SAN DIEGO — ‘We’re Staying’ is what reads in front of the Ocean Beach Playhouse.
Just a couple months ago, there was uncertainty about whether the doors of this local theater would remain open after an increase in rent.
“A lot of people were really upset that that was possibly not going to happen,” Wildsong Productions Technical Director, Kannon Gowen said.
For the past two years, Wildsong Productions the organization behind the shows was subleasing the building with the business next door. The organization paid 8,000 a month but a couple months ago they found out
“It had been whiplash, we were honestly mourning having to leave this space,” Wildsong Productions Performer, Danisha Jenkins said.
The idea of the local theater being shut down quickly changed when Wildsong Productions received news that would set the future of the theater.
“We got a phone call from the leasing agent of the building and they were like okay we’ve seen the news stories, we’ve heard the community …what number is it going to take for you guys to stay and they were really really great in negotiating a fair price with us,” Gowen said.
A fair price that would secure Wildsong Productions stay in the venue for the next three years.
“They negotiated down to 7,500 base rent and they also gave us these first three months at only 4,000 a month,” Gowen said.
The community also stepped up to help the OB Playhouse. About $11,000 was donated which helped pay for the building’s security deposit.
“I think it is just such a great feeling especially knowing that you know, we were on the verge of not necessarily having a place to perform but then the community’s support really just made it happen,” Gowen said.
The theater is getting a makeover and rebranded. Staff is working on adding youth programs and plans to have a dance studio in the near future. The center will also be changing its name to ‘The Wildsong Theater and Arts Collective.’
“We’re super excited to have a theater that's named after our company that we call home and continue to produce our shows,” Gowen said.
The OB Playhouse is preparing for their next show called ‘Sweeney Todd’ showcasing January 26. For more information on additional shows click here.
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