If you’re looking for a wonderful cultural attraction on the San Juan Islands, consider going to a play at the San Juan Community Theatre. With two theatres and a smaller configurable performance space, the San Juan Community Theatre offers some truly memorable shows throughout the year. Bringing regional and national performers to the local stage, the organization offers high-quality plays that will entertain and delight all audiences. During your stay at the Tucker House Inn in Friday Harbor, we recommend scheduling some time for a San Juan Community Theatre performance. The main performance space is just a few blocks from downtown Friday Harbor and the inn for your convenience!
Find out more about all of the cultural attractions near the Tucker House Inn when you download our free Vacation Guide. It’s full of the best recommendations for things to see and do, like enjoying a play at the San Juan Community Theatre.
Performances Spaces & Box Office
The San Juan Community Theatre boasts two different locations with three theatre spaces. The main building is located just a few blocks from downtown Friday Harbor at 100 Second Street. This building contains the 275-seat Whittier Theatre with an orchestra pit. It also includes the smaller black box Gubelman Theatre, which can be configured in many ways. The Gubelman seats up to 75 showgoers. There is also a small kitchen in the back for serving refreshments and offices for the theatre staff.
The theatre box office is at the front of the building for purchasing tickets or you can order online. If you want to catch a last-minute show, the box office is open an hour before showtime. You can drop by and see if any tickets are still available at this time.
The San Juan Community Theatre also has a second facility, the Performing Arts Resource Center (PARC), which is located at 70 Salt Spring Road just outside of town. This building contains rehearsal spaces along with the costume shop, prop room, and set construction and storage areas. At this custom shop, you can rent costumes or props for Halloween parties, holiday celebrations, and more!
San Juan Community Theatre History
The non-profit San Juan Community Theatre opened its doors in 1989. Four years earlier, Helen Hayes (America’s First Lady of the Theatre) performed at a fundraising gala at Friday Harbor’s Royal movie theatre. This is when the idea fully formed to perpetuate a community theatre and thriving arts scene on the island. The support has been phenomenal to keep the theatre open throughout the years, with many patrons of the fine arts. As a result, the San Juan Community Theatre has thrived for generations and continues to entertain residents and visitors alike!
Annual Events
There are some wonderful special events at the theatre. The San Juan Community Theatre is a wonderful partner with the Tucker House Inn. We work together during the annual holiday festival on the first Saturday of December. This great party is one of the theatre’s major fundraisers. There is an auction as well as catering provided by our very own Coho Restaurant. Some wonderful appetizers are served along with a buffet dinner for a traditional feast and dessert! The San Juan Community Theatre also hosts the famous annual Friday Harbor Film Festival. Another interesting fact is that the theatre livestreams the Met operas for your viewing pleasure!
Stay at Our Inn
We hope you have a wonderful time enjoying an entertaining play at the San Juan Community Theatre during your stay at the Tucker House Inn! There are so many wonderful cultural attractions near the inn as well as some great outdoor activities. Make Tucker House your home during your San Juan Island vacation!
