Located three miles north of Foothill Boulevard in the City of Claremont, the Spanish Revival buildings were nestled at the base of the mountains and surrounded by lush trees and shrubs.

A 'Padua Hills Theatre' sign with a pair of Mexican folk dancers and a life-sized statue of an Indian maiden add to the mood of the setting.

[6] The Padua plays were unique in their blending of this "pastoral pageantry" with the more lauded "ethnic theater," whose purpose was to inform and educate the general public about the cultural attributes of Mexican, Spanish and early Californian life.

Each performance was followed by a jamaica (a post-production party) in which theatre patrons and the Paduanos (as the Mexican Players referred to themselves) interacted in a festive setting.

[8] Despite the political criticisms of Mexican American folk theater, Paduanos found opportunities for self-discovery, to forge strong relationships, and to achieve successful careers in theatre and beyond.