Box Office (805) 965-5400
Dear Ensemble Theatre Company Supporter:
You may have read about our exciting announcement that Ensemble Theatre Company has entered into an agreement with the owners of the Victoria Theatre that will give us the right to lease the theatre for 30 years. We realize many of you may have questions about the planned move, so we would like to give you an update.
What are Ensemble's plans for the Victoria?
To make the Victoria a viable space for our work, Ensemble is planning a significant renovation to the existing theatre. In its current state, the Victoria offstage and backstage spaces are limited and the seating arrangement in the auditorium is not conducive to an intimate and dynamic experience. Acoustics are also a concern. We plan extensive renovations to address all these concerns, and will also be upgrading equipment and power to create a state-of-the-art 300-seat venue, not just for Ensemble but for many arts groups in town. In the end, the new facility will enable us to broaden our artistic reach and provide you, our patrons, with a comfortable and exciting theatrical venue.
Has the lease been signed?
Ensemble has signed a pre-lease agreement, which provides for a 60-day due diligence review period, during which we will determine any issues that may prevent our ability to make the renovations. If After this period, Ensemble will sign the lease.
Who owns the Victoria Theatre?
The theatre is owned by three non-profit social-services agencies: Child Abuse Listening & Mediation (CALM), Senior Programs of Santa Barbara (RSVP), and the Unity Shoppe. The Victoria Building Council, consisting of two representatives from these three agencies in addition to two community members, approved the lease agreement.
What are the Unity Shoppe's objections?
You may have read that Unity Shoppe objects to the lease with Ensemble and intends legal action to prevent it. Unity Shoppe has expressed two concerns: that the lease agreement would deprive them use of the theatre for its annual Christmas Telethon, and that they want to retain a sufficiently flat area to hold various kinds of fundraisers. We understood both concerns, so Ensemble agreed to unequivocally guarantee that Unity Shoppe will always have the theatre every December for its telethon free of charge, and have planned seating so that large areas can be completely flat and available for flexible uses. We have carefully planned the interior improvements to accommodate the Unity Shoppe's needs.
When will the move take place?
It depends on many factors, but the move will not take place until at least January of 2011. Our current season will be at our current location, the Alhecama.
We will keep providing you updates so that you will be informed well in advance of the grand opening. Until then, thank you for your support.
And please join us for our 30th Anniversary Season!
Sincerely,
Jonathan Fox
Executive Artistic Director
Ensemble Theatre Company