Inside Sunrise Mall: Meet the owner of Citrus Heights’ only community theater

By Sara Beth Williams–
Despite the ongoing departure of retailers from Sunrise Mall, a performing arts theater in the mall remains open and continues to offer Citrus Heights residents a safe, family-friendly space to enjoy community theater.

Royal Stage Performing and Visual Arts Founder Tammy Warta says the theater has a full lineup of performances scheduled for April and May and wants the community to know they’re still here and thriving.

“All of our shows are appropriate for families to watch together,” Warta said, adding that Royal Stage is the only local theater and that she loves being able to provide a place for families to see shows without having to travel to Roseville or Sacramento.

According to the theater’s website, the upcoming schedule of performances begins April 10 with the production of “The Play That Goes Wrong” and “Tuck Everlasting: The Musical,” which begins April 24. In May, the theater will be showing “The Spongebob Musical” beginning May 1 and conclude with a spring showcase on May 18 and 19, which celebrates the work of all the students in various performing arts classes for the spring season.

“Not every family can afford to see professional theater, so we try to bring them something accessible that will make them smile,” Warta said.

“The Play That Goes Wrong” is a unique addition to the lineup this year, because the visual and performing arts nonprofit typically produces several musicals throughout the year, with recent productions of “The Little Mermaid,” “The Aristocats Kids,” “Anastasia,” and “Footloose” as examples. According to Warta, “The Play That Goes Wrong” is only the third straight play the nonprofit has produced in its 14-year existence. Previous non-musical productions include “Clue” and “Little Women.”

Royal Stage opened in 2010, and the first licensed musical performed was “Annie.” After more than a decade of utilizing stages at various churches, the nonprofit began looking for a location that was permanent and more centrally located. In 2022, the nonprofit found their “theater home” in Citrus Heights inside Sunrise Mall behind Macy’s Men’s.

Warta said the theater has been an “incredible creative space” for the families that participate with Royal Stage and has also been utilized for other local events, like local dance group recitals, wedding receptions, and events held by the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce.

On top of being a business founder, Warta has also participated in Royal Stage as an actress, director, costume designer, and choreographer. Warta and her two teenage children are participating as actresses and actors in “The Play That Goes Wrong,” and on social media, Warta said this will be her last play “for a long time.” She and her two teens have acted in multiple musicals and plays over the years.

Warta said following her participation in the upcoming spring production, she is embarking on “Act 2” of her life by pursuing a degree in clinical psychology.

“I’ve been really inspired and challenged working with the young girls and trauma survivors we serve at Royal Stage. I want to learn more and do more for that community,” Warta said.

The performing arts group works with multiple organizations, including the Citrus Heights Police Activities League, Sacramento Children’s Home, Glass Slipper, and Atkinson Youth Services.

While the theater charges for participation in theater productions and a wide range of visual and performing arts classes, the theater also offers scholarships to families who cannot afford theater, as well as classes. Royal Stage is also a vendor with most homeschool charters.

“We try to be a place where our participants can grow, develop friendships, make mistakes, and still know they are loved and cared for by us and, more importantly, by God,” Warta said.

As for future plans for the theater amid tensions over the redevelopment of Sunrise Mall, Warta said she tries not to worry and hopes to keep the theater where it is.

“It’s definitely a changing tide,” Warta said, referring to the mall’s decline and discussion over its future. Warta also said the city has been “so supportive and responsive” from the time the theater opened.

“If we can’t [stay inside the mall], we are excited to see where we go next,” Warta said, adding that she plans to remain in Citrus Heights. “We are very thankful for our space. There have been so many incredible memories, and we are hopeful for more.”

Royal Stage theater is located at 6174 Sunrise Blvd., behind the former Macy’s Men’s. For upcoming shows and ticket information, visit royalstage.org.