The Capitol Theatre
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.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1920
- HeadquartersYakima, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
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.
The Capitol Theatre firmographics
Firmographics- 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
The Capitol Theatre industry classification
Industry- 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
Where The Capitol Theatre is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Yakima
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
The Capitol Theatre business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gift Certificates: Gift certificates redeemable for tickets to any show or toward season subscriptions, available for purchase online, in person, or by phone.
- 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
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Leyendas del Corazon event seating tiers |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | TOAST: The Best of BREAD concert tiers |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Yakima Symphony Orchestra Beethoven's 5th - Adult pricing |
| Subscription | Annual | Capitol Friends Annual Membership |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Sam Miller comedy show at 4th Street Theatre |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | YSO Star Wars A New Hope in Concert |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Capital Campaign Donation Options |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
The Capitol Theatre product offering
Product offeringCore 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
Companies that use The Capitol Theatre
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
The Capitol Theatre technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
The Capitol Theatre partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Yakima Symphony OrchestracoreThe 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 HallcoreThe 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 CorporationminorCorporate sponsor providing support for the Capitol Theatre's performing arts programming and community events.
- WRay's FoodsminorCorporate sponsor supporting the arts and quality of life initiatives at the Capitol Theatre.
- TreetopminorCorporate sponsor supporting the Capitol Theatre and performing arts in the Yakima Valley.
- John I. HaasminorCorporate sponsor supporting the arts at the Capitol Theatre.
- Heritage BankminorCorporate sponsor providing banking and financial services support for the theatre's operations and events.
- Pacific PowerminorCorporate sponsor supporting the Capitol Theatre through Pacific Power Foundation community giving programs.
- Hawley TroxellminorLaw firm sponsor supporting the performing arts at the Capitol Theatre.
- Instant Press YakimaminorLocal printing and marketing services sponsor for the theatre.
- ArtsFundminorRegional arts funding organization supporting the Capitol Theatre's mission-driven programming.
- Washington State Arts CommissionminorState arts agency providing support for performing arts programming at the Capitol Theatre.
- Yakima Valley Community FoundationminorCommunity foundation supporting local arts and cultural initiatives at the Capitol Theatre.
- Actors From the London StagecoreInternational 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
The Capitol Theatre competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect 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
The Capitol Theatre social profiles
Digital presenceThe Capitol Theatre financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Capitol Theatre leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
The Capitol Theatre funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Capitol Theatre M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Capitol Theatre
What does The Capitol Theatre do?
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.
Is The Capitol Theatre a public or private company?
The Capitol Theatre is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Capitol Theatre founded?
The Capitol Theatre was founded in 1920. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is The Capitol Theatre based?
The Capitol Theatre is headquartered in Yakima, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Capitol Theatre make money?
Eight revenue lines are on record. Ticket Sales are the primary driver. The others are donations and Annual Fund, capital Campaign, capitol Friends Membership, corporate Sponsorships, facility Rentals, gift Certificates and concessions.
Who are The Capitol Theatre's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Walton Arts Center, Mesa Arts Center, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Peace Center, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, McCarter Theatre Center, Overture Center for the Arts, ASU Gammage, Lied Center for Performing Arts and Des Moines Performing Arts.
Does The Capitol Theatre have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Capitol Theatre.
What industry is The Capitol Theatre in?
The Capitol Theatre's product category is Performing Arts Venue. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAGALAB, Theater & Performing Arts Venue Operations (Playhouses, Opera Houses), with a secondary code of MPAGABAM, Performing Arts Centers & Presenters (Programming/Booking). Its NAICS code is 711 and its SIC code is 7990.