A recent $6 million contribution to The Lompoc Theatre Project became the largest private donation in the organization’s history. Now only around $5 million remains before the full $18.9 million is raised.
Santa Barbara philanthropist Cheryl Goldberg (pictured on the left) gave the sum, with $5 million going toward restoration and $1 million establishing a North County performing arts fund.
“By creating lasting partnerships between South County arts organizations and North County audiences, the fund will expand access to exceptional music, dance, theater, film, and educational experiences for generations to come,” the nonprofit announced in July.
The theater’s projected opening date is spring 2028, but as soon as early 2027 audiences could be watching performances on the historic stage before the full auditorium is completed. Once finished, there’ll be a 450-seat auditorium, a stage, rehearsal studios, and public gathering spaces.
“Cheryl Goldberg has changed the future of the Lompoc Theatre and our entire community,” Lompoc Theatre Project Executive Director Mark Herrier said in press materials. “Her extraordinary generosity has brought this incredible arts complex and community center so much closer to completion.”
To learn more about the renovation efforts and the historic site, visit lompoctheatre.org.
This article appears in August 13 – August 20, 2026.
