The building was originally designed in 1938 by architect Paul R. Williams and was home to the First Church of Christ Scientist.  When the building began having plumbing and electrical issues, the Church decided that it was time to move on to a newer and larger building that would not require the same level of maintenance. Founding members of the Reno-Sparks Theater Community Coalition, Edda Morrison and Moya Lear, were active members in the church. The two women decided it would be a beautiful theater and the building was purchased in 1998 by a generous gift from Moya Lear.