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The Center Theatre Group called the stoppage a “pause,” but many see it as a closure indicative of the struggles faced by regional theaters nationwide.
Pasadena Playhouse producing artistic director Danny Feldman said he was not taken by surprise at the Forum’s temporary closure.
“I wasn’t totally surprised,” said Feldman. “The trends of the struggles of the theaters have been around since the return of the pandemic.”
Just like the Mark Taper Forum, Pasadena Playhouse, founded in 1917, is also a recipient of Regional Theatre Tony Award – only the second in LA to earn the honor.
Just like other theaters in the country, the Playhouse felt the pandemic’s impact, especially during the time theaters were forced to shut down, along with other nonessential businesses, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
It was government and community support that helped them survive the difficult times.
Three years into the pandemic, while the theater has become more financially stable, it still can feel the pandemic impact.
Operators worry as to what the future holds for the theater and the whole industry.
“Our membership is up this year… Our musicals did quite well. Our plays are still struggling, though our plays are struggling like other theaters. So it’s a mixed bag here,” said Feldman.
“In general, we’re artistically in a good place. We financially are in a relatively strong place, but we feel the headwinds that everyone else is feeling in particular as we look at next season and what’s going to happen next season.”
Feldman said the uncertainty they are facing due to COVID-19 has forced Pasadena Playhouse to do “big” and “bold” events, which will drive people’s attention.
“The main step that we’ve taken is with ambitious programming. We believe here that when we do big bold things, people react to that and want to come to see that,” said Feldman.
“We will continue with our work embedded in the community because that is what drives a lot of financial support from individuals, corporations and foundations.”
Despite the financial hardships being faced by many theater operators today, Feldman remains optimistic they will see a light at the end of the tunnel.
For him, the community will play a big part in the recovery and success of the industry.
“We’re urging folks to come out to come and re-engage, be around people, and see great theater.”
While the announcement of Mark Taper Forum did not surprise Feldman, this was not the case for Julia Rodriguez-Elliott, co-artistic director at A Noise Within.
“We were all surprised and rocked by this is a beloved pillar of our theatrical community,” said Rodriguez-Elliott. “It rocked all of us and it really highlighted the challenges of the moment that we’re living in and how vulnerable we all are.”
Currently, A Noise Within is in “a very strong financial position.”
Rodriguez-Elliott said A Noise Within sources its funding from its fundraising events, which she said is performing well.
“Our fundraising has performed quite well. And so that has really helped us in the area of box office, it can be a bit more unpredictable. And so fundraising has been a reliable source of revenue for us.”
Just like Feldman, she said community support is needed during these difficult times. She has this to say to the community.
“Buy a subscription, buy a membership, buy tickets, come to the theater. That is the way that we can lift up our arts organizations and support the theater community. So if you value [theaters], get involved, show up.”
To see the upcoming shows of Pasadena Playhouse and A Noise Within and know how you can support them, visit: https://www.pasadenaplayhouse.org and https://www.anoisewithin.org
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