History
In 1973, Joan Moe had the vision to build a theatre on the Peninsula. In 1977, Joan Moe and Agnes Moss, with the help of twenty Peninsula citizens, formed a non-profit organization. Trustees President, Agnes Moss, named Joan Moe Chair of the Theatre Management Board. Ernie Hahn and Ron Florence the developers of The Promenade on the Peninsula, agreed to give the organization the land and shell of the building. The Ken and Eileen Norris Foundation provided a million dollars to kick-off the fundraising efforts. In September of 1983, a week of performances celebrated the opening of the Theatre. Then came the Pavilion! It was to house the business offices, provide class space for the education department, a catering kitchen and a forum for performances, rehearsals and needed to be large enough for a 300 person sit-down dinner. The Norris Foundation provided a million dollars as a lead gift and the 14,000 square foot Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion opened in November 1999.
Specialties
The Palos Verdes Performing Arts is comprised of the Norris Theatre (a 450-seat theatre located at 27570 Norris Center Drive, Rolling Hills Estates, California), the Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion (an 14,000 square foot special event facility located at 501 Indian Peak Road in Rolling Hills Estates, California) and a Conservatory for youth arts education and performance (located adjacent to the theatre).