The Co
lony Theatre Company
Proposal for Sublease,
Management, and Operation of
Burbank Center Stage
2023
Attachment 4
LETTER ....................................................................................................................................... i EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................... 1
QUALIFICATIONS
IDENTIFICATION……….................................................................................................... 4 PREVIOUS OPERATING EXPERIENCE ........................................................................... 6 KEY LEADERSHIP & GOVERNANCE INFORMATION .................................................... 10 FINANCIAL INFORMATION ........................................................................................... 13 PROPOSED FINANCIAL TERMS ............................................................................................... 14 PROPOSED BUSINESS PLAN ..................................................................................................
PROPOSED CALENDAR………………………………………………………………………….…..
PARTNERS HIPS…………………………………………………..……………………….………….
COMMUNITY & TARGET AUDIENCE…………………………………..……….......................
ESTIMATED TOTAL ATTENDANCE LEVELS in the FIRST FIVE (5) YEARS of OPERATION………………………………………………………………………….………………...
ESTIMATED ADMISSION PRICE LEVELS for PROGRAMMING…………………….……..
RENTAL RATES………………………………………………………………………………..…......
GENERAL STAFFING & SECURITY PLAN…………………………………………….…………
CONCESSIONS…………………………………………………………………………..……………..
STATEMENT on FACILITY MAINTENANCE PLAN & QUALITY STANDARDS..............
OVERVIEW of the MARKETING PLAN for theFACILITY………………………………....... 15 16
17 25
27 27
27 28
29 29
29 ASSUMPTIONS........................................................................................................................... 32 SUBLEASE AGREEMENT RED LINE…………………………………………..……………………… 32 LETTERS OF SUPPORT…........................................................................................................ 34
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Colony Theatre Company
Proposal for Burbank Center Stage
The Colony Theatre Company Executive Summary
Theatr
e. It’s been an important part of human culture for centuries. Some say it changes lives. Others say it changes thoughts, beliefs, values. And history will say, it almost faced extinction.
The Colony Theatre is one of few theatres to survive the global COVID pandemic. So many did not...and we do not take this fact lightly. We are even more committed to embedding ourselves in the Burbank community as a performance arts hub for Burbank residents, while firmly establishing the City of Burbank as an arts destination for arts patrons throughout the greater Los Angeles region.
Throug
h a u nique combination of professional performances, community cultural arts events, and youth mentoring, the post -pandemic, new, Colony Theatre is focused on engaging community members, attracting new audiences, exposing youth to arts education and programming, all while increasing revenues for The City of Burbank and surrounding Downtown Burbank businesses…establishing The Colony Theatre as a dominant regional arts center.
The Co
lony Theatre has been an important contributor and a source of pride for the Burb ank community for 23 years. With a 4 8-year tradition of award -winning and critically -acclaimed theatrical productions and experienced venue stewardship, we use the power of the arts to inspire and enrich our community by programming and producing live even ts that affirm universal human values, and by nurturing creativity and professionalism in the next generation, presenting a variety of arts events that establish the theatre as a cultural center for the community, and cultivating an environment in which the artists of the 21st century can flourish.
The sophistication and classic charm of the Colony has been enhanced and expanded by the addition of a new management, new business structure, and new partnerships whose focus on
expanded target audiences through new programming will have diversified and increased revenue streams.
A strong focus of ours is on local youth. We are dedicated to mentorin g as well as offering opportunities to grow with our theatre, and to be promoted from within. The energy, bustle, and buzz that surrounds young people when they are excited and the world is full of possibilities, has br
eathed new life into our space. As y oung people move through the B urbank school system, they should expect their community t o support their desire to s ee and participate in visual, medi
a, and performing arts performances – and t o pass these values to their own children. What we ar
e doing at The Colony Theatre signifies the level of importance a city places on the arts and the q
uality of life it strives to provide its members.
New leadership has implemented the hybrid producing/programming/rental model which has built an extremely strong platform on which to operate. We have also established a strong grant writing program which has provided us with close to $700,000 in gra nt awards over the last 2 years. The combination of programming, producing, mentorship, an educational arm, and rentals is a solution proven to be sustainable. We aim to establish ourselves as one of the top regional arts centers in the area, in California, in the nation.
With that ,
The Colony Theatre now presents to you, an unprecedented coalition of partnership and collaboration with some of the area’s most impactful arts organizations and creatives.
Our Education Arm: The Colony Theatre is now the official home of Imagine Theatre, coming together in partnership to offer Theatre for Young Audien ces, Camps, and Theatre Arts Education.
Our Visual Arts Arm : We are in official partnership with – California Creative Arts . Our Gallery is more alive than ever with CCA art shows and other networking opportunities for local artists.
Mentorship: Our partnership with the Burbank High School Stage Craft Program , gives Burbank students hands-on shadowing and on-the-job training on professional productions. We also partner with Glendale Youth Alliance to provide students internship opportunities. *NOTE – It should be noted that our current Technical Manager was a Burbank High School student who interned for us and worked his way up to a viable career in Tech Management. And we also continue to participate in BUSD’s Service Learning Program.
Dance: The Colony Theatre leadership has now made our theatre the official home of Burbank’s own Pacific Ballet.
Programming: We are in official partnership with the acclaimed Troubadour Theatre. The Troubies have been a hugely popular fixture in the community for more than 25 years. After years of bringing all of their fans and commerce to other theatres in the area, their new official home is now with us at The Colony Theatre. This brings enormous numbers in the way of Burbank business and exposure to the theatre and the area.
Storytelling: Our official partnership with JAM Creative provides the community with 2 -4 incredible storytelling shows a season. Working in conjunction with local charity organizations, we will continue to work together to raise money for important local non-profits.
Artist Opportunities in Theatre and Media : The Short & Sweet Festival is now our official partner. One of Los Angeles’ top festivals, whose home was Hollywood, is now being brought to Burbank. Bringing with it , not only huge opportun ities for local commerce with the high numbers in attendees every year, but also for its participating artists.
Theatre: The Colony will also become a launching pad. One that allows producers to launch shows to Broadway and Off -Broadway. This offers the o pportunity for passive income to The Colony Theatre by participating in the profit pool and subsidiary rights of these shows, which also provides passive income for the City of Burbank. And, as it has been for recent years under new management, The Colony will continue to be a performing destination for Broadway’s brightest stars and productions, a space for top casting directors to cast, filmmakers to shoot, and the community to engage.
Media: We will continue to be the official home of the Indie Series A wards, which brings some of the industry’s most exciting names and faces to our theatre.
Youth Camp: Bringing more education opportunities to our theatre, through dance, is our partnership with Daurden Performing Arts Conservatory.
BUSD: Our continued pa rtnership with BUSD, including but not limited to, learning and performance opportunities for Burbank High School students and John Burroughs students, as well as theatre arts exposure to elementary and middle school students.
Music: Our future partnership with the acclaimed organization, Musicians at Play to produce/present musical concerts that would include big band and jazz programs on a monthly basis to engage the Burbank Community.
Producing: The Colony will continue to produce critically-acclaimed theatre.
In unity with
our partners, we will provide community members a creative, collaborative, and community-oriented atmosphere they can call their very own. • New lead
ership focused on innovation
• New energized Board of Directors comprised of top industry professionals and loyal long-term supporters
• Internship with incentive programs for students and schools • Critical and commercial success
• Honored by the California State Legislature for our service • “Evening the Playing Field” for underserved, underrepresented youth through educational camps, mentoring, and intern opportunities • An environment able to bridge gaps in understanding between generations through focus on a common goal
We strive each day to continue building community among all people, and look at our theatre as a safe haven reflecting the values of cultural equity and inclusion. We will continue to maintain a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.
For mo
st communities, a vibrant arts scene means a better quality of li fe. In Burbank, it also means a thriving economy. Our theatre provide s hundreds of jobs annually. Our patrons bring commerce. And one of the most important “intangibles” would be that the arts instill empathy, by bringing the “ human” element into the human experience…which is a tremendous responsibility. One of the very reasons we added the tagline “Putting the art in the heart of Burbank” to our logo art. Intangibles matter.
As ment
ioned earlier, history will say the performing arts were almost extinct. I t is our mission and duty to make sure that never happens. Because with it, would go the soul of humanity.
Qualifications – Identification
The Col
ony Theatre Company is a non-profit 501c3 organization.
Legal Name &
Address:
Colony Theatre Company
555 N. Third St.
Burbank, California 91502
Year Established: 1975
EIN: 51-0183571
Tax Status Tax Exempt
Social Media Accounts Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheColonyTheatre Instagram: @colonytheatre
Twitter: @colonytheatre
TikTok: @thecolonytheatre
Official Web Site: www.colonytheatre.org
Known Conflicts of
Interest
None
Contracts with City of
Burbank
Current operator of The Colony Theatre at Burbank Center Stage
Mission Statement: The mission of The Colony Theatre is to stimulate, inspire, illuminate, and celebrate our common humanity through the shared experience of live, professional theater.
We are dedicated to creatin g a wide range of compelling, well -crafted plays, musicals, and live events that entertain and enrich our audience's imagination, take them on a rewarding emotional journey, and nourish a lifelong passion for the arts. We are committed to providing unique and varied opportunities for experienced artists and eager-to-learn beginners.
Vision Statement: We believe in producing innovative and cutting edge shows and events appropriate for all ages. We continue to program and produce shows that affirm univers al human values and nurture creativity and professionalism in the next generation. Our variety of live arts events - visual, dance, and performing arts - have established our theatre as a cultural center for the community. It is our belief that we can best serve our community by producing and presenting works that bring people together across cultural, political, generational, and ethnic divides. We believe live theatre and events have the power to change lives through illumination of issues all human bein gs share, using the art of dramatic and comedic storytelling to engage our audiences and take them on a journey of discovery of themselves and the world around them.
Qualifications – Previous Operating Experience
The Colo
ny Theatre is the Current
Operator at Burbank Center Stage.
The C olony T heatre C ompan y be gan i ts d istinguished history of continuous production in 1975.
The c ompany m oved into the Burbank C enter S tage in 2 000, becoming a fully operating Equity theatre. The Colony has always been known for the artistic quality of its productions, producing high quality theater for years, including many world premieres.
After struggling with t
he subscriber model in 2015, new leadership
came on board i
n 2017 – the goal being, to rebrand and restructure,
while respecting the legacy of The Colony Theatre - and implemented a hybrid producing/programming/rental
and mentorship model,
which maintains a strong platform on which the theatre can continue to grow
and thrive.
