The Pasadena Playhouse was designated as the official state theatre of California in 1937. The historic, Spanish- style Pasadena Playhouse staged its first production in 1925. Many famous actors have appeared on the Pasadena Playhouse stage including Dustin Hoffman, Eve Arden, Gene Hackman, Raymond Burr, and Tyrone Power.

The origin of theater goes back to prehistoric people acting out their hunting experiences and ancients singing and dancing for religious ceremonies. Theater as pure entertainment evolved slowly - the first recorded European theater was in ancient Greece about 600 BC (for a festival honoring the god of wine and fertility). A poet named Thespis won a dramatic play competition at this celebration and is so considered "the first actor" (origin of the term thespian).

Source:

State Theater: California State Library
History of the Theater: Kids Work!

Links:

Pasadena Playhouse.org
Vaudeville - Entertainment 1870- 1920: Library of Congress
William Shakespeare Plays: Old Globe Theater History
Cultural Symbols - 50 states