The Capitol Theatre

What The Capitol Theatre does

The Capitol Theatre is a 501(c)(3) non-profit performing arts organization operating a three-venue complex in downtown Yakima, Washington under an operating agreement between The Capitol Theatre Committee (CTC) and the City of Yakima. The facilities comprise a 1,490-seat historic Pantages-style main stage (built 1920, restored 1978, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places), a 400-seat black box 4th Street Theatre added in 2011 alongside a 9,500 sq ft Production Center, and an 80-capacity Robertson Room for private events. The organization presents a curated portfolio of programming under distinct brand series — Capitol Best (Broadway-style productions), Capitol Edge (experimental performances), Capitol Extras (special events), Yakima Town Hall (speaker series), and Capitol Kids (educational programming) — and serves as the permanent home of the Yakima Symphony Orchestra.

The business model blends earned revenue from ticket sales, venue rentals, and concessions with contributed revenue from individual donations, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, an annual fund drive, and the active $16 million 'Your Capitol Theatre' capital campaign (30% raised). Recurring revenue is built around season subscriptions, the $250/year Capitol Friends membership, and gift certificates. Distribution is omnichannel through a downtown box office (no in-person service fees), a cloud-based ticketing system supporting digital e-tickets and print-at-home delivery, plus group sales (10+ receives 10% discount). Pricing varies materially by event and seating tier, e.g., $20-$108 for symphony performances and up to $203 for premium Broadway-style events, with a $4 per-ticket patron facility fee.

The organization serves arts patrons across Central Washington, drawing 100,000+ attendees annually across 150+ events with an average attendance exceeding 65,000 (65% local organization use, 25% CTC-sponsored, 10% outside promoters). Resident companies and anchor tenants include the Yakima Symphony Orchestra, Yakima Town Hall speaker series, and education-aligned groups (WMEA, Broadway Bound Dance Academy, Melody Lane Academy). Operations are lean, with six full-time staff plus dozens of part-time employees, a small board, and a CEO (Charlie Robin). Revenue is not publicly disclosed; the organization has explicitly stated that ticket sales alone cannot cover the annual season cost, underscoring the structural reliance on donations and capital campaigns.

Name

The Capitol Theatre

Legal name

The Capitol Theatre Committee

Website

https://capitoltheatre.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1920

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Capitol Theatre is a 501(c)(3) non-profit performing arts organization in Yakima, Washington operating a three-venue complex (1,490-seat historic main stage, 400-seat black box, 80-seat event room) and hosting 150+ events annually for Central Washington arts patrons and resident companies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Performing Arts Venue

NAICS

Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries (711)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Theater & Performing Arts Venue Operations (Playhouses, Opera Houses) (MPAGALAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Performing Arts Centers & Presenters (Programming/Booking) (MPAGABAM), Performing Arts & Cultural Event Venues (Theaters, Museums) (THAHAAAG)

Keywords

• Performing arts venue
• Live entertainment
• Theatrical productions
• Concert programming
• Venue rentals

Headquarters

HQ city

Yakima

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Primary revenue stream from ticket sales for performances including Broadway shows, concerts, symphony performances, speaker events, and family programming. Ticket prices vary by event and seating tier.
2. Donations and Annual Fund: Tax-deductible donations to the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supporting curation of dynamic programming, community access initiatives, and historical legacy perpetuation. Includes Annual Fund Drive contributions.
3. Capital Campaign: Capital campaign 'Your Capitol Theatre' raising $16 million for facility improvements including modernized seating, accessibility upgrades, theatrical systems, and theatre preservation. Government support target of $5 million plus $11 million community support.
4. Capitol Friends Membership: $250 per household annual membership providing early admittance, VIP entrance, exclusive pre-show refreshments, drink discounts, presale opportunities, exclusive volunteer opportunities, and special theatre tours.
5. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate underwriting, advertising, and community partnerships with businesses supporting performing arts in Central Washington. Benefits include logo visibility, advertising campaigns, exclusive entertainment opportunities, and employee engagement.
6. Facility Rentals: Venue rental income from the Main Stage (1,490 seats), 4th Street Theatre (400 seats), and Robertson Room (up to 80 seats) for private events, corporate functions, and community gatherings.
7. Gift Certificates: Gift certificates redeemable for tickets to any show or toward season subscriptions, available for purchase online, in person, or by phone.
8. Concessions: Refreshments including beer, cider, wine, sodas, and water available at lower lobby, mezzanine, and Robertson Room bars. Capitol Theatre cups available for $3 purchase with reusable benefit.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Capitol Theatre operates three performing arts venues in downtown Yakima, Washington — a 1,490-seat Historic main stage, a 400-seat 4th Street Theatre black box, and an 80-capacity Robertson Room — and presents a year-round program of touring Broadway productions, symphony concerts, celebrity speaker events, contemporary performances, and educational shows for students. Revenue is generated through ticket sales, season subscriptions, Capitol Friends memberships, donations, corporate sponsorships, facility rentals, concessions, and gift certificates.

