Executive Director of The Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, Jeff Thielke Shines a Spotlight on A Hidden Gem hosting World-Class Talent for three decades.
Nestled on the border of Los Angeles and Orange Counties, the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA) has evolved over its 31-year history from a well-kept secret into one of the region’s premier venues for exceptional live performances. For decades, it has hosted a wide array of artists and performances that have earned it recognition as a dynamic cultural hub in Southern California.
The CCPA opened its doors on January 13, 1993, with a stellar inaugural performance by the legendary Chairman of the Board and leader of the Rat Pack, Frank Sinatra. Since then, the center has built a reputation for its versatility, exceptional acoustics, and intimate atmosphere, which make it one of North America’s most innovative multi-configurational performing arts venues. Its award-winning architecture and commitment to world-class programming have made it a standout in the cultural landscape, drawing audiences from Los Angeles, Orange County, and the Inland Empire.
At the helm of this cultural treasure is Jeff Thielke, the theater’s Executive Director for the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. With over two decades of leadership at the CCPA, Thielke has played a pivotal role in transforming the center from a local gem into a well-recognized theater known for hosting some of the most iconic names in entertainment. His leadership, rooted in a passion for the performing arts and public service, has helped elevate the CCPA to new heights coming out of the pandemic, making it a cornerstone of the region’s cultural scene.
Cerritos Center of the Performing Arts.
Thielke’s journey in the entertainment industry spans over 25 years, combining experience in both the public and private sectors. He is known for his commitment to ethical leadership, strategic collaboration, and his ability to foster strong relationships with city officials, artists, and audiences alike. Thielke believes in the power of the arts to transform communities and is driven by the desire to create a positive impact through arts programming, civic engagement, and innovative leadership.
Under Thielke’s stewardship, the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts has become a key destination for both local and international talent, hosting everything from Broadway productions and world-class symphonies to jazz legends and dance performances. What began as a vision to bring world-class entertainment to the region has flourished into a thriving, recognized institution where artistic excellence meets community engagement.
In this conversation, we speak with Jeff Thielke about his journey, his vision for the future of the CCPA, which band would be his, “big get” and how this center has come to embody a true success story for the performing arts in Southern California.
For a full list of event coming to the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts visit: https://tickets.cerritoscenter.com/events.
Follow the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts on X at @cerritoscenter, on Instagram at @cerritoscenterperformingarts and on Facebook at Cerrtios Center for the Performing Arts.
The Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts is Located at:
18000 Park Plaza Dr.
Cerritos, CA 90703
