Brochure Text

Our History

The Richard & Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center engages the community through artistic, educational, and cultural experiences that enrich lives and promote lifelong learning in and through the performing arts. On our stage, visionary artists celebrate music, dance, engaging conversation, spectacle, and intimate cabaret, making our theatre a premier destination for exceptional artistic performances. Beyond the theatre, we engage with the community, our campus, and elementary schools by providing free and enlightening programs that allow everyone to experience the arts. Named after the pop music duo Richard and Karen Carpenter, who both attended California State University, Long Beach, the Carpenter Center broke ground on the

Carpenter's Exhibit

View photos, artifacts, and memorabilia from Richard and Karen Carpenter’s life and career, from childhood through mega-stardom, including gold and platinum records, Richard’s electric piano, and Karen’s drum set. The Carpenters Exhibit is located inside the Carpenter Center lobby and is open during all Carpenter Center events and by appointment.

Performance Season

From September through May, the Carpenter Center presents captivating performances of music, dance, speakers, cabaret, and spectacle, with series and shows for everyone. Our stage has hosted such inspiring luminaries as Mavis Staples, Captain Scott Kelly, Martha Redbone, Roberta Flack

From September through May, the Carpenter Center presents captivating performances of music, dance, speakers, cabaret, and spectacle, with series and shows for everyone. Our stage has hosted such inspiring luminaries as Mavis Staples, Captain Scott Kelly, Martha Redbone, Roberta Flack, Neil Gaiman, and the Dalai Lama. Thank you to KPCC, Hotel CURRENT, and Gelson’s for being our valued season supporters. From September through May, the Carpenter Center presents captivating performances of music, dance, speakers, cabaret, and spectacle, with series and shows for everyone. Our stage has hosted such inspiring luminaries as Mavis Staples, Captain Scott Kelly, Martha Redbone, Roberta Flack, Neil Gaiman, and the Dalai Lama. Thank you to KPCC, Hotel CURRENT, and Gelson’s for being our valued season supporters. From September through May, the Carpenter Center presents captivating performances of music, dance, speakers, cabaret, and spectacle, with series and shows for everyone. Our stage has hosted such inspiring luminaries as Mavis Staples, Captain Scott Kelly, Martha Redbone, Roberta Flack, Neil Gaiman, and the Dalai Lama. Thank you to KPCC, Hotel CURRENT, and Gelson’s for being our valued season supporters. From September through May, the Carpenter Center presents captivating performances of music, dance, speakers, cabaret, and spectacle, with series and shows for everyone. Our stage has hosted such inspiring luminaries as Mavis Staples, Captain Scott Kelly, Martha Redbone, Roberta Flack, Neil Gaiman, and the Dalai Lama. Thank you to KPCC, Hotel CURRENT, and Gelson’s for being our valued season supporters. From September through May, the Carpenter Center presents captivating performances of music, dance, speakers, cabaret, and spectacle, with series and shows for everyone. Our stage has hosted such inspiring luminaries as Mavis Staples, Captain Scott Kelly, Martha Redbone, Roberta Flack, Neil Gaiman, and the Dalai Lama. Thank you to KPCC, Hotel CURRENT, and Gelson’s for being our valued season supporters.

From September through May, the Carpenter Center presents captivating performances of music, dance, speakers, cabaret, and spectacle, with series and shows for everyone. Our stage has hosted such inspiring luminaries as Mavis Staples, Captain Scott Kelly, Martha Redbone, Roberta Flack, Neil Gaiman, and the Dalai Lama. Thank you to KPCC, Hotel CURRENT, and Gelson’s for being our valued season supporters. From September through May, the Carpenter Center presents captivating performances of music, dance, speakers, cabaret, and spectacle, with series and shows for everyone. Our stage has hosted such inspiring luminaries as Mavis Staples, Captain Scott Kelly, Martha Redbone, Roberta Flack, Neil Gaiman, and the Dalai Lama. Thank you to KPCC, Hotel CURRENT, and Gelson’s for being our valued season supporters.

Thank you to KPCC, Hotel CURRENT, and Gelson’s for being our valued season supporters.

 

Center presents captivating performances of music, dance, speakers, cabaret, and spectacle, with series and shows for everyone. Our stage has hosted such inspiring luminaries as Mavis Staples, Captain Scott Kelly, Martha Redbone, Roberta Flack, Neil Gaiman, and the Dalai Lama. Thank you to KPCC, Hotel CURRENT, and Gelson’s for being our valued season supporters.