New Theater Troupe Gears Up for Debut Production

Calabasas' Spotlight the Arts Foundation is hoping for a successful launch of its new theater group and is counting on help from volunteers.

A city-sponsored 501(c)(3) foundation, Spotlight the Arts has been trying to establish a theater company since 2004, when the Calabasas Civic Center, which consists of City Hall and the city's library was being built.

"We thought it was a prime opportunity to get a theater group started," said Stephanie Cooper, a Spotlight board member. "We had a big fundraiser and [LA County Supervisor] Zev Yaroslavsky and [then-California assembly member] Fran Pavley came. But the economy started turning and the city council decided that it was not the time to take on the cost of building a performing arts center."

In 2006, the city did a feasibility study to construct a 400-seat theater at an estimated cost of between $22 million and $31 million.

Excited local stage lovers formed the Calabasas Players, a theater group that was long on talent, but short on funds or venues, and tried mightily to establish a presence, but eventually disbanded.

This time around, Cooper is determined to help the nascent Calabasas Theatre Company (CTC) get on its feet. A meeting on Wednesday night at the Calabasas Library was billed as an introduction of Spotlight the Arts and the new theater company to local residents interested in promoting cultural events.

"Thanks to support from the city, Spotlight the Arts has been able to attract some first-class performance events," foundation co-chair Bradley Bobbs said. "The Method Fest film festival and the International Theatre Festival have brought some exciting opportunities here. But we took on this project sort of like Andy Hardy's idea of 'Let's put on a show!' We should have our own, real theater company."

Accordingly, Spotlight the Arts has been able to help secure a five-year charter and seed money for CTC. General Manager Marcie Goldwater and Artistic Director Geoffrey Forward helped organize the Ten Cent Cabaret musical review, a fundraiser earlier this month, presented at the library's outdoor amphitheatre.

Despite the fact that the company still lacks a permanent performing space, CTC is forging ahead and has already scheduled four plays for the first season.

"We have already cast our first piece and are holding rehearsals," Forward said. "It is a hauntingly beautiful and wickedly funny piece called 'Under Milkwood.' This will be proof that this is an ongoing theater company with ongoing productions."

While Forward thanked Spotlight the Arts "for giving birth to us," he emphasized the company's reliance on volunteer help until the company can attract major sponsorship and establish a season ticket base. Operating on a shoestring budget as it does, CTC is currently unable to pay professional stage managers and staff, let alone actors and musicians.

"This will change someday," Forward promised. "But for now, we need committed individuals who can work our concessions, or find us lighting equipment, or run sound. We are, and will look, professional."

When Goldwater opened the floor (of some two dozen attendees) to suggestions Wednesday night, there were plenty offered.

Some asked if a children's show could be produced or possibly get the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce involved.

A smiling Goldwater accepted all suggestions with enthusiasm and then immediately ricocheted the suggestions back to the speaker.

"Somebody? Does that mean you would like to volunteer to speak to them," Goldwater asked. "We are so happy to accept your help."

Stunned, the speaker would hesitantly agree that he could take on that particular task.

"Under Milkwood" was written by Welsh poet Dylan Thomas in 1954, originally as a radio play and reportedly in response to the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. The play presents the innermost dreams and thoughts of the inhabitants of a small Welsh village. The pastoral setting, and the richly human and funny dialogue was a counterbalance to a world whose innocence was shattered by the terrifying prospect of nuclear capability.

CTC's first production previews Sept. 16 and runs Sept. 19 through Oct. 10 at the Calabasas Library Amphitheatre.

"Tell your neighbors," Forward said. "Bring your friends. Thanks to Spotlight the Arts, we're here to stay."

More information about CTC's upcoming productions and auditions for future productions may be found at www.calabasastheatre.org or by calling (818) 436 0530.