History

Opening Night

When developing the plans for the Brea Civic & Cultural Center, the community decided the Center would include a library, the Brea Gallery, a cable television studio, and the Curtis Theatre among city offices and police headquarters. 

The Curtis Theatre opened in 1980.

In 1982, the theatre was named in honor of Dr. Glenn Curtis, who had practiced medicine in Brea for thirty years.

Our Namesake: Doc Curtis

Dr. Glenn Curtis established his practice in Brea in 1927, continuing until 1958, when ill health forced his early retirement in 1959. "Doc" Curtis, as he was known, was devoted to the community and helped the ill whether they could afford to pay or not. Although his life as a doctor was a busy one, he found time for many other pursuits including his love for the arts. He became known as one of the outstanding general practitioners in northern Orange County and was referred to by others as Brea’s Country Doctor. His energy was unbounded. Everything he did was in great zest and enthusiasm. He was intensely interested in community, civic, and government affairs. 

Doc Curtis