BHHS Reopens Renovated Salter Family Theatre With Student Production of Little Women

Beverly Hills High School reopened the historic Salter Family Theatre on Thursday night with a ribbon cutting followed by opening night of Little Women, a production created entirely by students. The event marked a return to a campus space that has served generations of performers and remains central to the school’s arts identity.

The renovated theatre now includes professional sound and lighting, updated backstage systems, and a layout designed to keep the smaller, intimate feel that has long defined the venue. School officials described the project as both a facilities upgrade and an investment in student creativity.

"Tonight, we did not just cut a ribbon. We opened the doors to possibility," Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss said. "The reopening of the Salter Theatre reflects our unwavering belief in the power of student voice, creativity, and the arts as a pillar of Educational Excellence."

Thursday’s event brought together board members, district leaders, staff, families, alumni, and students. Guests were welcomed with food prepared and served by students in the Beverly Hills High School Culinary Arts Pathway, a program highlighted throughout the evening as part of the school’s broader Career Technical Education offerings.

"For years, our students called this space the 'Little Theatre'," Board of Education President Rachelle Marcus said. "But there is nothing little about what happens here. This theatre prepares our students for big futures in college, in careers, and in life. And tonight’s performance of Little Women was absolutely fantastic. What a beautiful way to bring this space back to life."

Little Women was staged through the BHHS Performing Arts Pathway. Students handled every element of the production, including acting, lighting, sound, costumes, and set design. The performance was received warmly by an audience that filled the newly upgraded space.

Additional showings of Little Women are scheduled for November 14 to 15 and November 20 to 22 at 7 p.m., with a matinee on November 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at bhhs.bhusd.org/theatre.

School officials said the reopening signals more than the completion of a renovation. It marks a renewed focus on student expression and the long-term future of the arts at Beverly Hills High School.