The Santander Performing Arts Center is known for bringing some of the hottest acts in show business to Reading, PA and Berks County. 

The historic venue is highlighted by the latest cutting edge technology, highest level professional grade sound system available and advanced engineered acoustics. The main theater holds 1,700 guests for a variety of shows including our Broadway series, rock concerts, family events & more.

The Santander Performing Arts Center was built in the 1870s as a market, with a Masonic Temple on its upper floors. It became the Academy of Music in 1886. The Rajah Shriners purchased it in 1917 to use the building for various activities including vaudeville, motion pictures, and live appearances. The auditorium was rebuilt in 1921 after a fire destroyed most of the facility. At the turn of the 21st Century, the Rajah Theater was the only downtown movie palace of its kind to survive.

Its sister palaces, the Astor (replaced by the Santander Arena), Embassy and Loew's Colonial, had all been demolished. Today, the Santander Performing Arts Center is home to the Reading Symphony Orchestra and the Broadway on 6th Street series. It has also hosted numerous different events. Willie Nelson, Dave Chappelle, Little Big Town, Jo Koy, Taylor Tomlinson, Jerry Seinfeld, David Copperfield, Melissa Etheridge, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Chris Cornell and Mannheim Steamroller are just a few of the shows that have been seen at the theater.

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136 N 6th Street

Reading, PA 19602

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Upcoming Santander Performing Arts Center Events

More Info for MICHAEL CARBONARO
5 Oct 2024
Santander Performing Arts Center

MICHAEL CARBONARO

Lies On Stage

More Info for BEAT - Performing the Music of 80s King Crimson
23 Oct 2024
Santander Performing Arts Center

BEAT - Performing the Music of 80s King Crimson

featuring Adrian Belew, Steve Vai, Tony Levin and Danny Carey

More Info for THEORY OF A DEADMAN
10 Nov 2024
Santander Performing Arts Center

THEORY OF A DEADMAN

Unplugged

More Info for A NOSTALGIC NIGHT WITH MCCAULAY CULKIN
12 Dec 2024
Santander Performing Arts Center

A NOSTALGIC NIGHT WITH MCCAULAY CULKIN

Following a Screening of "Home Alone"

More Info for THE FAB FOUR
21 Dec 2024
Santander Performing Arts Center

THE FAB FOUR

USA Meets The Beatles: A 60th Anniversary Concert