Our 5 year
business plan was put in place. By year 5, our goal was to produce a large scale, book musical, with name talent attached. And within year 1, we wanted to produce a play with name talent attached. Our leadership was focused on putting together a season of small contained produ ctions as to build on our cash reserves. We launched our "It's Showtime!" season - a series of small cast productions, and the AEA production Driving Miss Daisy starring TV star, Donna Mills – accomplishing a major goal for year 1 . We then launched a concert series, performed by Broadway and LA's brightest stars and our production budgets were steadily increasing. We also produced the first of its kind, " Camp C.R.E.A.T.E." for
diverse, underserved, and underrepresented youth 8 -14, who were taught acting, pl aywriting, screenwriting, directing, and all areas of tech. We identified our campers through The Burbank Coordinating Council. Our campers’ work was showcased to the public. 90% of the campers were on full scholarship. We were recognized by the California State Legislature for our service . Our Mentorship Program was implemented and continues to grow and give Burbank teenagers the opportunity to work in the company of accomplished theatre artists and administrators, while gaining experi
ence in all aspects of production -- artistic, technical, and administrative --
to prepare them to work and thrive within the arts industry, and in life.
Our show, "ICONversations" had an entirely African-American cast, and our concert production of "A Little Night Music" was cast with performers predominantly from diverse backgrounds as well as featuring a performer who uses a wheelchair. Our show, "Living a Why Not Life" was a new work focusing on a gay African- American man's journey growing up in Alabama and navigating the entertainment industry. We also produced the entirely female comedic show, "Saturday Night Stand Up Featuring the Feminoles" and established an artistic residency with the LGBTQ acting troupe, "Chico's Angels." We also produced a show that paired American Sign Language with singing - “Signing the Song” - which shared the story of a boy who grew up in a deaf household. As previously mentioned, w e continue to maintain a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.
We pro
duced 3 full seasons of shows in the “It’s Showtime!” series, starring TikTok influencers, Voice-Over celebrities, and Broadway and Television/Film stars. As we headed into what was sure to be our most successful and p rofitable year yet, the pandemic struck. With us unable to produce for about two years due to restrictions and then tepid ticket buyers, we were thrilled to
be back in the game fully in 2022. In addition to the success of our TYA (Theatre for Young Audiences) presentations of “Pout Pout Fish” (with the #1 TYA touring company in the country) and “Warrior Queen” (with Imagine Theatre– the only AEA TYA company in Los Angeles), along with the sold out run of "Die Heart” with The Troubies, we also produced an exciting event for our community – an Art Show featuring local artists, live music, and film. A unique blending of three art mediums bringing people together for a fun-f illed evening for the whole family. We continued to work with JAM
Creative for their two amazing evening s of story-t elling titled, “Go There” and “Jingle Tales,” raising money for the Family Service Agency of Burbank. We also hosted the incredible “Artist Mixer” event for the Burbank Cultural Arts Commission and presented our first art
show in collaboration with California Creative Arts in our Gallery, “Unscripted; Art that makes it all up as it goes.” One of o
ur proudest, most recent moments, was our partnership in Holocaust Education with the Burbank Human Relations Council. The incredibly special presentation of “The Diary of Anne Frank” was experienced by hundreds of students and community members. We worked with the Burbank Human Relations Council to ensure that this important story was told.
Now, putting us in what would technically be year 3 of our 5 year plan (due to the pandemic), we are TWO years ahead of schedule, and opening the exciting musical, “Calvin Berger” with a Disney+ star in the title role. And we even held a contest for Burbank high school st udents and recent grads giving them an opportunity to be a part of the show. We are also presenting a companion piece art show, “Unrequited Love” in our Gallery with our now official partner, California Creative Arts. The Los
Angeles entertainment community, and beyond has been
buzzing about us, and that buzz is only getting louder.
Qualifications – Governance and Key Leadership
Key Leadership and Onsite Management for The Colony Theatre Company would be Heather Provost – Producing Artistic Director , Brenda Ramirez -Kalcoff – Operations Manager, and Julien Reneaud – Technical Manager.
Colony Theatre Key Leadership
Producing Artistic Director
Heather Pro
vost
[email protected]
[email protected]
310.717.3230
January 2017 - present
Professional
Background:
Heather is a Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Drama League Award-nominated producer. Critically acclaimed h its on Broadway include Reasons To Be Pretty by Neil LaBute (three Tony nominations including Best Play) starring Thomas Sadoski, Piper Perabo, Marin Ireland, and Steven Pasquale, and the musical [title of show] (Tony Nomination for Best Book of a Musical). She produced the hugely successful Under My Skin segment of ‘The Pink Campaign’ on Broadway for which all proceeds went to the Susan G.
Komen Foundation and she also produced and directed the California Theatre’s acclaimed productions of Driving Miss Daisy and Love Letters.
Provost produced the short film Harmony starring Jason Alexander and the feature film Racing Colt which she produced and co- directed. Provost was the creator and executive producer of the TV show Reality Check and creator of Who Knew?…The In-the-Know at The Colony The
atre and was the Creator/Camp Director of Camp
C.R.E.A.T.E. at The Colony for which she was recognized by the California Legislature for her service. S he also directed and produced Driving Miss Daisy at The Colony Theatre starring Donna Mills. Other producing credits include Page To The Stage, History of Musical Theater, Chix 6, series Penelope P.C.S.A. starring Dave Foley, and Associate Producer on the feature films To The Beat! and its sequel To The Beat! Back to School.
She recently co-wrote A Joyous Christmas starring Natalie Knepp, Michael Rady, and Bonnie Bedelia for Hallmark Movies & Mysteries as well as Hallmark’s hit Season for Love starring Autumn Reeser and Marc Blucas, which dominated the weekly cable ratings and became one of Hallmark’s most popular summer movies of all time.
She is currently in active development on multiple projects for both Hallmark and Stargazer Films, respectively, as well as an upcoming rom/com feature film for MarVista Entertainment. She recently sold a rom/com series to a popular streaming app, and is currently in pre-production on the feature suspense/thriller Among which she co-wrote and will also co-direct, as well as the soon-to-be released crime drama podcast, Hope Haven. She is an avid crypto trader. founding partner at Provost Entertainment Inc., a proud graduate of The Florida State University, was on the faculty at The Travel Show. She produced three seasons of the It’s Showtime series Commercial Theater Institute in New York City, and is the current Producing Artistic Director at The Colony Theatre in Burbank.
Operations Manager
Brenda Ramirez-Kalcoff
[email protected]
818.303.5989
August 2013 - present
Professional
Background:
Brenda Ramirez -Kalcoff (Operations Manager) comes to The Colony from a background in hospitality and transportation. At the Hilton Hotels Corporation and Hilton Garden Inn she supported the Senior Vice President of Brand Management, as well as the Vice Presidents of Marketing, Operations, and International Training and Brand Culture. Prior to that she worked for the Departments of Transportation of the cities of Pasadena and Los Angeles in a wide variety of positions. She is delighted now to be combining her love of the arts with the skills developed in those fields. A Los Angeles native, she lives in Burbank with her artist husband Ge orge, son Tomas, and daughters Penny and Paulina.
Technical Manager
Julien Reneaud
[email protected]
818.984.5835
September 2017 - present
Professional
Background:
Julien has extensive experience in stage production, live sound, and lighting design having managed production for a wide variety of shows/events including corporate events, con certs, weddings, live theatre, musicals, plays, film shoots, and much more. He is also an Audio Engineer and music producer. Credits include "The Revue," "Die Heart," "The Drowsy Chaperone," "Chico's Angels," "Warrior Queen," "Big Bad Armo." His goal is to always provide the best experience possible and make sure all tech needs are met.
Board of Trustees Chair
Michael Wadler
[email protected]
Professional
Background:
Michael was a founding member of The Colony and technical consultant on the design of its 270 -seat theatre in Burbank, when the company moved in 2000 from it 25 -year home in Silver Lake.
As a director, he staged the Colony productions
of Incorruptible, Lost in Yonkers, The World of Ray Bradbury, To Culebra, To Forgive, Divine, On the Verge, Holy Ghosts (Drama- Logue Award), Talk Radio, A Day Out of Time, and Lenny (Drama- Logue Award). He also restaged the revival of The Martian Chronicles (3 LaWee Awards), as well as directing or co -directing The Odd Couple (Female Version), The Only Game in Town, Private Lives, Two Marriages, God's Favorite, and David’s Mother. He is a member of Actors' Equity Association and the Dramatists Guild.
Colony Theatre Board of Trustees
Name Board Position Professional
Affiliation
Industry
Michael Wadler Chairman Wadler Data Systems,
Inc.
Computer Consulting
Barbara Beckley President Colony Theatre/Artistic
Director Emerita
Entertainment
Brenda Ramirez-Kalcoff Secretary Colony
Theatre/Operations
Manager
Entertainment
John Rothman Treasurer Real Estate Developer Real Estate Heather Provost Board Member Colony Theatre &
Provost Entertainment,
Inc.
Entertainment
Scott Damian Board Member Branded Maverick
Entertainment
Entertainment
Lanelle Scott Board Member Independent Production Entertainment James Bell Board Member LA Opera Box Office Entertainment James Leo Ryan Board Member Actor/Teaching
Professional
Entertainment
in association with FDH~Productions
Board C
ommittees – “Strategic Planning” and “Fundraising”
Qualifications – The Colony Theatre Company Financial Information Submitted in a separate sealed envelope marked on the outside: “Confidential, RFP No. PR2023- 45025-1019, The Colony Theatre Company.
Account Description Year 2024 Year 2025 Year 2026 Year 2027 Year 2028 REVENUES:
Rental income Rentals from all or any
part of the theatre 325,000 335,000 345,000 355,000 365,000 Mainstage
productions
Ticket sales from in-
house productions 110,000 115,000 120,000 125,000 130,000 Financial support Cash gifts, grants, and
donations 105,000 110,000 115,000 120,000 125,000
Other income Concession sales &
miscellaneous income 20,000 21,000 22,000 23,000 24,000 TOTAL REVENUES 560,000 581,000 602,000 623,000 644,000
PAYROLL:
Heather Provost Producing Artistic
Director 65,000 66,000 68,000 70,000 72,000
Brenda Ramirez-
Kalcoff
Manager, Rental
Operations 50,000 51,000 53,000 55,000 57,000
Julien Reneaud Technical & Rental
Support 35,000 36,000 38,000 40,000 42,000
Taxes & payroll
service
Payroll taxes and tax
service 24,000 24,600 25,800 26,300 26,800
Employee benefits Health insurance 14,400 14,500 14,700 14,800 14,900 Part-time support
payroll
Part time
rental/production
support staff
20,000 20,500 21,500 22,000 22,500
TOTAL PAYROLL 208,400 212,600 221,000 228,100 235,200
EXPENSES:
Production Costs directly related
to staged productions 110,000 111,000 112,000 113,000 114,000 Telephone Phone system and
internet access 18,000 18,100 18,200 18,300 18,400
Utilities Heat, light, power and
water services 50,000 50,500 52,000 53,000 54,000
Maintenance Supplies, maint.,
upkeep & trash service 25,000 26,000 28,000 29,000 30,000 Insurance General liability and
workers compensation 10,000 10,200 10,600 10,800 11,000 Administrative Bookkeeping, licenses,
fees and other 8,000 8,100 8,300 8,400 8,500
Miscellaneous Contingency reserve 6,000 6,100 6,300 6,400 6,500 TOTAL EXPENSES 227,000 230,000 235,400 238,900 242,400
Financial Statement and
Proposed Financial Terms
Notes to
The Colony Theatre Projected Statement of Operations
Table Calendar Years 2024 – 2028
General
.
