The theater has redesigned and improved its site, with tickets available online and information about the upcoming season readily accessible.

Jean Lund, marketing and media relations spokeswoman for the theater, said the staff has been working on the new website for more than seven months,

"We had a website before," Lund said, "but it was hugely cumbersome. And advertising was a nightmare because of the length of the URL."

The previous website was part of the city's website, making it difficult to find, she said. Many people were unaware that the city owned the theater. The new stand-alone website should alleviate that problem.

Campbell Community Center recreation supervisor Chris Ghione developed the site, but Lund added that it was a collaborative effort among many people. It took 7 1/2 months of work and looking at a lot of other websites to determine what the theater wanted.

"This one is better visually, and it's a user-friendly site," Lund said. "It makes it fun for people to look at."

The website offers more than the listings for the coming season; it also links to information about the shows, as well as links to the home pages of many of the performers.

Theater manager Kristen Nagata said that in addition to the theater's shows, the website provides information about community events such as dance recitals and corporate functions. Information on rental requirements is available, and a link is provided about the nonprofit "Friends of the Theatre," which was instrumental in making the theater a success.

"They are responsible for raising $3 million for capital construction to restore the theater," Nagata said.

In the near future, the website will offer a virtual tour of the facility, and ticket purchasers will be able to view the seating plan.

The Heritage Theatre was the former Campbell Union High School auditorium. The high school, designed by architect William Weeks, was built in 1938. The school was closed in 1980 when the school district voted to consolidate campuses. The city purchased the high school in 1985 and converted the complex into the community center. The auditorium was renovated and opened as the Heritage Theatre on Feb. 14, 2004.

Last season the theater had 225 season ticket holders, and Nagata said the staff hopes to increase those figures. The theater was designed as a small and intimate venue, with 798 seats.

"The number of season ticket holders has been growing every year," she said. "The price can't be beat, and there's a great seat selection."

For more information on the new season and on the Heritage Theatre, 1 W. Campbell Ave., go to www.HeritageTheatre.org or call 408.866.2700.

Heritage Theatre's
2005-06 season

Lou Rawls--Sept. 29

The Pendragons--Oct. 29

Best of Broadway, A Gershwin Celebration--Feb. 16

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes--March 31

The Duke Ellington Orchestra--May 5