Grove Theater Center in Orange County, CA, will expand its three-theatre operation to four by operating the Burbank Little Theater in George Izay Park.
The Burbank City Council approved the arrangement, which allow the non profit professional company to run the space for five years, with three five-year extensions possible. GTC expects to open a production there by fall.
Grove Theater Center is headquartered in Garden Grove, CA, and is currently presenting its sixth season. It operates the city owned GTC Gem Theater and GTC Festival Amphitheater. Grove Theater Center also produces the Theater on the Green series at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center Amphitheater in Fullerton, CA.
"We're looking forward to offering a wide range of entertainment in the Burbank Little Theater," said GTC artistic director Kevin Cochran. "We'll produce some shows specifically for the theatre, some shows will play in all three cities, and we're eager to present productions by other quality companies, as well."
GTC's proposal to the City of Burbank offered several components, including a children's theatre company, a membership ensemble, itinerant theatre companies who will make the Burbank Little Theater their home and GTC productions and transfers from its Garden Grove and Fullerton stages." Grove Theater Center had been in negotiations with the City of Burbank for over six months. The Burbank venue had been dark for years.
"We will be taking the next three months to upgrade the facility and choose the first production," said GTC's executive director Charles Johanson. "During this time we will be talking with many of the local 99 seat theatres, the local arts community as well as starting our search for other companies who want to make the Burbank Little Theater their home."
Grove Theater Center is currently presenting the world premiere of Girly Americana, the one-woman event featuring the versatile comedian and actress Denise Moses. Performances continue to May 14 at the GTC Gem.
Last year, GTC offered two world premieres: Christopher Hart's bio-play about super-agent Swifty Lazar, called Swifty, and Cecilia Fannon's Thicker Than Water.
For information about Grove Theater Center, call (714) 741 9555.
-- By Kenneth Jones
