Until 2020, the historic Black Box Cabaret on the CSU Monterey Bay campus, 6014 General Jim Moore Boulevard, Marina, has been an active performing venue.
Initially a night club the former Fort Ord, it continued as such when CSUMB opened in 1994, supporting student talent via concerts, dances and open mic nights. The Weekly wrote about countless events being held there, including concerts by such nationally-recognized bands as The Pharcyde (hip hop from Los Angeles) or Rebelution (reggae from Santa Barbara).
The plan is to change the existing building into a modern day “performance and social space with a state-of-the-art design and new features,” according to a press release.
The completion of the renovation is expected in late 2028 to early 2029, and the venue will be known as The Robert Darwin Black Box Cabaret. The price tag for the project oscillates between $8 million and $12 million. The money comes from Robert Darwin and Robert Danzinger estates. A writer, actor, filmmaker, and more, Darwin passed away in 2023, leaving most of his estate to CSUMB.
The renovated indoor and outdoor venue will be run by the Otter Student Union and offer theater music, student programming and the performing arts.
“We are not just renovating a building," said CSUMB Interim President Carlos Vargas during a ceremony that marked the beginning of the renovation on Saturday, Oct. 10. “We are renewing a legacy...When it reopens, the Robert Darwin Black Box Cabaret will be a home for creativity, expression and belonging.”
Not all of the project funding is from the two estates listed. CSUMB also have a contribution from their University Corporation that will support renovation of the kitchen and dining area, and they have ongoing opportunities to provide gifts for those interested in being part of this transformational project.