When a community comes together for a cause, great things can happen. When the CORONADO community works as one, we benefit from efforts that change the fabric of what we hold dear.
The Coronado Community Foundation, led by Michelle Gilmore, has been spearheading a collaboration project with Coronado Playhouse, Coronado Junior Arts League, and the City of Coronado. In 2021 the CCF with Board President Helen Kupka gathered four organizations who shared a vision for improving the Coronado Performing Arts at Coronado High School. This successful effort not only upgraded the venue but allowed it to become a true community performing arts center, hosting organizations such as the Coronado Philharmonic Orchestra and the Coronado Film Festival. Observing that success, it became obvious that this model would be a blueprint for another community theater.
In early 2025, Coronado Junior Arts League Founder and Artistic Director, Cat Baker, began producing performances at the Coronado Community Playhouse. This theater is a gift to our community but was also experiencing aging technology and atmosphere that limited productions held within its walls. Lighting, sound, audience sightlines, and projectors were all outdated and needed a force to fund the improvements and make it a true community theater experience. Instead of raising funds independently, Baker contacted CCF to explore a much bigger idea in hopes of a very exciting ending.
Working together, these organizations developed a comprehensive plan to raise funds for the project. Each organization pursued funding through grants for their piece of the overall project, while the City of Coronado committed to completing structural improvements and funding the remaining project costs. A genius plan with individuals weaving the fabric of a project they could not have achieved alone. “We are so grateful for the partnership we share with the Coronado Community Foundation, CPH, and the City of Coronado, said Cat Baker.
“Through thoughtful research, a shared sense of possibility, and a wonderful conversation with Helen Kupka, the dream grew into a plan we can all be proud of. Together, we’re building something truly special for this community we all love,” said Baker.
As with all fundraising projects, there are stages that must be addressed while keeping the team together for a common goal. While grant applications were pending, the city staff was able to evaluate the needs of the facility related to remaining costs. Director of Recreation and Golf Services, Tim Farmer, became the lead on coordinating overall facility improvements, as well as developing a plan for the city to fund installation costs and remaining expenses once grants were awarded. The team effort spelled success when three Community Enhancement Program grants were approved, and the city began to bridge the funding for the remaining project costs.
“I am grateful to our partners for securing funding through the County of San Diego Supervisor’s office to enhance the Coronado Community Playhouse, one of our community’s most valued cultural assets,” said Farmer.
Within all cities big and small, there is a dedication to the arts that enhances what we see. The improvements to the Coronado Community Playhouse represent more than just new technology. They provide the ability to continue to deliver high-quality productions to our audience and reduce financial obligations on these local arts organizations.
“When the Coronado Community Foundation reached out about a partnership grant to bring new equipment to the CPH, we jumped at the opportunity,” said Marc Wilcox, President of the Board, Coronado Playhouse.
“The grants allow the playhouse to continue producing high-quality productions with improved technology, audience seating, and greater creative possibilities.”
On your next visit to the Coronado Community Theater, be prepared to enjoy the result of tireless work from some special organizations on our island. A new video projector, seating risers, new audio/visual networking equipment, sound boards, and microphones. These enhancements will bring audiences productions that provide a true theater experience and allow the Coronado Community Theater to become a multipurpose community venue. “What a gift this County Community Enhancement Program Grant has been to our community and our arts partners”, said Helen Kupka. “This grant is a beautiful testament to what happens when a community champions the arts. We nurture creativity and connection – that’s where the magic of Coronado truly lives”.
Construction at the theater on some of the items continues with completion set for the end of 2026. The playhouse remains open and new productions already have opening dates.
“The arts lift our community, create opportunities for personal growth and connection,” said Michelle Gilmore, CCF’s CEO. “The stage invites performers to be part of a family and a shared life experience. The Coronado Playhouse has been a gift to the Coronado community for 40 years and we are proud to be involved with bringing organizations together for a true collaboration and an improved theater experience for all.”
If you would like to support the Coronado arts community and this project by donating, please reach out to:
CORONADO COMMUNITY FUNDATION: ccfcoronado.org
CORONADO JUNIOR ARTS LEAGUE: www.cjal.org
CORONADO PLAYHOUSE: www.coronadoplayhouse.org
VOL. 116, NO. 30 – July 29, 2026