The Projected Statement of Operations assumes The Colony Theatre Company remains the sublessee of the City of Burbank (“City”) to operate the Burbank Center Stage facility (“BCS”).
The Colony would continue to operate in a manner so-as-to maximize revenues and income utilizing the “producing/programming/rental” hybrid, business model under which the Colony has been operating BCS since calendar year 2017.
Note 1.
R
EVENUES include (i) income from rentals of all or any part of BCS, (ii) income from ticket sales for mainstage productions developed and produced by the Colony, (iii) passive income from profit participation in moving productions based on specifically negotiated percentag e terms.
Year 2024 Y ear 2025 Year 2026 Year 2027 Year 2028
TOTAL REVENUES
(from all sources) 560,000 581,000 602,000 623,000 644,000 Less: Financial
Support (gifts, grants,
and donations and
other income
*royalties excluded)
(145,000) (151,000) (157,000) (163,000) (169,000)
NET REVENUES
(subject to percentage
rent)
415,000 430,000 445,000 460,000 475,000
Percentage Rent
Factor (from box
office and rental
revenue)
7.50% 7 .50% 7.50% 7.50% 7.50%
PERCENTAGE RENT Lease rent payable is
equal to the greater 31,125 32,250 33,375 34,500 35,625 MINIMUM RENT of the percentage rent
or minimum rent. 24,000 27,000 30,000 33,000 36,000
PROJECTED
OPERATING SURPLUS 124,600 138,400 145,600 156,000 166,400 Less: Lease Rent
(greater of percentage
or minimum)
(33,375) (34,500) (36,000) (37,125) (38,250)
PROJECTED
OPERATING SURPLUS
(net of lease rent)
91,225 103,900 109,600 118,875 128,150
BURBANK CE NT E R ST AGE
Operated By T he Colony T heatre Company
Calendar Years 2024 - 2028
Proposed Lease Rental and Projection
Financial Statement and Proposed Financial Terms
(Continued)
Note 2.
The level of gifts, grants and donations in any one year can be influenced by many factors over which the Colony has no control and, therefore, fund -raising results have been projected on a conservative basis.
Note 3
.
All payroll co sts have been increased per year to reflect expected payroll increases to offset inflation.
Note 4
.
EXPENSES have been projected based upon the operating expense experience of the Colony under its current business model. Expenses have been increased per year to allow a margin for cost increases.
Produ
ction expenses have been estimated based upon the historical experience of the Colony as a theatrical and live event producing entity. Union requirements typically result in accelerating production costs from one year to the next.
Fundr
aising
Over the last two years we have been very focused on our grant writing and have raised approximately $700,000 in grants and donations. We will continue to be aggressive in seeking grants, and donations, with the addition of in-person fundraising events.
Capita
l Improvements
We have had, and continue to have the funds allocated for capital improvements. Including but not limited to, replacing of all carpets, painting, equipment upgrades, and refurb of the theatre interior and exterior . Once a long -term lease is in place, these capital improvements will be immediately addressed.
Proposed Business Plan
The Colony Theatre Company
Over th
e next five years and beyond, the new Colony Theatre will offer Burbank reside nts a welcome, home base for ALL cultural arts entertainment, and a high-profile arts destination for non-Burbank residents. With undeniable partnerships in place, The Colony Theatre will be a leader in the arts community. Bringing with this, hundreds of j obs and commerce. After a long pandemic, dinner and a show never sounded so good.
Our fo
cus will be on sustainability as an organization, and our obligation to our city, its residents, and to the arts community as a whole.
Key Stra
tegies for Sustainability:
1) Producing and p rogramming plays, musicals, and live events that affirm universal human values.
2) Cultivating an environment in which the artists of the 21st century can flourish. 3) Diversifying our staff's skills.
4) Continuing to strengthen web and social media presence. 5) Continuing to develop our grant writing program and implement annual fundraising campaigns.
6) Developing and implementing new, more structured board requirements and individualized board responsibilities.
7) Expanding marketing targets and strategies to include all of the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles County in its entirety so as to strengthen and expand our patron base. 8) Growing a new individual donor incentive program.
9) Identifying and pursuing potential corporate sponsors. 10) Programming innovative, cutting edge shows and events appropriate for all ages. Presenting educational programming, which provides students with what may very well be their first theatre experience, and mentees with instruction and relatio nships they would not otherwise have access to.
Core Obj
ectives:
• To consistently provide high-quality productions for a reasonable price. • To select programming and productions that have broad appeal and engage patrons of target demographic audiences.
• To always create a warm and welcoming environment for audiences, artists, staff, youth, and all others who enter the premises.
• Continue to engage the community through outreach efforts and involvement in community-based organizations, activities, and events.
• Attract tens of thousands of arts patrons to the area as potential shoppers and diners. • Continue to operate successfully on a programming, rental, producing hybrid model. • Increase production budgets annually.
• Maintain and grow our rental program.
• Build and implement programs that make our theatre a safe haven and community leader in reflecting the values of cultural equity, inclusion, and access.
We believ
e that this strategic business plan will ensur e the optimum balance of artistic quality, financial strength, and institutional integrity.
*Note –
Many events run for consecutive days/weeks during the course of a year.
Number of Events
Main Stage
Rehearsal
Studio
Gallery &
Lobby
Main Stage
Rehearsal
Studio
Gallery &
Lobby
Main Stage
Rehearsal
Studio
Gallery &
Lobby
Main Stage
Rehearsal
Studio
Gallery &
Lobby
Main Stage
Rehearsal
Studio
Gallery &
Lobby
Events Produced by Colony 2 24 8 3 30 8 3 36 8 4 36 8 4 36 8 Events Programmed by Colony
and/or Co-Produced by Colony
and renter
15 26 12 17 28 12 18 29 12 19 30 12 20 31 12
Events Produced by renter 52 26 10 52 27 11 52 28 12 52 28 12 52 29 13 Rentals to community/civic
groups 52 26 10 52 27 11 52 28 12 52 28 12 52 29 13
TOTAL 121 102 40 124 112 42 125 121 44 127 122 44 128 125 46 The Colony Theatre Anticipated Calendar
YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3 YEAR 4 YEAR 5
Partnerships
At the same time, and in the same space where artistic magic is happening , membe rs of Burbank's next gene ration of Burbank’s Arts and Entertainment workforce will be benefitting from career preparedness training in production, sound, lighting, and stagecraft. Mentor ship, internship, and apprentice programs will provide Burbank's youngest residents an educatio n unlike any other vocational training program offered in Los Angeles County, the state, possibly even the country. We have partnered with Mr. Jose’s Stage Craft program at Burbank Hi
gh School, to provide Burbank students this incredible opportunity. And not only is it a potential learning opportunity…
“My jo
urney in live theater started in high school. I was 16 years old when I enrolled in the Theater Tech program at Burbank High School. My main passion has always been Audio Production/Design. I’m so appreciative of the fact that my humble start in a high school tech program led to me getting a paid internship here at the Colony Theatre, through the Glendale Y outh Alliance. The new leadership that came into The Colony made that possible for me. That was r eally inspiring and showed me that theater jobs do exist. You can work behind the scenes and make a good living.
There is a misconception that the only money to be found in the arts is on stage as a singer, actor musician etc… working here at Th e Colony wi th our Producing Artistic Director, Operations Manager, and the entire staff, has shown me a whole world that exists and allows me to do what I love most. I’ve made countless connections and friends here over the years. These bonds created have both benefited me personally and professionally. My hope is that the City of Burbank helps us continue to create that same opportunity I had for the next generation. It’s important that the high schoolers and kids of any age are exposed to the arts, both on the creative side and the technical side. I love what I do, and I would have never been here today if it weren’t for the unwavering support of the current Colony Theatre leadership. What we do for the community is so important.” - Julien Reneaud
Julie
n began as an intern for us, learned, and grew. He is now the Tech Manager at The Colony Theatre. These stories are important. And his isn’t the only one.
We will a
lso continue our participation in BUSD’s Service Learning Program. “My name is Mauricio Villatoro and I am a volunteer at The Colony Theatre and a junior at John Burroughs High School.The first word I can think of when you say The Colony Theatre is happiness. Whenever I am there, it makes my heart feel euphoric. It's a small family and when I first volunt eered there, I wasn’t looked at as an outcast, but as a part of this family. I have volunteered about 5 or 6 times in the past couple of months or so, and I feel my bond with the workers and place grow stronger every time. The place is a shelter where people can laugh or cry, but still feel as if they are in the comfort of their own homes. This community is such a special place in Burbank. With a genuine, caring staff, and welcoming atmosphere, The Colony Theatre should remain a space where people can enjoy a night out in a homey environment.”
We will also continue partner ing with the Glendale Youth Alliance to provide internships for local youth.
Mentorship MATTERS.
“Worki
ng at the Colony Theatre has become a very valuable experience in my life.
Not only have I made new friendships, but I also learned very valuable work skills including rigging, lighting, house managing, and also immensely improving customer service skills. Knowing that this theatre has been greatly appreciated by the Burbank community makes working here feel extremely rewarding. I am glad I can continue to bring joy through my work while also grow as an individual.” - Mentee, Joey Franco, now a part-time Light Board Operator for us.
And for
the younger BUSD students, they will be attend ing summer camp at our theatre or attending a TYA show on our stage with their class or family. It is so vitally important to foster imagination and creativity in our youth, and The Colony Kids Programming Initiative contributes directly to that. Many stud ies have found a direct relationship between children’s continued exposure to the arts and their development. Memory, confidence, emotional intelligence, compassion, social and academic skill, creativity, and critical thinking are all influenced and developed through attendance of high-quality arts programming and events.
And through OUR partnership with Imagine Theatre , Imagine Theatre commits to providing teacher artist visits to participating students (classes that visit our productions for student matinees) at NO CHARGE to BUSD during their residency with The Colony Theatre.
Not to
mention our investment in future female leaders, by partnering with Imagine Theatre and Women Lead - a sponsorship initiative aimed at highlighting local female leaders who are invested in empowering girls by supporting arts programming dedicated to championing gender parity in society. An introduction of the women behind female -led enterprises to girls in 5th grade, to inspire them to aspire.
