The World Theater at California State University Monterey Bay is a 457-seat performing arts facility located in Seaside, California. The venue houses a professional live entertainment program, campus events and student productions, and concerts by local community groups.

The World Theater was renovated from a historic 900-seat movie theater built about 50 years ago for the soldiers stationed at the U.S. Army's Fort Ord. The theater was named the Hansen, after the 7th Infantry Division was reactivated at Fort Ord in the 1970's. Jack G. Hansen was a member of the 7th Infantry Division and received the Congressional Medal of Honor during the Korean War.

In the late 1990's, as CSU Monterey Bay continued to develop and adapt buildings at the former military base for academic purposes, the Hansen was radically remodeled as a multi-use theater, and opened in 1999 with a concert by jazz singer Dee Dee Bridgewater.

The World Theater serves an important role in the performing arts industry by providing opportunities for artists to create new work. Since February 2002, the World Theater has co-commissioned three new pieces.

~ Past presentations include:~
Kronos Quartet, Anthony Zerbe and Roscoe Lee Browne, ODC San Francisco, Lila Downs, Chitresh Das Dance Company, Ethos Percussion Group, Perla Batalla, Ronald K. Brown/Evidence, Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano, Paul Taylor Dance Company, and the Turtle Island String Quartet, among others.

For information about upcoming performances, please give us a call.

Additional services provided:
The World Theater is available for rental. For more information about rental rates and availability please call 831-582-4583 or Visit our website.