The Junior University Musical Theater (also known as Junior University of San Bernardino, Inc.) began in 1962 as a children's summer activity in the backyard of Robert and Barbara Henley. 150 people saw the first show. After a second production in 1963, Henley met with William and Patricia Dixon and a non-profit corporation was formed. Junior University's popular productions were soon moved to a larger venue and, in 1965, found a home in San Bernardino's Perris Hill Park. Audiences now average over 14,000 playgoers for each summer show.
Since then, Junior University has provided live family entertainment for the residents of San Bernardino and surrounding communities while giving young people and their families the opportunity to learn and participate in every phase of theatrical production.
Open vocal auditions are held each May. A cast of 65 to 80 is selected with ages ranging from 10 up. Rehearsals begin in late May and the show opens in mid-July for a 14 night run.
Since 1963, Junior University's musical shows have been original adaptations of familiar children's stories adapted and scored by the late William R. Dixon.
Mr. Dixon received the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Inland Theater League for his contribution to musical theater and was saluted by the California Senate, the County of San Bernardino, and the City of San Bernardino for his contributions to family entertainment. Mrs. Dixon as also received awards from the community for her contributions.
Junior University "alumni" have gone on to earn degrees in scenic design, voice, theater arts, and audio recording. They have appeared in national touring companies, worked at Disneyland and with various Civic Light Opera companies in both technical and on-stage positions, and have performed in motion pictures and on television. Several JU alumni are now involved with the administration of the corporation and in show production.
Junior University is a California non-profit benefit corporation. Support comes from ticket sales, program advertising, corporate and individual sponsorships, and occasional grants from the Fine Arts Commission of the City of San Bernardino.
The address for the theatre is Roosevelt Bowl, Perris Hill Park, 1001 E. Highland Ave., San Bernardino.
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