LAUNCH
ING PAD – With our lea dership’s direct network and connection to the Broadway and Off-Broadway producing scene, this offers immense opportunity for both the theatre and the City of Burbank in the way of future profit participation an d subsidiary rights on New York -bound shows. We would offer the city a percentage of The Colony’s negotiated royalty pool percentage, that would set up passive income for both parties through the duration of the originating show’s life.
VISUAL
ARTS – With our official partnership with the area’s own, California Creative Arts, The Gallery at The Colony Theatre will now be a destination for visual artists, art aficionados, and people looking for a special night out with one of our exciting Gallery shows. We are thrilled to be a part of CCA’s mission to provide community, support, resources, and opportunities for artists.
CCA Ar
tists at The Gallery at The Colony Theatre exhibit
PROGRAMMING/PRODUCING – Our official partnership with The Troubadour Theater – Best known as… THE TROUBIES is sure to bring excitement, as they take our stage 2-3 times a year . One of the most popular theater companies in all of Los Angeles , this partnership brings rabid fans and constant buzz. Not to mention the lines to get into local restaurants and bars before and after the shows. In addition to their full-length Shakespearian musical mash-ups and family -friendly holiday show s, The Troubies will also bring a n award- winning children’s programming element called the Funky Punks.
MTG - Musical Theatre Guild is comprised of the finest musical theatre artists in the Los Angeles area, who perform staged concert readings of Broadway’s forgotten gems and undiscovered treasures. Members represent over 60 Broadway shows, 79 Broadway National Tours, countless regional productions, cast recordings, solo albums, voice -overs, commercials, film & t elevision appearances, plus dozens of Ovation, Drama Desk, and Tony Award Nominations. We will partner with MTG on special select events.
With our official partnerships as well as our own producing, we will offer the community and beyond, an exceptional, fully conceived season of performances and events. While the subscriber model has been definitively proven to no longer be a sustainable financial model for theatres (except for large touring houses), individual and group ticket sales will be our mode of ticketing.
However, we are research
ing to potentially implement a "Membership" program, which would bring ticket discounts, incentives, and other membership perks to those who join the program.
Running an impeccable rental program is also our focus. The Colony Theatre is a sought- after space for filming, event rentals, and professional theatrical, music, media, and dance productions because of our leadership’s extensive industry network, experience, and knowledge.
STORYT
ELLING – Our partnership with JAM Creative and producer Suzanne Weerts, will give us the privilege of presenting 2 -4 storytelling shows on our stage each year. Stories of the human experience matter. As do the charity organizations we team up to raise money for, an example, Family Service Agency of Burbank.
ARTIST/C
REATIVES OPPORTUNITIES – Our partnership with the Short & Sweet Festival provides opportunities to performers, creatives, and patrons. Typically held in Hollywood, we are thrilled to have now moved this gem of a festival to Burbank! This unique brand extends to multiple performance mediums; from theatre to dance, cabaret to Bollywood, musicals to stand -up comedy; all maintaining the single rule of performance, being presented in 10 minutes or less. Short+Sweet is a global theatre brand with 35 annual festivals in 23 Countries around the World, starting in Sydney Australia in 2002.
In their 100 seat theatre in West Hollywood in 2019 they sold out 6 weeks of programming, 6 nights a week. In 2022 when the festival returned, they welcomed 500 participants and over 4000 audience members in thei r slightly abbreviated program. With this new partnership, bringing this highly sought after festival to our community, is a huge win for the City of Burbank.
DANCE – Our pa rtnership with Burbank’s own, Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre allows us to present captivating ballet
presentations and offers engaging educational programs that nurture the talent and artistic creativity within the diverse Southern California C
ommunity.
And our partnership with Daurden Performing Arts
Conservatory will provide a residency, dance camps, and performing arts camps for the next generation of young artists.
MUSIC – Our
partnership with local and acclaimed organization, Musicians at Play will bring big band and jazz programs to The Colony, engaging the Burbank Community. While MAP has an ongoing rela tionship with BUSD, they would like to expand their presence with the community at large by partnering with us. All of their programs and events are produced to sell out audiences with ongoing requests for repeat performances. The John Williams musical artists are celebrities in their own right and have large followings. This partnership will be a powerful and fruitful one for the Burbank community.
***Lusine
Simonyan of the
Burbank Cultural Arts Commission
and Senator Portantino at the recent
Artist Mixer.
• The Colon
y Theatre will continue to partner with The Burbank Cultural Arts Commission to host networking events for local artists.
• We will o ffer free and at cost meeting space in the rehearsal studio, to Burbank -based non-profits as performance schedule allows.
• Contin
ue to solidify ourselves as a “go-to” spot for entertainment, and performance space for the top creators and artists in the industry.
• Present a season of customized programming.
• Contin
ue to build our board with focus on recruiting members with corporate and philanthropic influence, and major gift capacity.
• We will
provide the City of Burbank a revenue stream consisting of rent /percentage of box office/rental revenue, and potential passive income related to NYC transfers and their subsidiary rights.
Community and Target Audience
Produc
tion programming will be targeted to all of Los Angeles, but Burbank’s population whose largest segment includes ages 21-34; ages 35-54, and ages 55-74 will be priority.
With m
ore than 15,000 enrolled students in BUSD, Burbank’s student population makes up about 13% of the city’s total population, and growing. 59% of the population is age 25 -65 with an average family size of 3-4.
Educati
onal programming will focus on youth camps and performances that will serve ages 6- 18, and work -based learning that include s mentorships, job shadowing, and internship programs will serve students 16-18 years old eligible for participation.
A bonus – most students will need only walk across the street from Burbank High School to access these opportunities.
The Nati
onal Endowment for the Arts conducted research on audi ence participation and identified several indicators that predict arts participation within a community including Resident Attachment to Community, Quality of Life, Arts & Cultural Activity, and Economic Conditions.
Eleme
nts that contribute to these areas include:
The table below shows elements where the City of Burbank exceeds California and national averages.
Estimated total attendance levels in the first five (5) years of operation .
In a real
istic market we are of the belief that attendance levels can steadily increase due to family and youth exposure and built -in audiences. Due to the COVID pandemic, ticket sales have dropped nationwide, but are starting to gradually pick up. While it is nearly impossible to gauge with ever - changing trends and climate, the following are estimates.
Average Attendance Per Show
2024 2025 2026 2027 2028
Events produced by The Colony 200 220 240 250 260
Events presented and co-produced by The Colony 210 230 235 235 250 Events programmed by The Colony produced by
renter
200 220 230 235 240
Estimate
d Admission Price Levels for Programming
Price l
evels will fluctuate based on market trends, type of event, and date on calendar. Pricing will not go above $75 for a mainstage production. On occasion, admission pricing will be tiered, but can often be general admission pricing for one-off events and will include student and senior discounts. Estimated rental fees for community/civic group rentals and private/commercial rentals.
Renta
l Rates
General
MAINSTAGE EVENTS: $325/hr (minimum 4 hours)
TECH/PREP RATE: • $225/hr for hang/focus (includes 2
technicians)
• Basic lights and sound
• Use of the main auditorium only
MAINSTAGE REHEARSAL RATE: • $210/hr (minimum 4 hours)
Basic stage & house lights
EVENT RATE: • $325/hr (minimum 4 hours)
• Basic lights & sound
• 1 Lead Technician
• 1 House Manager
Use of the lobby, dressing rooms, and green
room
DAY RATE: • $3,450/day (12 hour day)
*Some mainstage rentals may require additional
services & personnel.
MAINSTAGE TV/VIDEO/FILM SHOOTS
DAY RATE: • $5,000/day (12 hour day)
Includes use of the entire space
HOURLY RATE:
• $500/hr (minimum 4 hours)
• Basic lights & sound
• 2 Technicians
• Use of the entire space
Burbank Community Group Rates
MAINSTAGE: Available at cost, with basic tech and sound, one technician during the duration of the event and one
house manager during the time of the event.
*Based upon calendar availability
*Some restrictions may apply
REHEARSAL SPACE:
This space will be available year-round, Monday –
Friday, 9am – 4pm, upon availability at no cost.
*Based upon calendar availability
*Must put in request at least 2 weeks in advance
*Some restrictions may apply
Gener
al Staffing and Security
Staffing on site at The Colony consists of the Producing Artistic Director, who oversees all aspects of the theatre including, but not limited to, all programming and production, and is the main point of contact for City of Burbank. Operations Manager, oversees the facility, tech/house staff, handles all payroll, payables and reports. The Technical Manager oversees all technical needs of the theatre, all facility needs for the building and is the point of contact for all maintenance needs.
Security: Security measures will consist of a proper security surveillance system and 24 -hour patrol by mall security.
Concessions
Our concessions is located in our lobby. Sales of candy, snacks, soft drinks, water, and coffee are offered for all Colony events. The Colony Theatre also has a liquor license. Beer, wine, and mixed cocktails are also sold at most Colony events.
Statement on Facility Maintenance Plan and Quality Standards The facility will be maintained weekly by our cleaning service. Our contracted team is dependable and their services include cleaning the lobby, rehearsal space, offices, green room , dressing rooms, and bathrooms. A thorough walk through is done by the house manager before each event to ensure that facilities are in order and maintained properly. Regarding all other maintenance issues, we would engage J effrey Perkins and Thomas Marquez, both certified professional maintenance suppliers.
Overview of the Marketing Plan
We have implemented an aggressive marketing campaign. We have brought in a new Marketing Manager who is a fixture in the Burbank Community, Ashley Erickson. She founded the Magnolia Park Merchants Association and was president for five years where she transformed the Magnolia Park merchants district to become a lively tourist destination, highlighted in media across the nation, and continues to plan large scale Burbank events. Erikson organized and managed large-scale community events in coordination with City of Burbank departments to build and expand well-loved events like Ladies and Gents Night Out and Holiday in the Park. In 2022, Holiday in the Park brought in over 40,000 attendees. Her work in social media and digital marketing brings in over 12 years of experience in Burbank where she has helped local businesses transform their online presence by re -building their websites, designing email campaigns, re - branding printed materials, and managing their social media accounts. Burbank businesses she has worked with in the past are Mindfulnest, Bell Cottage, Phoebe Peacock, Romancing the Bean, California Eatery, Tequilas Burbank, Encore Nouveau, Darling Nikki’s Salon, Magnolia Rose Studio, The New Deal, and many more. On top of her digital marketing experience, Erikson has close ties with news and media. She is also the Feature Editor for myBurbank News. She manages several community Facebook groups and is committed to the City of Burba nk through activism in the schools.
Goal
s include to increase visibility of the theatre to the Burbank community and to get the theatre involved in local boards, commissions, committees, and organizations that help to grow and build the city’s culture a nd creative arts. W e are also pursuing sponsorships and partnerships with local businesses.
We hav
e also engaged the top Press Rep in Los Angeles Theatre. We have and will continue to expand marketing targets and strategies to include all of the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles County so as to strengthen and grow our patron base, but the main focus will be the residents of Burbank. The combination of forces between The Colony Theatre Company and our partners will open an exciting realm of possibilities. We will be utilizing all databases for outreach and announcements.
