OC Business Journal

Ellen Richards aims for fall resumption of performances

ELLEN RICHARDS Executive Director Laguna Playhouse

The 400-seat Laguna Playhouse hasn’t yet announced when it will get back to business.

“We’re tentatively coming back in the fall,” Executive Director Ellen Richards told the Business Journal. “It’s kind of wait and see if these restrictions are really lifted and see what happens with COVID. Who thought it’d last this long?”

The Playhouse, which normally employs 40, had to cut its workforce to 13. Its budget fell to $2 million from its typical $7 million.

The Playhouse is in “good financial shape” as it was able to obtain a federal payroll protection program loan and its donors “really stepped up and helped us,” according to Richards. During the forced closure, the theater underwent renovations.

Its conservatory classes and shows moved to virtual performances, including a government contract to inform 16 to 25 year olds about health services.

“Everything shifted to virtual,” Richards said. “There was a whole learning curve of how you make all this work.”

Still, a family that pays $20 for a virtual streaming show doesn’t compare with one that spends $200 on tickets for live performances at the theater, Richards said.

She’s not sure what the seating arrangements will be and whether attendees will be comfortable sitting next to strangers.

“We cannot wait to see people coming up to the Playhouse.”

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