Cheryl Goldberg's $6 Million Gift Drives Lompoc Theatre Renovation

Santa Barbara philanthropist Cheryl Goldberg donated $6 million to the Lompoc Theatre Project, bringing the $18.9 million centennial renovation to the threshold of full funding. The contribution allocates $5 million for restoring the historic 1927 Lompoc Theatre in California and $1 million to create the Cheryl Goldberg Santa Barbara Performing Arts Fund, which will support county‑based performing‑arts groups with annual shows and educational programs.

The renovation will feature a 450‑seat historic auditorium, rehearsal studios for youth, and upgraded acoustics, lighting and theater technology. The theater, which closed in 1991, is slated to reopen in spring 2028, with limited intimate performances beginning in early 2027. “Cheryl Goldberg has changed the future of the Lompoc Theatre and our entire community,” said project executive director Mark Herrier.

The project aims to bridge North and South Santa Barbara County through expanded access to music, dance, theater and film for future generations.