Funds are currently allocated for advertising, print, marketing, social media, and online ad buys which will strengthen our brand, united in partnership. We currently have targeted campaigns running. Targeted Google ads, bus stop shelter signage, Facebook ads, Instagram ads, T witter and TikTok. We have recently been featured on SpectrumNews, FOX, Good Morning LA, and CNN. We are also doing cross promotion with fellow L os Angeles theatres and theater companies, as well as outreach and group sales to local groups , entertai nment unions, and Burbank Chamber of Commerce businesses.
Our Instagram account reach has gone up by 835%, engagement has gone up 593% and followers have gone up 25%. For example, at the time of writing, our most recent Instagram post just hit close to 13,000 views within two days of posting. We recently launched our brand new website, making the ticket-buying process more streamlined, and our monthly visitors to the website are now at approximately 5,000+ site visits. Facebook post engagement in the last month is 17,800+ and post reach is 133,000+.
We wou
ld like to work with the Burbank Cultural Arts Commission and hold a mural contest as a major marketing event. With the winner painting a huge mural for the theatre on our large 3rd St. wall. We maintain a commitment to aggressive marketing and outreach within the Burbank community and beyond.
Assumptions
The Colony Theatre Company offers people an alternative to commuting to other cities for cultural arts entertainment, as well as visual, dance, media, and performing arts education and career preparedness training in production, sound, lighting, and stagecraft for BUSD students.
Mentorship, internship, and apprentice programs will prepare the next generation of Burbank’s Arts, Media, and Entertainment workforce , providing an education unlike any other. And The Colony Theatre Company will also provide a much needed home for Burbank cultural arts nonprofits to collaborate and congregate at no to low cost. The Colony Theatre has been a fixture in the Los Angeles arts community. Being one of two mid-size theatres in the area - and the only one producing - it is a true gem for the community and arts scene, not just for its physical space, but because of its current management, who can lead the theatre to becoming a dominant, professional, nationally recognized, regional arts center.
Sublease Agreement –
Suggested edits are in red below.
Right to Terminate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Sublessee and the C ity will each have the right to terminate this Sublease for just cause, at any time upon delivery to the other party of at least 90 days’ notice of the terminating party’s election to do so, and the Sublease will terminate o
n the termination date set forth in any such notice.
5.Transfer of Personal Property. On the Term Commencement Date, City maytransfer and convey to Sublessee certain personal property consisting of furniture, fixtures, equipment, machinery, and other personal property utilized in the operation of the Premises that Sublessee has agreed to lease from City (“Personal Property”). Sublessee agrees to accept all Personal Property as is and acknowledges that all ongoing expenses related to maintain and replacing the Personal Property will be an operational expense to Sublessee.
一 (a)Sublessee’s Maintenance and Repair Obligations.(i)Sublessee hereby acknowledges and represents that Sublessee
一一 has inspected the Premises and agrees to sublease the Premises in its present condition. In that condition, Sublessee agrees, at Sublessee’s sole cost and expense and without right of reimbursement from the City, but subject to the provisions of this section, to make such repairs and improvements to the interior, non-structural portions of the Premises as may be necessary for Sublessee’s use, and to maintain the Premises in good and sanitary order and repair; provided, however, that any such repairs, improvements, or maintenance will be subject to the terms and conditions imposed upon “Tenant” in the Master Lease unless otherwise provided herein. Sublessee will be responsible for non-capital repair and replacement, and general cleaning and maintenance of the interior of the Premises, as well as all repair obligations of “Tenant” under the Master Lease unless otherwise provided herein. During Sublessee’s occupancy of the Premises under this Sublease, Sublessee will be responsible for repair, replacement and maintenance of all improvements made in and to the Premises by Sublessee (whether of a capital or non-capital nature). Sublessee will obtain notify the City City’s approval prior to completing any major repair, replacement, or maintenance which *Defeats the purpose of a long term lease if a party can be removed for no reason. a performing arts center needs to plan seasons, write grants, have rental agreements in place...difficult to do so with no security/stability within a lease. *There is no personal property involved.
exceeds $1,000.00 to the Premises, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld. In the event any repairs, improvements, or maintenance require approval by the Mall under the Master Lease, Sublessee will first obtain City’s approval of such repairs, improvements, or maintenance to the Premises. Sublessee will provide timely notice to City and/or Mall, as applicable, of any repairs that are the responsibility of City or Mall of which Sublessee is aware of. Upon the expiration or termination of this Sublease, Sublessee agrees to surrender the Premises in good and sanitary order, condition and repair; permitted or approved alterations, improvements, additions, and reasonable wear and tear excepted.
一
(c) Audit. City reserves the right during the Term on an annual basis and within four (4) years after expiration or termination of this Sublease to inspect and examine all Sublessee’s books of account, records, cash receipts, and other pertinent data relevant to the operation, maintenance, and management of the Premises at City’s expense, except as provided in this section.
Specifically:
(i) An annual audited compiled financial statement prepared by a certified public accountant, in accordance with general GAAP detailing all income may be requested to be submitted within ninety (90) days of the closing of the fiscal year. The annual statement must include all Gross Revenues (including itemized calculations of such Gross Revenues) and itemized operating expenses, in addition to any other items set forth in this Sublease for the preceding fiscal year.
Additionally, the Sublessee may be asked to provide tax return prepared by an independent certified public accountant. If Sublessee fails to deliver such statement and/or tax returns to City within said ninety (90) day period, City will have the right thereafter to audit or cause an audit to be performed, at the City's Sublessee’s expense.
*Smaller repairs often need to happen expeditiously, in the moment. *“Compiled” financial statements prepared by a CPA are fine, but not audited. Extremely costly. If the City wants to do an audit and pay for it, totally fine, no issue with that.
January 27, 2023
Hon. Konstantine Anthony
Mayor, City of Burbank
275 East Olive Ave.
Burbank, CA 91502
RE: The Colony Theatre
Dear Mayor Anthony,
I write in support of The Colony Theatre’s proposal regarding their stewardship of the Burbank Center Stage.
I have been a long-time supporter of the arts in general and have attended several performances at The Colony Theatre. While The Colony Theatre was established nearly five decades ago, it has called the City of Burbank home for the last 23 years, enriching the lives of residents through the production and programming of innovative shows.
The Colony Theatre has welcomed residents of all ages, making an effort to engage our youth through mentorship and educational programs that support the next generation of artists and art audiences. The theatre is often a setting that encourages creativity and collaboration, fostering greater inclusivity and providing a safe space for everyone to be themselves. Over the years, The Colony Theatre has strived to showcase the significant impacts of the visual and performing arts while providing a platform for emerging artists in the Media Capital of the World.
Thank you for your consideration of The Colony Theatre’s application to continue leasing and managing the Burbank Center Stage.
Respectfully,
Hon. Anthony J. Portantino
State Senator, 25th District
Board of Education Superintendent
Steve Ferguson, President Matt Hill, Ed.D.
Dr. Emily Weisberg, Vice President
Dr. Armond Aghakhanian, Clerk
Abby Pontzer Kamkar
Charlene Tabet
Burbank Unified School District
Instructional Services
1900 W. Olive Avenue
Burbank, CA 91506
Ph: 818.729.4455 Fax: 818.729.4402
January 27, 2023
Dear Sirs;
The Colony Theatre has been an essential partner in Burbank Unified's efforts to provide a sequential standards based arts education for all students since we were first selected as one of the Los Angeles County Arts Commission's first Arts for All districts in 2004. Since then our collaboration has grown to include college and career readiness programming to the benefit of our students, staff, and larger Burbank Arts, Media, & Entertainment (AME) industry sector.
The Colony consistently contributes their time, resources, and efforts to support our work with BUSD students, including serving on our BUSD Community Arts Team. Representatives from the Colony have supported the development of each of our three Strategic Arts for All Plans and actively served on the Burbank Arts for All Foundation board (now merged with Burbank Arts & Education Foundation), the independent 501c3 that was founded to raise supplemental funding for BUSD's implementation of its arts education strategic plan.
Our work with Colony leadership and staff positively impacts our students on several levels. They provide affordable rental space for our performing arts programs, internships for our Career Technical Education (CTE) Stage Tech students, and summer programming for our at risk and low income students.
The Colony Theatre often provides Burbank students with their first theatrical experience.
The Colony is also a supportive and influential partner on several BUSD arts and CTE Grant proposals.
Their support has led to significant annual funding from the Los Angeles County Arts Commission's and California Department of Education and that in turn, has resulted in increased student access to quality instruction in the arts. These grant funds have made it possible for us to provide artist in residency school programs that enhance grade TK-12 core subject instruction while providing professional development for teachers who in many cases did not benefit from having the arts in their own education. That this community theatre company is so accessible, affordable, and within walking distance of their homes and schools is extraordinary and one reason Burbank has been able to maintain its reputation as a strong arts district.
CDE funding for CTE requires work based learning experiences that can be challenging to provide for high school students. The Colony has consistently welcomed BUSD Stage Tech and Digital Media student interns. Our Colony interns have all gone on to pursue college and successful careers in the AME industry. Burbank Unified is better able to provide these experiences and more to students while reinvesting grant dollars back into the Burbank economy rather than spending funds for programs located in Glendale, Pasadena, or downtown Los Angeles.
Countless theatre companies failed and disappeared as a result of the quarantine. That The Colony successfully made it through and is back to providing our schools and community live theatre is a testament to their strength, resilience, and commitment to the Burbank community. I am very concerned that an organization without a proven track record of successfully sustaining a venue and non-profit business like The Colony has done, will result in the loss of our community theatre. Our young people, our families, and our schools will suffer if that happens.
I am proud of the work we do with The Colony and what we have accomplished together for Burbank’s youngest citizens, their families, and their teachers. We are cultivating our community's next generation of well educated patrons of the arts. I strongly encourage the City of Burbank to allow The Colony to remain in Burbank and not risk this exceptional community treasure.
Please feel free to contact me if I can provide any additional information about the impact of The Colony on our schools and students.
