Introducing The UCLA Nimoy Theater
Unveiling a new iconic venue for the performing arts in Los Angeles
UCLA’s Center for the Art of Performance (CAP UCLA) is proud to introduce the new UCLA Nimoy Theater, their new home for the performing arts, named in honor of artist, actor, director, and philanthropist Leonard Nimoy. UCLA’s 2018 purchase of the dormant Crest Theatre, located near the UCLA campus in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, was made possible by a major gift from his widow, actor, writer, and director Susan Bay Nimoy. Philanthropy has been a cornerstone of Susan and Leonard Nimoy’s life's work, and the inauguration of The Nimoy marks a significant milestone in Susan and Leonard Nimoy's enduring commitment to supporting and championing the arts.
“The opening of the Nimoy marks an exciting new chapter for the arts in Los Angeles and further solidifies UCLA’s role in shaping the cultural fabric of our community,” said UCLA Chancellor Gene Block. “The inaugural CAP UCLA season at The Nimoy is inspired by the energy of our vibrant city and will help Angelenos forge connections through a shared artistic experience.”
The Nimoys have a special connection to the venue; the film Three Men and a Baby, directed by Leonard Nimoy, was the reopening attraction following the Disney-led renovation of the Crest in the late 1980s.
Susan and Leonard Nimoy’s collective philanthropic efforts support several major arts institutions including MOCA; Griffith Observatory, home of the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon auditorium; and the Sundance Film Festival. Susan is a longtime supporter of CAP UCLA, as well as the Hammer Museum at UCLA, home of the Bay-Nimoy Studio. Additionally, Susan and Leonard Nimoy made a significant contribution toward the establishment of the Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theatre at Symphony Space (New York).
Other major donors of The Nimoy include the Whitney Family Charity Trust, The Ahmanson Foundation, the McGrath Abrams Family Foundation, the Mellon Foundation, and an anonymous donor.
The Nimoy reimagines the historic Crest Theatre. The Crest originally opened as the UCLAN Theatre on Christmas Day 1940. The name was likely an invitation to UCLA students and faculty, as UCLAN — at the time synonymous with Bruin — was a nickname for UCLA community members. In 1956, the UCLAN was rechristened the Crest Theatre, a name that persisted for over 60 years (although the theater had a brief tenure as the Metro Theatre in the eighties).
The Nimoy rehabilitates the Crest’s landmarked Art Deco-inspired renovation from the late 1980s — overseen by theater designer Joseph Musil — into a state-of-the-art live performance space. Designed by BAR Architects & Interiors, the renovation transformed the movie theater into a flexible 299-seat performing arts space and carefully preserved numerous features, among them the art deco inspired elements including the historic marquee, light fixtures, decorative columns, and wall mounted interior decorative pylons. The 230 foot long auditorium mural, depicting a stylized 1930s Los Angeles cityscape, completed by scenic artist Bill Anderson as an integral part of the eighties remodel, was also restored.
Working within the designated historic fabric, an enlarged entrance lobby, new bar, upper lobby, and support spaces are designed to enhance the theater going experience. Above the entry doors inside the ground floor lobby is the immortalized phrase, “Live Long and Prosper,” uttered by Spock, the cherished persona portrayed by Leonard Nimoy in the classic Star Trek series.
This versatile and intimately scaled venue immerses audiences in the experience of live performance while providing contemporary performing artists from Los Angeles and around the world expanded opportunities to develop and present new work. The Nimoy is a true home for artists. The creative catalyst for the transformation of the Crest into a new home for CAP UCLA was Kristy Edmunds, CAP UCLA’s prior executive and artistic director and current director of MASS MoCA.
The Nimoy serves as an important addition to UCLA’s rich offerings of cultural venues and resources across the city, which include the Hammer Museum and the Fowler Museum at UCLA. Just 200 steps south of the Hammer Museum and near one of the busiest intersections in the nation, The Nimoy is a gateway to CAP UCLA's programs by bringing them directly to the communities where people live and work.
“I consider it an immense privilege to begin my directorship at such a significant and celebratory time,” said Edgar Miramontes, executive and artistic director of CAP UCLA. “When the doors of The Nimoy Theater officially open, communities across Los Angeles and beyond will enjoy the limitless spirit of a CAP UCLA season, where artistic expression knows no bounds.”
The Nimoy boosts revitalization of the Westwood neighborhood and expands the cultural footprint of Los Angeles by reviving a dormant building into a community gathering place, restoring a valuable cultural asset, and improving the financial wellness and social vitality of the neighborhood.
“The birth of The Nimoy signifies Leonard’s enduring passion for theater, and serves as a lasting tribute to his extraordinary legacy,” said Susan Nimoy. “It creates a space where present and future generations can foster creativity and continue to build upon his remarkable love for the arts. ‘Live long and prosper’ is indeed a fitting phrase that is displayed above the doors of the venue, as it encapsulates the essence of The Nimoy. It serves as a gentle reminder for us all to embrace a life filled with blessings, creativity and peace.”
The opening night of CAP UCLA’s inaugural season at The Nimoy kicks off with Grammy Award-winning poet J. Ivy on Saturday night, September 23. Tickets for this performance and CAP UCLA’s 2023-24 season are on sale now.
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