GLENDALE, CA -- A Noise Within, a classical theatre company in Glendale, CA, is looking for a new home.

The theatre's capacity has increased from 99 to 144 seats in recent years, and the company's master plan has called for it gradually to expand to 450 seats, all within the walls of its current home, a former Masonic Temple on Brand Blvd. But problems with the lease have forced the company to start looking for other theatrical venues in Glendale.

Artistic co-director Art Manke said, "We're at 97 percent capacity. In order for us to capitalize on it, we've got to expand. But in order for us to begin a capital campaign, we need a long-term lease or ownership."

A Noise Within's staff has, with the assistance of the Glendale Redevelopment Agency (GRD), looked at a few other sites, but none is large enough to accommodate all of the company's activities.

"We'd love for a David Geffen or a Jeffrey Katzenburg to come along," said the GRD's director, Jeanne Armstrong. -- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent