[6] El Capitan, dubbed "Hollywood's First Home of Spoken Drama," began presenting live performances on May 3, 1926, with Charlot's Revue starring Gertrude Lawrence and Jack Buchanan.

[5] El Capitan continued presenting live theater for a decade, with over 120 productions including such legends as Clark Gable and Joan Fontaine.

In an effort to boost attendance at the theater, its management attempted to lure revues, road shows and benefits.

[6] A Michael Jackson mural was approved by the National Park Service to be placed on the side of the building in December 1992.

The owner walked away from the theater leaving the building to its mortgage company, CUNA Mutual Group.

[15][16] In July 1998, Buena Vista Pictures Distribution purchased the convention hall to continue using it as a promotional venue.

[21] In November 2013, Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop co-located with the Disney Studio Store next to the theater in the El Capitan building.

[24] Disney Parks opened a theme ride called Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway at Disneyland on January 27, 2023.

[4] The design featured an exterior done in California Churrigueresque style of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture exterior designed by Stiles O. Clements of the architectural firm of Morgan, Walls & Clements,[citation needed] and mixed interior by G. Albert Lansburgh.

[1] The interior is a lavish East Indian in the main auditorium, English Tudor in the wood-paneled lower lobby and Italian Baroque on the facade.

[25] Below the theater is a small exhibit space, often used to display props from the films, such as costumes or set pieces.