At the San Diego College for Women, the Religious of the Sacred Heart, with their exquisite architectural vision, designed a beautiful campus in Spanish Renaissance style. One of those vision bacame Camino theatre. Mother Rossi considered Camino Theatre to be one of the finest elements of the college interior. She described some of the theatre's features as it appeared in 1952:
"That first fall semester also saw the completion of the beautiful theatre, perfectly equipped for theatre and concert use, with a small orchestra pit, and flanked by rehearsal rooms and dressing rooms for drama class. It is also provided with a motion picture screen and a Dalite beaded Sound Screen. The seating capacity is over 900, including the main floor, a large balcony and four little ones. All stage equipment was supplied by the Hollywood firm of R. L. Grosh & Sons Scenic Studio. The large imported crystal chandeliers were a gift from the James Flood estate in San Francisco. On the side walls two large tapestries picture the Child Jesus in the Temple and Queen Esther at the court of the Persian King Xerxes."
The inauguration of the new theatre took place on December 14, 1952, with a Christmas pageant directed by Mother Sally Furay, R.S.C.J. and performed by students and small children. Other memorable events include the first commencement ceremony (June 1, 1954) and events for the golden jubilee of Mother Rosalie Hill, R.S.C.J. (February 10, 1957).
On November 12, 1996, Camino Theatre was rechristened Shiley Theatre. The new name honors Donald and Darlene Shiley for their support of The Globe/USD Master of Fine Arts Program, their commitment to undergraduate theatre performance and for two MFA program Fellowships made possible by the Donald and Darlene Shiley Endowment for Theatre Arts. During this time, Shiley Theatre was modernized for the new millennium and underwent a complete renovation, including sophisticated stage lighting, auditorium seating, air conditioning and other upgrades. In 1996 the final Presidential Debate between Senator Bob Dole and President Bill Clinton was nationally televised from Shiley Theatre. Today, Shiley Theatre is the cultural hub of USD Fine Arts activities in music and theatre.