Product overview

The Capitol Theatre is a performing arts venue organization operating a multi-venue complex in Yakima, Washington. Its core offering consists of three distinct venues: the Historic Capitol Theatre (1,490-seat Pantages-style main stage), the 4th Street Theatre (400-seat black box space), and the Robertson Room (80-capacity event space). The organization presents a portfolio of programmed event series including the Capitol Best Series (Broadway-style productions), Capitol Edge Series (contemporary performances), Capitol Extras Series (special events and concerts), Yakima Town Hall Speaker Series, and Capitol Kids educational programming. The Yakima Symphony Orchestra serves as a resident company performing classical and pops concerts. Supporting offerings include season subscriptions, Capitol Friends membership, gift certificates, corporate sponsorships, and an active capital campaign for facility modernization. The theatre generates revenue primarily through ticket sales, donations, sponsorships, and venue rentals.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Yakima Town Hall: A speaker series featuring notable authors, journalists, athletes, and public figures. Part of the Capitol Theatre's programming.
• YTH
• Capitol Best Series
• Capitol Edge Series
• Capitol Extra Series
• Capitol Kids
• Capitol Friends

Products and services

• Historic Capitol Theatre (Main Stage) A 1,490-seat Pantages-style historic theatre located in downtown Yakima, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Hosts concerts, musicals, plays, lectures, and other performing arts events on a 90'w x 41'd main stage with a 36'8" x 30' proscenium opening and orchestra pit accommodating 25 additional seats.
• 4th Street Theatre (Black Box) A 400-seat versatile black box performance space adjacent to the historic Capitol Theatre, with flexible seating for up to 250 in table/chair configurations and a 30'x30' flexible stage. Hosts private parties, speakers, concerts, and full-stage productions.
• Robertson Room An elegant, intimate event space in the lower level of the Capitol Theatre with a maximum capacity of 80 (60 for formal dinner, 45 for classroom-style meetings). Includes bar area, food prep facilities, warming oven, and lobby access for business meetings and private parties.
• Capitol Best Series

Quantifiable outcome

• 100,000+ patrons welcomed annually across 150+ events
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Yakima Symphony OrchestracoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Yakima Symphony Orchestra makes its home at the Capitol Theatre, presenting classical and pops concert series throughout the year including Beethoven performances, Holiday Pops, and special concerts. The theatre serves as the primary performance venue for all YSO events, with coordinated programming and subscription offerings.
• Yakima Town HallcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Yakima Town Hall Speaker Series operates as a resident program at the Capitol Theatre, bringing notable speakers and authors to Yakima. Both the Town Hall and Orchestra call the Capitol Theatre their home, using the mainstage several times per year.
• Noel CorporationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor providing support for the Capitol Theatre's performing arts programming and community events.
• WRay's FoodsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting the arts and quality of life initiatives at the Capitol Theatre.
• TreetopminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting the Capitol Theatre and performing arts in the Yakima Valley.
• John I. HaasminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting the arts at the Capitol Theatre.
• Heritage BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor providing banking and financial services support for the theatre's operations and events.
• Pacific PowerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting the Capitol Theatre through Pacific Power Foundation community giving programs.
• Hawley TroxellminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLaw firm sponsor supporting the performing arts at the Capitol Theatre.
• Instant Press YakimaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal printing and marketing services sponsor for the theatre.
• ArtsFundminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional arts funding organization supporting the Capitol Theatre's mission-driven programming.
• Washington State Arts CommissionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerState arts agency providing support for performing arts programming at the Capitol Theatre.
• Yakima Valley Community FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity foundation supporting local arts and cultural initiatives at the Capitol Theatre.
• Actors From the London StagecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational touring theatre company presenting Shakespeare productions at the Capitol Theatre as part of Capitol Edge series, with educational workshops during residency.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Walton Arts Center: Multi-venue, mid-sized regional performing arts center serving Northwest Arkansas with a similar mix of touring Broadway, resident companies, and educational programming — directly comparable scale and operating model to the Capitol Theatre.
• Mesa Arts Center: Four-venue performing arts campus in Mesa, AZ operating a similarly diversified mix of presenter-style programming with community access and education missions — analogous to Capitol's multi-venue structure.
• Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts: Orlando-area non-profit PAC hosting touring Broadway, symphony, and educational programming through multiple resident partners — same presenting/anchoring model the Capitol Theatre uses in Yakima.
• Peace Center: Greenville, SC multi-venue performing arts center presenting Broadway tours, symphony, and community programming at a comparable 1,000+ seat main hall scale with active education outreach.
• Straz Center for the Performing Arts: Tampa-based non-profit PAC operating multiple venues (including a restored historic theater) with resident companies and a similar touring/resident mix — comparable scale and operational footprint.
• McCarter Theatre Center: Princeton, NJ historic regional theater that combines touring productions, resident artistic company programming, and educational outreach — directly analogous presenter-plus-historic-venue model.
• Overture Center for the Arts: Madison, WI multi-venue performing arts center presenting Broadway, symphony, and educational programming through multiple resident organizations — similar multi-venue, non-profit presenting model.
• ASU Gammage: Frank Lloyd Wright–designed historic performing arts venue operated as a touring-Broadway and arts-presenter venue at the 1,500+ seat scale — closely parallels Capitol's historic, large-seat, presenter-driven model.
• Lied Center for Performing Arts: University-affiliated regional presenting venue in Lincoln, NE that curates touring and educational performing arts programming for a similarly mid-sized regional market.
• Des Moines Performing Arts: Non-profit presenter of Broadway tours, symphony, and education programming in the Des Moines Civic Center, operating a comparable presenting-with-resident-companies model in a similarly sized Midwestern market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@TheCapitolTheatre
• Facebookfacebook.com/TheCapitolTheatreYakima
• Instagraminstagram.com/thecapitoltheatreyakima
• Xx.com/capitolbuzz
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/capitol-theatre

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Capitol Theatre