Sincerely,
Peggy Flynn
Arts & CTE Coordinator
818-729-4446 (w)
818-200-9966 (c)
JAM Creative Performer Testimonials
In the
hustle and hassles of day-to-day life, it's easy to forget about the arts. Taking the time to be part of two JAM Creative shows at The Colony made me realize how much a creative community breathes life into the souls of everyone participating. The Colony is a perfect venue for creative communities in Burbank. I would love to see it remain not only a performance space, but to see it become the premier arts destination it should be. – Jules Ford, Burbank Resident and Storyteller The C
olony Theater is a gem. Truly, it is a gift to the community. The location at the mall makes The Colony so accessible to the people of Burbank and surrounding communities. The adjacent parking is ideal for Senior theater goers. One never has to worry about finding a spot. The interior is so warm and inviting. It sets the mood for a gracious and comfortable theater experience. I also like the Art Gallery. So much creativity at the Colony! – Ellen Switkes, Storyteller As a
nationally touring songwriter, I have performed in venues of all sizes across the country, and with JAM Creative productions, I have had the immense pleasure of performing at our hometown Colony Theatre. These kinds of theatres are true treasures for a community, and a heart-center for the performing arts. The Colony Theatre brings people together, keeps our Burbank community vibrant with local programming, and draws audiences and performers to the many other delights Burbank has to offer. Amid the large-scale entertainment industry in Los Angeles, we cannot lose sight of the importance of the gem that is The Colony – a local treasure for music, theatre, storytelling, and more. -Arielle Silver, Songmaker/Storyteller/Teaching Artist
The C
olony is such a warm, inviting space. And with the set-up of the seats, being on that stage really felt like connecting with every single person in the audience--a rare thing at that. The Colony really does matter dearly to the arts community and all of the surrounding arts communities. -Bryan Kett, Teacher, Writer, Producer, Storyteller
Perf
orming in and attending shows at Burbank's cherished Colony Theatre are among my most memorable theater experiences. I never mind jumping in LA traffic when I know my destination is the Colony. The energy of this intimate theatrical treasure is consistently welcoming and electric. In 2018 I had the privilege of telling the story of my mother's debilitating stroke as part of a JAM Creative event, and I'll never forget the woman who rushed up to me afterward exclaiming, "You told my story!" I implore the city to preserve this community gem, so that generations to come can share in the wealth of connection, laughter and healing that the Colony Theatre continues to radiate year after year. -Andrea Shreeman, Writer, Director, EP
I had
the honor and pleasure of performing at the Colony Theatre in JAM Creative's production of Manecdotes. The Colony is a beautiful, professional and unique venue, and the city of Burbank benefits greatly from having such a performance showcase space located in its downtown media district. - Steve Rozic, Actor, Burbank Resident
Recently, I had the honor of telling a very personal story with JAM Creative in support of those living with mental illness in Burbank, California. When I stepped into The Colony Theatre for the first time to rehearse my story, I was immediately struck by the professionalism of the staff and the wonder of the space. Performing at The Colony Theatre, in that large, but intimate space reminded me of how precious our theaters are and how few of them are left. It's not just a theater, it's a safe place for the community to engage in important conversation. I was able to connect with the audience immediately, because The Colony Theatre is set up to do just that, bring people together. I hope to spend time on The Colony Theatre stage again soon. It's clear that The Colony is supported by a community that loves it.
-Sean Ewert, Storyteller, fundraiser, world traveler
Per
forming at The Colony Theatre has been a life changing experience for both me and my daughter. I first performed my personal essays at The Colony in a JAM Creative show. Hearing an audience react in real-time to my story helped me see that my stories, my art, and my voice matter - that I should press forward with writing seriously. (I had taken an extended break from writing to raise my child.) Then, my daughter performed on that very same stage through the BHS drama program. She loved the experience of performing in the beautiful professional theater. It showed her what is possible as an actor and she is determined to continue pursuing acting professionally. We have also attended many professional productions as well as student shows there that have moved our hearts and shaped our perceptions of what is possible in life. The Colony is an asset to the community and to our high school theater programs. It would be a great loss to the community to lose it. We fully support the current management in their vision. - Pam Bassuk, Burbank Resident I’ve
been fortunate to work at The Colony several times, once as part of a JAM Creative fundraiser that benefited a Burbank charity and also for 80 performances of a comedy play called Old Jews Telling Jokes. In both cases, my experience was delightful, professional, and really made me feel like I was part of something that was important to this community. I am excited to think about this theater continuing to make the magic it’s making. – Wendy Hammers, Tasty Word Productions Having the opportunity to share my mental health story with the Burbank community in GO THERE, produced by Suzanne Weerts, was such a blessing. In a town that has few such places to offer theater (and other performing arts) it would really be a great loss to have The Colony Theatre change hands. -Erica Blumfield, storyteller, mental health advocate and producer I hav
e had the pleasure of performing at the Colony Theatre a number of times over the past 10 years, most recently in storytelling performances for JAM Creative. As a lifelong actor and performer, I’ve set foot on many stages, from off B’way in NYC, regional in New England and the Midwest, the Kennedy Center in Washington DC to about a dozen assorted equity waiver stages here in Los Angeles. I know my performance spaces. To walk into a well equipped, well kept, beautifully laid out theatre space, especially one where smaller performances take place i.e. not national tours or fully- funded star-studded certainly headed for B’way productions, just good solid small time theatre? It is a rare treat, that kind of performance space. In my humble opinion, the Colony Theatre should be valued, protected and treasured. We have so few theatres like it- It would be a tragedy were it to be swallowed up by some sort of development and disappear, or no longer be a home for a larger theatrical vision.
SAVE OUR COLONY! - Margot Rose, Actor, Writer
January 16, 2023
RE: The Colony Theatre is Indispensable to Our Community To Whom It May Concern:
What do we imagine our community to be? To what do we actively dedicate ourselves in order to ensure that our community becomes that which we dream it to be? Is it a “cultural hub” as so many city officials describe the City of Burbank? Then, it is time to ensure that the jewel of Burbank - The Colony Theatre - is supported and treasured by the city. It is time to ensure that the Burbank Center Stage is never under the threat of becoming anything but a theatre. This is why I write this letter of our unequivocal support for The Colony Theatre’s continued residence at the Burbank Center Stage. (To avoid being misconstrued, I wish to specify that I am speaking of the current Colony Theatre management and not only of the theatrical space.) My name is Armina LaManna and I am the Artistic Director of Imagine Theatre - LA’s Equity Theatre for Young Audiences.
In 2020, just over a week before lockdown, we wrote a letter of support for The Colony Theatre with the hope that their residency would be safely extended to ensure their own stability and the accessibility to the Colony that numerous arts organizations (like ours) depend on. As I mentioned in that 2020 letter, when we founded our theatre in 2016, we did so in part because we knew that we would have the perfect home for a theatre for young audiences. Between the steeply raked audience, centralized location, bus drop off zone - The Colony Theatre is the perfect home for an arts organization like ours that serves kids in elementary school.
In a partnership with The Colony Theatre, Imagine Theatre seeks to call The Colony Theatre its official home. If this most-desired objective becomes a reality - the City of Burbank would be home to the only Equity theatre dedicated entirely to programming for young audiences in the State of California.
We were visited by well over a thousand kids and educators during our 2019 production. That number tripled upon our return to indoor programming this past fall. This includes kids from the Burbank Unified School District. We plan to double our 2022 numbers for our next show which we sincerely hope will also premiere on The Colony Theatre stage.
If Burbank truly sees itself as a cultural hub, then it must ensure that local arts organizations are supported! We survived the lockdowns because of the arts! The arts! So let’s make sure we show our appreciation, commitment, and support for The Colony Theatre - where so many of the actors we all like to watch when we stream shows have performed.
Armina LaManna
Artistic Director
Imagine Theatre
LA's Theatre for Young Audiences
Board of Directors
Alex Zonin, Chairman
Jack Megrabyan
Anne-Marie Osgood
Tamar Kevonian
Armina LaManna
LA’s Theatre for Young Audiences
1201 N. Pacific Ave., Ste 204
Glendale, CA 91202
T 818.649.9474
[email protected]
www.imaginetheatreca.org
January
2023
On be
half of the area's own California Creative Arts, we are writing in support of The Colony Theatre and their current leadership's proposal to continue leasing and managing Burbank Center Stage.
The current leadership at The Colony Theatre has enriched this community with culture and arts for its citizens, while providing opportunities for local talent, support staff, and art organizations.
The com
munity benefits greatly from the current leadership’s efforts by bringing quality programming and events that families can enjoy. It also stimulates surrounding businesses by providing the community with much needed cultural activities, especially after the pandemic.
We feel that it is important for the city to support these efforts.
Calif
ornia Creative Arts is a nonprofit art organization, providing its members with opportunities to showcase their art, and stimulate their efforts to create income. Our members have benefitted from exhibiting their art at the Colony Theatre as this is the perfect partnership with the performing arts community.
We ar
e thrilled to partner with Heather Provost and her team on their efforts to bring art and entertainment to the community at The Colony Theatre.
Sincer
ely,
Execut
ive Board
California Creative Arts
CalifoniaCreativeArts.org
California Creative Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to stimulate an interest in the arts with exhibits, sponsorships and charity. Our focus is to provide our members with income opportunities, community and resources.
A 501c3 – Nonprofit Organization
Natasha Middleton, Artistic Director
237 E Palm Ave Burbank, CA 91502
818-688-2580
January 16, 2023
To the City of Burbank:
On behalf of Burbank's own Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre since 2001, I am writing in support of the current leadership and operators of The Colony Theatre's proposal to continue leasing and managing Burbank Center Stage.
Our renowned dance company has performed in many venues over the years, from the Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion to both the Starlight Bowl, the Ford Amphitheatre, and many more. Yet, our favorite theatre is right in our hometown, The Colony Theatre. Our experience with everyone there has always been outstanding.
To us, the theatre is a landmark. A very important arts foundation for the city of Burbank. Many major and minor productions have debuted there for the first time. Stars of television and film have appeared there. This theatre is very important as a local/community arts organization directly in the heart of downtown Burbank. The current leadership at The Colony has truly provided numerous opportunities to help the arts community grow. Without this theatre and without its current operations managers, it will affect a combination of local goers as well as educating the youth in the arts by providing continued live performances in acting, dancing, singing and music.
Collaboration has already begun since live theatre made its way back to start the creative process rolling.
The city of Burbank has shown how much more arts oriented it is now. Keeping The Colony Theatre under its current management not only shows the public your tremendous support but especially after a theatre such as this one was able to survive since the pandemic.
Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre is thrilled that we are now in an official partnership with The Colony Theatre. We are preparing to establish a permanent residency a long with presenting very exciting productions per year.
Kindest regards,
Natasha Middleton
Natasha Middleton
Artistic Director/Choreographer
Award-Winning Filmmaker
To
whom it may concern: On behalf of Troubadour Theater I am writing in support of the current leadership and operators of The Colony Theatre's proposal to continue leasing and managing Burbank Center Stage.
Our
theatrical collaborations this past year with the Colony staff and administrators were extremely positive and led to numerous kudos from our patrons about the venue and the overall experience at our performances.
Havi
ng produced and performed at many different venues across California throughout our 28 years as a company, I can honestly say that the Burbank Center Stage is a top tier performance space in terms of its aesthetics, convenience, audience satisfaction, and artist appreciation.
