West Angeles Performing Arts Theatre

3020 Crenshaw Boulevard,
Los Angeles, CA 90018

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: Western Amusement Company Inc.

Functions: Church, Performing Arts

Previous Names: Crenshaw Theatre, Kokusai Theatre, Ministry Theatre

Nearby Theaters

Kokusai Theatre's Vertical sign

The Crenshaw Theatre was opened by 1943. It was operated by the Western Amusement Company Inc. by 1950. By the 1980’s it had been renamed Kokusai Theatre screening Japanese movies. By 2009 it was operating as the Ministry Theatre. By 2018 it was the West Angeles Performing Arts Theatre.

Contributed by Ray Martinez

Recent comments (view all 7 comments)

William
William on October 8, 2001 at 10:47 pm

This theatre is located on Crenshaw Blvd, not to far from the Fox Adams theatre. This theatre was running as an independent theatre till the late 80’s, running films from Japan. The front of the theatre was very plain.

William
William on January 15, 2002 at 9:15 pm

The Kokusai theatre’s address was 3020 Crenshaw Blvd.

William
William on October 2, 2002 at 8:53 pm

This theatre opened as the Crenshaw theatre in the early 40’s and it seated 800 people.

Gerald A. DeLuca
Gerald A. DeLuca on August 8, 2004 at 1:37 am

I have a note to myself that I saw the Japanese film “Four Sisters” (“Shimaizaka”, directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi) here in July of 1986. It was the only time I ever visited the theatre. Do any Angeleno film buffs know if this place is still around?

ChrisB
ChrisB on August 8, 2004 at 11:36 pm

I saw the Japanese war film “Zero” in 1985 there. The style of the place was very low-key in and out but the quality of the print and projection were dazzling! Somebody there cared what they were doing. Wasn’t there a neon clock near one of the exits?

moviebluedog
moviebluedog on September 5, 2005 at 1:30 am

William,

Was this theatre ever equipped for 70mm that you’re aware of?

sjs1234
sjs1234 on April 5, 2006 at 9:57 pm

Bill,
I was there in 1986 and I’m pretty sure it was 35mm only.

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