The Bug Theatre

The Bug Theater was originally built as a nickelodeon movie house in 1912. Throughout the century it has also been called The World Theatre, The Navajo, and The Avalon. At some point the neighborhood children nicknamed it "The Bug House,” and this is the name that stuck.

In 1994 it was incorporated as a federal 501(c)(3) as "Bug Performance and Media Art Center.” In 1998 a resident theatre company was introduced to the space. This was followed by the introduction of a small staff in 1999, and the combined efforts of the award-winning Bug Theatre Company and the dedicated administrative staff succeeded in transforming it into the viable artistic entity it is today.



Since then, the Bug has produced live theatrical performance, forums, classes,and acclaimed monthly showcases featuring local independent film, music and performing artists as well as bringing national and international artworks to our local audiences in the form of film festivals and traveling artists. It has also served as a multifunctional venue that provides a gathering place for community meetings, workshops, benefits and other artistic events.