Com
bine this with Colony Theatre’s attention to deal and customer service, as well as their communication and collaboration throughout the process – and it serves to remind us what a magical and uplifting experience live performance can be – for audiences & artists alike! As an
entertainment and education presence in the City of Burbank since 1999, The Troubies hope to continue serving Burbank-ians through our fruitful partnership with Colony Theatre in the beautifully appointed Center Stage space for many years to come! Sin
cerely,
Matt
Walker
Producing Artistic Director – Troubadour Theater
Abo
ut us: The Troubies, as they are affectionately called, have performed charitably for many causes including animal conservation, adult rehabilitation, AIDS awareness, California Literacy Night for LAUSD, children with autism and other youth programs. Troubadour members have professional experience as writers, directors, and performers for film, television, theater, orchestra and circus. Current and former clients include: Getty Museum, American Diabetes Association, Los Angeles City Council, Universal Studios Florida, Universal Studios Hollywood, Walt Disney Imagineering, Walt Disney Entertainment, Feld Entertainment, Make- Up Artists & Hair Stylist’s Guild, Location Managers Guild, Cedars Sinai, Dignity Health, American Legion, LA Drama Critics Circle, Glenwood House, Ford Amphitheatre, Laguna Playhouse, La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, LA Opera, Pasadena Playhouse, San Diego Rep, Lobero Theatre, Walt Disney Pictures, and Warner Bros Pictures.
MAP BOARD 2022/23
APRIL WILLIAMS
President & Founder, MAP
DON WILLIAMS
Co-founder
ANTHONY PARNTHER
Conductor
Educational & Artistic Music Director
JAMI
E YOUNG-EKE
Senior Account Manager, Audacy,
Los Angeles, Vice President
NICOLINA LOGAN
Classical Musician
Secretary, MAP
CARLOS CASTRO
CPA & Treasurer, MAP
STACI GRIESBACH
Musical Artist and Producer
SEAN HUGHES
Founding MAP board member,
Writer
JONATHAN LARR
Attorney and Founder,
Icarus Law
JIM GOLDEN
VP Global Sales Flentis Corp.
WENDY ST
ACKHOUSE
Educational Services Representative
Bertrand’s Music
CYNTHIA PEASE
Managing Director
MUSIC ADVISORY BOARD
Johnny Mandel
Patrick Williams (2018)
Michael Giacchino
Peter Erskine
Ron Jones
John Beasley
Bill Holman
Bob Mintzer
William Ross
Dave Black
Tom Pease
Jeff Whiteman
Jan McElwee Osborn
Thomas E. Backer PhD
Raj Mallikarjuna
Susan Francisco
January 6, 2023
Ms,
Heather Provost, Director for the Colony Theatre
555 North Third Street
Burbank, CA 91502
Dear Ms. Pro
vost,
The Musicians at Play Foundation partners with schools, businesses, non-profit organizations and social service agencies to engage the community at large through public music concerts and Arts Education mentorship programs aligned with California Visual and Performing Arts standards.
MAP is dedicated to providing access to music education and appreciation in order to engage, elevate, educate and employ students through career pathway training and apprenticeships.
MAP hereby requests an ongoing agreement with the Colony Theatre to present musical concerts that would include big band and jazz programs on a monthly basis to engage the Burbank Community. While we have an ongoing relationship with BUSD, we would like to expand our presence with the community at large. All our programs and events are produced to sell out audiences with ongoing requests for repeat performances. The John Williams musical artists are celebrities in their own right and have large followings.
You
have our direct support in accordance with your submission to produce from the Colony. We can also speak for the members of the AFM47 union as the Colony provides an excellent performance venue for music.
We b
elieve this agreement would result in on mutual financial success for years to come. Past evidence of such successes can be confirmed by reviewing our relationships with The Alex Theatre, The Ford Theatre, Vitello’s and Catalina’s.
To l
earn more about the Musicians at Play Foundation please visit our website at www.musicansatplay.org.
Warm r
egards,
The Musicians at Play Foundation is a 501C3 non-profit organization formed to change lives through the power of music bysupporting music educationinunderserved schools andby providing adults, children, families and communities accesstoour musicalheritagethrough“live” performing arts presentationsand educational events. Gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Nonprofit tax EIN #47-3332460
1/15/23
To W
hom It May Concern in Burbank’s Parks and Rec Dept.,
This lette
r is to lend my resolute support for both the Colony Theater, and for Heather Provost and current management to continue to steer The Colony’s proceedings.
Not onl
y is the Colony a gorgeous space, but it’s also perfect for the art of theatre. I would know; for over three decades I’ve acted, directed or written plays performed in scores of theaters around Los Angeles. The Colony has near perfect acoustics, comfortable seating, a charming lobby, and superb dressing room space. Its uncommon size makes it one of only two “medium” sized theaters in the San Fernando Valley. Our beautiful Burbank has an abundance of parks and athletic spaces. The Colony Theater truly compliments this community, and genuinely speaks to its artistic constituents.
Sin
ce they started managing the Colony, Heather Provost and company have been a positive wonder under extraordinarily circumstances. COVID and its echoing impact saw many theaters close their doors. In part, due to your patience, the Colony survives.
But also, quite obviously, the Colony thrives due to the grit and competence of its current management.
Nearl
y six years ago, I was brought in to make BHS Drama the paragon of high school theatre in the Los Angeles region. I believe that the Colony’s current management has assisted us along that trajectory. It has worked with the BHS Drama Department to provide a home for our more artistically profound and professional productions – The Crucible, Radium Girls, and our upcoming The Elephant Man. Ms. Provost and company have consistently worked with me to make those experiences both affordable and deeply educational for an incredible number of Burbank students – actors, writers, designers, musicians, and technicians. They even helped us transform their lobby into an “pop-up” museum for BHS’ visual artists in conjunction with our COVID-cancelled production of Almost Maine.
Heath
er Provost and company have become a profound cornerstone of so many BUSD students’ artistic paths. I hope to collaborate on many BHS works with them in the future. Please do what’s right for countless Burbank youth, and keep these hopes alive.
Most
Sincerely,
Donovan Gl
over
BHS Drama Director
Burbank High School
902 N. Third Street
Burbank, CA 91502
Phone: (818) 558-4700 FAX: (818) 845-6122
Wedn
esday January 18, 2023
TO W
HOM IT MAY CONCERN
I’m N
ick Hardcastle, Festival Director of Short+Sweet, a Global Theatre Festival brand that operates annually in 35 cities in 23 countries since launching in Sydney Australia in 2002. I am writing in support of The Colony Theatre leadership's proposal to continue leasing and managing Burbank Center Stage.
Foll
owing our recently successful 2022 festival in West Hollywood, I was introduced to The Colony Theatre under the stewardship of Heather Provost and Brenda Kalcoff by Mayor Anthony, with a view to bringing the festival to Burbank.
Shor
t+Sweet is, at its heart, a community and professional development, cultural event. It is a wonderful opportunity for writers, directors and actors who want to share their voice and talent in a professional environment and venue. Its goal is to become a powerful tool for diversity in the entertainment industry, as well as providing a way to discover new or established local talent by engaging more people in the live theatre experience.
Shor
t+Sweet is curated with the assistance of a Diversity and Inclusion Programming Committee to ensure that we have the opportunity to see the full breadth of our community represented on stage. Everyone on this team engages with specific community groups to make sure that those artists have an opportunity to participate in the festival and that their stories can be shared. Whether they be diversely abled, BIPOC, new immigrants, LGBTQ+, have English as a second language or are elderly, everyone should understand that there is a place for them in Short+Sweet to be seen and heard. The accessibility of the Colony Theatre makes this even more possible for Short+Sweet to carry out this mission.
In 2
022 we abandoned our Best Actor and Best Actress Awards and introduced our Inaugural Short+Sweet Actor’s Circle, which acknowledges 5 outstanding performances in both our LatinX and Open Theatre Program irrespective of gender or gender expression. We also partner with exciting partners such as Final Draft, We Audition, Casting Networks, Superbloom House and NBC to offer our participants meaningful professional developement opportunities and would be keen to extend those partnerships further in to the Burbank Media landscape. That would also benefit our winning writers and Directors in all programs as well as the studios in the discovery of great new talent.
In the interest of reducing unnecessary contact and increasing a commitment to sustainability.
This initiative was launched in Sydney in 2021 and reduced our trash by 90%. In West Hollywood in 2022 it did the same. We would relish the opportunity to develop similar sustainable measures with The Colony Theatre.
Since
weathering the storm of the pandemic it has become even more critical that we provide pathways for artistic talent to be developed and support the work that great live venues and their operators are doing. The support of the city and its community is paramount to these efforts.
Ensuri
ng that The Colony Theatre is able to continue to thrive under its current leadership, having survived this painful period and overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, is a cause that I wholeheartedly lend my support to.
I am thrilled to be able to create a partnership with The Colony Theatre, its board, Heather Provost Brenda Kalcoff and their artistic associates and look forward to bringing Short+Sweet to become a part of their official program in the future once their ongoing leadership is secured.
Ple
ase feel free to contact me at any time for further words of support.
Your
s Sincerely,
NIC
K HARDCASTLE
FESTIVAL DIRECTOR
The C
ity of Burbank
Burbank City Hall
275 East Olive Avenue
Burbank, CA 91502
Jan
uary 25, 2023
To Wh
om It May Concern:
I ha
ve never lived in your wonderful city. However, I did commute daily for over 20 years to NBC on Alameda Ave where I served as a network producer for the NBC Today Show. As a result I experienced and enjoyed the transformation of your city into the wonderful cultural and entertainment destination it is today.
One o
f the jewels in Burbank is The Colony Theatre Company at 555 N 3rd St. Over the years our family has enjoyed wonderful theater experiences at this venue. While there is much cultural competition in Southern California for the arts, The Colony is located in the heart of Burbank and is a clear winner for our attention and entertainment dollars spent whenever a new show is produced and premiered there. The quality, size and scope of the productions rivaled that of the popular DTLA venues. And it is convenient to park, dine at a nearby restaurant and then see the show. It makes an evening out in Burbank easy to navigate and thoroughly enjoyable.
The pa
ndemic brought the arts to a halt. Slowly our theater venues are blooming back to life.
The Colony is at the forefront of this metamorphosis with its recent productions as well as the upcoming “Calvin Berger” performances scheduled to open February 16, 2023.
I hope
those in Burbank that are part of keeping the arts, theater and culture moving forward in the city keep a close eye on keeping The Colony Theatre happy and healthy so she may continue offering audiences a place to experience the magic of live performances right here in Burbank. The future is bright for this cultural jewel.
Sinc
erely,
Rola
nd Woerner
Executive Producer
Make Fresh Productions
Moorpark, CA
6065 Bristol Parkway
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 566-5700
(310) 566-5799
[email protected]
www.blowfishshoes.com
January 26, 2023
To Whom It May Concern:
I'm writing this letter to vehemently voice my support for The Colony Theater, an incredible local institution which has brought joy to thousands of patrons in the community.
