The Saroyan Theatre, named in honor of Fresno’s own Pulitzer Prize and Oscar-winning author William Saroyan, is the region’s premier cultural arts destination. Renowned for its unparalleled elegance and luxurious seating, this historic 2,351-seat performing arts theatre has hosted some of the world’s most celebrated performers and productions. It is home to leading arts organizations, including the Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra, Fresno Grand Opera, Broadway in Fresno, Valley Performing Arts Council, and Lively Arts Foundation. Beyond its rich history, the Saroyan Theatre also welcomes a variety of comedy shows, concerts, family entertainment, and community events, making it a versatile hub for live performances.
Recently, the Saroyan Theatre underwent an extensive renovation, seamlessly blending old-world charm with modern amenities. Front-of-house enhancements include a beautifully refreshed main lobby and a VIP Lower Lobby Lounge, offering an elevated experience for guests. Back-of-house upgrades feature eight state-of-the-art dressing rooms and star rooms, two chorus rooms, two production offices, and a green room complete with a built-in bar and leather furniture. These updates ensure that performers and production teams enjoy a world-class experience. Guests can indulge in a wide selection of superb snacks, cocktails, and desserts catered by Pardini’s Catering & Banquets, all of which can be pre-ordered and ready for pick-up at intermission.
The Saroyan Theatre also boasts a state-of-the-art Listen Technology Assistive Listening Device (ALD) System, providing hearing-impaired audiences with an enhanced experience. This cutting-edge system allows up to 92 patrons to use receivers during any event, free of charge, ensuring accessibility for all.
Programming and ticketing at the Saroyan Theatre are led by ATG Entertainment, whose international network and expertise ensure that Fresno audiences enjoy world-class performances year-round. The theatre’s operations are managed by VenuWorks, overseeing all aspects of the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center complex—including leadership, sales, marketing, sponsorships, security, food and beverage, and guest services. United in their vision, VenuWorks and ATG Entertainment work in partnership to foster a vibrant, inclusive cultural hub for the entire community.
ATG Entertainment Services
Programming
Event Booking & Sales
Ticketing & Box Office
Marketing
VenuWorks Services
Operations
Accounting & Financial Services
Event Management and Operation
Venue Branding & Marketing
Sponsorship
Human Resources
Environmental Stewardship
Emergency Preparedness
Venue Safety & Security
Residencies:
Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra
Fresno Grand Opera
Broadway in Fresno
Valley Performing Arts Council
Lively Arts Foundation
Events:
Miss California 2026
Shen Yun
Gary Owen
Broadway Series
World Ballet Nutcracker
Golden Girls
Blippi
Gabbys Dollhouse Live
Jamie Foxx
Youth Orchestras of Fresno
George Lopez
State Ballet of Ukraine: Sleeping Beauty
Marc Solis serves as Executive Director of the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center (FCEC), providing executive leadership for the Saroyan Theatre as part of the broader campus that includes the Fresno Convention Center, Selland Arena, and Valdez Hall. With more than 25 years of senior leadership in public assembly facilities, Marc brings a proven record of opening and operating major venues, strengthening financial performance, and delivering exceptional guest experiences across conventions, sports, and live entertainment.
For the Saroyan Theatre, Marc works in close collaboration with VenuWorks’ programming partner ATG Entertainment, which leads theatre programming and provides access to an extensive booking network and theatre management best practices. ATG Ticketing services the full FCEC complex, supporting a seamless ticketing experience for Saroyan events and beyond.
As Executive Director, Marc leads VenuWorks’ overall management of the entire FCEC complex, overseeing executive leadership, convention sales, finance, marketing, sponsorship development, events, security, and food and beverage services. He is responsible for guiding complex-wide operations and service standards, working with the City on the annual operating budget, managing financial performance, and building the teams that support day-to-day execution and guest experience across all venues.
Known for building durable relationships with promoters, agents, CVBs, vendors, tenants, and civic leaders, Marc is active with IAVM, IEBA, IPA, and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, bringing strong industry and community connections to Fresno’s premier public assembly campus.
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