SAN DIEGO — Dozens packed into the Ocean Beach Playhouse for what may have been the final performance at the San Diego theater.
A rent dispute has made operations at the location unaffordable. However, there is still a slim chance the show will go on thanks to the community support.
“The idea that everything could potentially end tonight is really heartbreaking," Sarah Hayes said, who's on the Wildsong Productions Board of Directors.
“Going into closing night of the show is always bittersweet," said production manager Jillian Anderson.
"It really made me sad because places like this are closing. It's so tiny and they do an amazing job, I've never seen a show that wasn't incredible here," said attendee Barney McComas.
Wildsong Productions, the team that works to put the shows together, says they are being pushed out of the theater because of skyrocketing rent prices.
“Unfortunately, commercial rent is very expensive in San Diego right now," said Hayes.
“Rent itself focuses so much on community and people just trying to create art when it’s really difficult you know and that’s exactly what we’re trying to do here, and art in Southern California it’s so expensive but we’re doing our best and we’re going to keep going," said Kannon Gowen, technical director of the company.
Since announcing what could be their final show, Gowen says the community has rallied behind them keeping the possibility of staying in Ocean Beach alive.
“The good news is the landlords have heard the community's response to our campaign and a lot of the new spots so we are in negotiations with them to try to figure out a deal to make it work. We’ve submitted a counter offer, hopefully they except but it sounds like there’s a really really good chance that we’re gonna be able to stay," said Gowen.
The community has helped raised over $10,000 to keep the doors open so far.
“It’s a really incredible feeling to have the community support us in such a great way. As a nonprofit we try our best to put out some good work," said Gowan.
"It means the world honestly like I said we can’t do what we do without them," added Hayes.
The crew tells me no matter what happens, they’re thankful for the community's support.
"Seeing that people have so much love and that they want to see us stay here it’s been so wonderful. It’s been a true joy to get to work in the community," Hayes said.
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