About Us

The Golden Chain Theatre is located at 42130 Hwy 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644. Our mailing address is PO Box 604, Oakhurst, CA 93644. You can contact our office at (559) 683-7112 or via email at office@goldenchaintheatre.org.

The Golden Chain Theatre is a 501(c)3 non profit organization.

Our mission is to passionately engage people of all ages in presenting a wide variety of quality live entertainment, promote fine arts education and to make a vibrant contribution to our community’s economy, culture, and spirit.

VISITING GCT

Parking

As you enter the driveway to The Golden Chain Theatre, the public parking is located to the right, on the North side of the building. The South side of the builing is reserved for cast and handicapped parking.

Doors and Show Time

For Friday and Saturday evening performances, our doors open at 6pm, with the show starting at 7pm. For Sunday matinees, our doors open at 1pm, with the show starting at 2pm. SPECIAL EVENTS MAY HAVE ALTERNATE TIMES.

Accessibility

GCT is handicap accessible. Handicapped parking is located on the South side of the building.

GCT Saloon

Our saloon is a full service bar and offers a variety of informal food and snack options. It is open before showtime and during intermission for your enjoyment. Drink specials are available for all shows, and free popcorn is made available at our Melodramas.

OUR HISTORY

In 1967 a group of community members decided that Oakhurst needed something to get the tourists driving through town on their way to Yosemite National Park a reason to stop (and spend money) in our Mountain Village.

With the help of the current Chamber of Commerce, the “Golden Chain Theatre” was born. Performances were held at the Oakhurst Community Center, and the theme was – 19th Century Historical theatre and Melodrama. The community took immediate pride in the newly- formed troupe, and soon, it was obvious the players were outgrowing their space, and were ready for the next step — they needed their own building.

In 1972, the founding board members took a big chance each putting their own houses up as collateral to purchase the Snowline Bowling Alley, and convert it into a theatre. With unparalleled vision, this dedicated group re-vamped the old bowling alley, converted the lanes to an auditorium, “downdated” the Saloon, installed a few gift shops, and opened the doors.

In 1999, the Board of directors announced at the annual Awards Night Banquet that the final payment on the mortgage had been made — the Golden Chain Theatre now owned it’s facility outright.

It’s 2024 and we continue to grow, develop and improve. Golden Chain Theatre is dedicated to bringing its patrons the plays and musicals they want to see, along with keeping our tradition of Summer Melodrama and Traveling Shows part of who we are. In its 57th season, GCT is thrilled to present a wide variety of quality live entertainment, promote fine arts education and to make a vibrant contribution to our community’s economy, culture and spirit.