. The next production was a drama about Sherlock Holmes. The two shows were so financially successful that Hoopman partnered with Eric Ericson and Gene Morrow in order to get a performing space of their own.

The Chautauqua Playhouse was originally located at R and 25th Streets with sixty-five seats during April of 1976 in Sacramento's downtown. The original 12x20 stage swa a number of comedies, dramas and mysteries performed on it. The productions become increasing contemporary over the years and Charles Slater replaced Ericson and Morrow when the two left the partnership.

The Chautauqua expanded to a larger stage and one hundred and thirty-five seats during 1980. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the staff of the Chautauqua Playhouse's theater directly.