Mission Statement

Dedicated to the enrichment of Kern County

Since 1969, the mission of Bakersfield Music Theatre has been to produce quality musical theatre and theatre education in Kern County. BMT currently lives that mission at Stars Theatre Restaurant, Stars Playhouse (Stars West), Stars School of Performing Arts, and the Stars Café. BMT, also known simply as Stars, is proud to serve the Kern County Community.

48 Years of Live Theatre - A History

Bakersfield Music Theatre was founded in 1969 (known then as the Bakersfield Civic Light Opera) by a group of educators and citizens interested in the performing arts. In 1974, it received nonprofit status, and began operating at Harvey Auditorium. In 1989, BMT opened the dinner theatre known as Stars Theatre Restaurant. In 1999, Stars Theatre Restaurant moved into the former Bank of America Building in downtown Bakersfield, which became the center of the Bakersfield Arts District.

In 1993, the Kids Go to Theatre program was initiated bringing 5,000 school-age children to Harvey Auditorium to see BMT's live productions. The Kids Go to Theatre program lives on today at Stars Theatre Restaurant and through a partnership with the Bakersfield City School District. In 1996, the organization introduced the BMT Summer Workshop, producing children’s musical productions each year. Then, in 2003, BMT opened its School of the Performing Arts, creating classes and performance groups, enrolling 331 students in two summer sessions and an additional 100 students in the fall and spring workshops.

BMT has provided a community service for 48 years by bringing the best in entertainment using local talent. Many of the performers who have graced the BMT stages over the years began their theatrical career by performing in Stars School of the Performing Arts programs for children. BMT's longevity is a strong indication of its long term success.