What Comes Next

In a recent facebook post, a local theatre creator lamented the recent production cancelations at the MAIN Theatre in Newhall. "The show must go on!" was the thrust of the piece, and the danger of losing the wonderful resource of the Main, the only independent theatre (not connected to a school or not controlled by on organization) in our community. While I agree with the sentiment, and cancelling a production is never an easy decision. There are more theatre companies and producers than there are slots to be filled at the Main. So if someone cancels a production, it could mean someone didn't get an opportunity to utilize the space. But I think there is a bigger discussion here. SPACE and the continued future of The Main. A cancelation of a production will not jeopardize the future of the Main. But there is some disagreement about whether the MAIN will continue or if it should continue. The MAIN is expensive to operate and with a 40% split with the City, it is nearly impossible for local theatre companies to recoup their investments. And with each theatre company only receiving one week, it makes it difficult to grow an audience, or get reviewed, or attract designers, patrons, actors or audiences into our community. And it is impossible to pay people for their time or efforts. One week of performances keeps the productions in the realm of vanity projects, with just enough time for friends and family to catch the show. It doesn't allow times to invite a greater audience to see the great work in our community.

The MAIN theatre has been a gift to our for local theatre companies and Downtown Newhall, and a spark in the explosion theatre companies and opportunities in our community. But it is time for the theatre community to work together to have a conversation about what is next for us, what do we need? A place for production resources to build and create costumes? Desperately needed rehearsal space? A place that isn't threatened by ever increasing rents? One theatre venue cannot meet the growing needs of our theatre community.

This is the vision for the Santa Clarita Theatre Center. A home. Resources for continued and sustained growth of our theatre companies. A contributor to the economic fabric of our city and community. Be part of the discussion. Follow our page, like our social media, and take part in the growing conversations about our future.