UPDATES on Pasadena Playhouse and Los Angeles arts grants

As I read the LA times this morning, I was excited that two of the top headlines in the Arts & Culture section were updates on two of the most important things currently happening to the Los Angeles theatre community:

1. Pasadena Playhouse

As you know (if you read this blog...but if you live in LA you should have read it EVERYWHERE), the executive director of the Pasadena Playhouse, Stephen Eich, announced several days ago that because of large debt and low subscription/ticket sales the Playhouse was planning on shuttering Febuary 7th, making its current production of Camelot its last.  BUT...

Good news:  Pledges of support have been pouring in from theatre patrons, rightfully upset at the thought of a Los Angeles arts community without Pasadena Playhouse.

Not good news: Pledges aren't cash. And even if they were, a spokesperson for the Playhouse says that nothing can be done with them until they consult with their attorneys.

Bad news: The Pasadena Playhouse is still scheduled to close on February 7th.

Ray of hope: The closure is being characterized as a "reorganization."  That, along with a hint that perhaps there will be an official fundraiser in the future to help clear some of that half-a-million dollars in debt, lends an optimistic soul to think that this isn't the Playhouse's swan song... perhaps merely a "see ya later." Fingers crossed.

Check out the Playhouse's blog: http://pasadenaplayhouse.blogspot.com/
Read the LA Times article for yourself: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2010/02/pasadena-playhouse-says-it-is-receiving-pledge-money-but-is-it-enough.html


2. Tax Dollars and Grants for the Los Angeles art community

I was outraged when I got word through Theatre West earlier this week that tax dollars that had been set aside for the local arts community, as well as grants that had ALREADY BEEN APPROVED were now in danger of being taken away, leaving some theaters in thousands of dollars worth of debt just as the season is beginning.

Good news: The Los Angeles City Council said NO to both proposals!  This is fantastic news, and a huge sigh of relief for artists and patrons alike.

Not good news: The city of Los Angeles is still in financial trouble and there will have to be cuts for someone at some point. Unfortunately, government tends to cut arts first, which is what was happening here. Because the theatre community has been given a reprieve does not mean that LA doesn't still have to tighten its belt. The LA Times reported that Olga Garay, executive director of the Department of Cultural Affairs, pledged to trim half a million dollars out of the budget somewhere.

Bad news: City Council President, Eric Garcetti was one of the councilmen behind filing the motion to repeal the already-approved grants to theatre and arts programs. Even after the the proposal was defeated and arts proponents made emotional pleas for two hours, Garcetti STILL said "It doesn't mean Cultural Affairs won't face some cuts." You letter-writers out there take note.


Read the LA Times article for yourself: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/arts/la-et-culturalaffairs4-2010feb04,0,7558633.story