As a Southern California resident, I have been able to regularly enjoy time at The Colony Theater, from theatrical
entertainment to private events. As a woman who has been actively involved and interested in regional and professional theater, I've prioritized being able to escape to The Colony Theater to experience expertly produced productions with family and friends. As a Marketing professional who specializes in community and social events, I've utilized the incredible resource that is The Colony Theater and its fantastic staff (specifically the wonders who are Heather Provost and Brenda Ramirez-Kalcoff) to host next-level branded experiences for Blowfish Malibu, a women's shoe brand also based out of Southern California.
The Colony Theater is one of those special gems of Los Angeles: a safe and loving gathering space for people of all walks of life, ages, genders, ethnicities and cultural backgrounds, where art is celebrated and creative mastery is consistently put on display.
The Colony Theater has provided the community and surrounding areas of Burbank with a space that is safe and culturally relevant, allowing talented artists to thrive and demonstrate their craft in a way that only really happens in a haven such as this one.
To lose The Colony Theater, an institution in many ways, would not only be devastating for local theater goers, but also for the art of theater and the sense of community that has developed as a result of its residency for so many years. The Colony Theater is a marvelous establishment, one beloved by thousands, and I beg you to consider keeping them in place to continue being a vibrant and pivotal part of this community, as well as a testament to the power of art, as they have been for decades.
Thank You,
Allie Woerner
Marketing Manager, Blowfish Malibu
805-433-4492
Jonathan Tessero
11107 Blix St.
North Hollywood, CA 91602
Mayor Konstantine Anthony
Vice Mayor Nick Schultz
Council Member Zizette Mullins
Council Member Tamala Takahashi
Council Member Nikki Perez
Justin Hess, City Manager
Judie Wilkie, Assistant City Manager
Marisa Garcia, Parks and Recreation Director
Sen. Anthony Portantino
Graciela Coronado, Administrative Officer
via email and submission through official Bid Package
January 6, 2022
Dear Elected Officials and Officers of the City of Burbank, It is my privilege to write in support of The Colony Theater retaining its sublease to the City of Burbank’s Burbank Center Stage property.
For more than twenty years of its near fifty year existence, The Colony Theatre has provided the residents of Burbank with truly world class theater, created by some of the nation’s leading theatrical voices.
The Colony Theater has produced World premiers, West Coast premiers, significant theatrical works written by Burbank-area writers, and served as both a launching space for theatrical talent and, often, the first exposure of Burbank youth to professional theater.
The Burbank Center Stage offers audience members many significant positives that other nearby venues cannot and prove to be a major driver of attendance: free, safe, and convenient parking, a strong local talent pool, and intimate theatrical experiences. When paired with a company with the significance of The Colony Theatre it becomes an asset far more valuable than the investment in it.
I urge you to continue to work with the Board and Staff of The Colony Theatre to maintain the value of this tremendous asset to the city.
With gratitude for your service to our communities,
Jonathan Tessero
Jonathan Tessero’s theater, television, and live event work has been nominated for Emmy Awards, Tony Awards, Drama Desk Awards, Best of Las Vegas Awards, and Broadway World Audience Favorite Awards. He is proud to consider the Los Angeles metropolitan area home.
On behalf of Daurden Performing Arts Conservatory and Love Thy Art 501c3, I am writing in support of the current leadership and operators of The Colony Theatre's proposal to continue leasing and managing Burbank Center Stage.
The Colony Theatre has been the home Theater for all Productions and Summer Camps of Daurden Performing Arts Conservatory and Love Thy Art 501c3, since 2018.
Our non-profit has been able to produce three- four shows a year for young artists age 5-17 with the support of this incredible Theatre. The Colony has granted us discounted rental fees, house lighting and audio technicians, ushers and a home when we lost ours to a flood in 2019. Daurden Performing Arts would not have survived through this and Covid without The Colony hosting us during these times so we could continue to offer young artists a place to continue in the arts.
DPAC is a performing arts and aerial school built on confidence and kindness.
We require our students to sign a kindness contract as we have a no bully policy and offer a space for young artists to thrive in an environment not distracted by bullies or a competitive nature. Love Thy Art offers ten scholarships per season in dance, musical theater and aerial arts to talented students who don’t have the means to pursue it otherwise. We develop young artists to broadway, television and film, through our nurturing Faculty and Alumni who are centered on the best technique and training for all young artists. All are invited to study the arts at Daurden, “those who cannot afford should not be ignored.”
I’m honored and thrilled to be in an official partnership with The Colony Theatre and establish residency with this incredible company of Producers and staff. The team has been supportive beyond, "the business of booking” and reached out as fellow artists. The Colony knows the depths of Daurden programs and our mission for raising a generation of young artists who are not just talented, but kind and confident human beings.
Cassandra Daurden
Artistic Director/Owner
Daurden Performing and Aerial Arts Conservatory
President/Love Thy Art 501c3
2104 Colorado Blvd, LA, CA 90041
dpala.com 323-333-6001
January 16, 2023
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing in support of the current leadership and operators of The Colony Theater’s proposal to continue leasing and managing the Burbank Center Stage.
As a member of the Los Angeles theater landscape for over 25 years, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of The Colony Theater, both to the theater community and to the Burbank community at large. Since the Colony’s move to Burbank in 2000, I have watched the organization grow into a major contributor to the city's arts environment. Under the stewardship of Heather Provost and Brenda Ramirez-Kalcoff, The Colony has re-energized itself as a vibrant and dynamic part of the cultural life of not only Burbank, but greater Los Angeles.
Theatre in Los Angeles has changed drastically over the past several years. Economic conditions, onerous union regulations and of course, the pandemic have squeezed out dozens of arts organizations, leaving us with very few healthy, functioning theaters. In this post-pandemic world, strong theaters with competent and committed management are not easy to come by. The fact that The Colony has come through these obstacles as a thriving, producing theater is a testament to the work and commitment of the current leadership team.
As I’m sure you’re aware, the benefits of arts organizations cannot be underestimated, both in terms of economic benefits, and in the cultural and social benefits they provide. The Colony’s commitment to presenting high-quality theatre -- much of which is geared to young audiences -- is an enormous asset that should be nurtured and supported. In addition, the value of Burbank's support of The Colony -- and vice versa -- is a tremendous gift for both the theater and the city.
As a theatre director who works on both coasts, I have watched with sadness as the L.A. theatre community has gotten smaller and smaller. There are fewer opportunities for local actors, directors, designers and technicians to exercise their art, and to nurture the next generation of audiences. In this current climate, having an organization like the Colony -- one of a very small handful of theaters in Southern California -- is a major achievement. An achievement of which Burbank should rightfully be proud.
Please feel free to contact me if I can provide any further information.
Best regards,
Richard Israel
January 19, 2023
City of Burbank
Department of Parks and Recreation
150 N. 3rd St.
Burbank, CA 91502
To Whom it May Concern:
This letter is in reference to The Colony Theatre’s proposal to continue leasing and managing the Burbank Center Stage. The Colony Theatre has been a grantee of the LA County Department of Arts and Culture for many years receiving their first grant in FY 2004-05. They are a recipient of the County of Los Angeles Organizational Grant Program (OGP) grant which provides grantees with two years of support for general operating costs. Through this grant support the organization has been able to support staff salaries. Most recently they received support for the compensation of the Producing Artistic Director.
Grantees of the OGP positively impact residents, neighborhoods, and communities across our County by providing direct access and increased opportunities for quality arts activities and programming.
If you have any other questions, please reach out to the Director of Grants and Professional Development by email to [email protected].
Regards,
Kristin Sakoda
Director
Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture
1055 Wilshire Boulevard
Suite 800
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Tel 213.202.5858
Fax 213.580.0017
www.lacountyarts.org
Board of Supervisors
Hilda L. Solis
Holly J. Mitchell
Lindsey P. Horvath
Janice Hahn
Kathryn Barger
Director
Kristin Sakoda
Chief Deputy
Heather Rigby
My Plea to keep The Colony Theatre in the hands of its current management
Happy 2023 Everyone!
I know many of you, however for those who are new to me please, let me introduce myself. I'm a Burbank homeowner celebrating 20 years of residence this next month. I'm employed by the BUSD and I work as a librarian for Dolores Huerta Middle School. I'm a passionate advocate for arts education in our schools and for almost 10 years I ran the Burbank Youth Summer Theatre Institute (BYSTI), a 3 week summer camp where Burbank kids 9-16 performed Shakespeare in the Parks putting their twist on the material. We operated originally out of Woodbury University, then moved to the Starlight Bowl, when that was no longer available the performances were held at The First Methodist Church.
At this time, when live storytelling is more important than ever, I was disheartened to discover plans to dismantle a theatre jewel in our crown.
Whether by selling to the highest bidder to turn into a restaurant, a different unproven theatre company, a church, I feel that will be a mistake that we'd regret as a city that always claims to embrace the arts culture in our community.
Full disclosure I've never felt the city of Burbank appreciated the opportunity having a small, professional theatre right in its own backyard. When my daughter was in high school I was the parent who brought our drama fundraisers to The Colony - for evenings of improv and musical numbers. Not only did this give our students the opportunity to perform on a real stage, it introduced parents and families to the Colony Theatre. Imagine my surprise when hundreds of parents were shocked to find out we had this gem of a theatre right here in Burbank. Except for the limitations Covid placed on our performing community, that partnership with our BUSD school theatre programs continues today and has branched o ut to include opportunities for all schools not just the high school programs. An experience for our students interested in all aspects of the performing arts that is invaluable. It would be a shame to dismiss the impact this theatre has as an educational partner.
As a small, mid-sized theatre I feel there is great potential to not only bring a season of plays, small musicals, one-person shows, lecture series, children's theatre, family entertainment (just scratching the surface of opportunities here)but to also build an audience that is wanting live entertainment that won't involve driving 2 hours in traffic. An afternoon or evening out to relax, or to spark conversation that other communities like Pasadena, Culver City, Westwood are reaping the benefit s of these days. There's absolutely no reason why Burbank can't have its own shining star that puts us on the level of other communities who make cultural arts a priority.
With our new multi-use developments springing up around the downtown area, having a theatre is a definite draw, especially one that can be walked to within minutes. One that is close to restaurants and one that offers something for everyone whatever their interest may be.
And now my plug for keeping the current staff - Heather Provost and Brenda Kalcoff have done something that, I'm sad to say, many other smaller theatres couldn't do since we had to shut down March 2020. They have kept this theatre alive. Is it all they wish it to be? Absolutely not. Do they have plans to make it the best it can be, a thriving theatrical community that grows every year and offers the best of the best for its community and for its patrons?
Absolutely! And I feel very strongly that they should be given the chance to show you the potential they see in this theatre.
All I'm asking of you is to take this request seriously, we are supposed to be the Media Capital of the World, we should have a thriving theatre community - we should be able to produce shows using the talent pool we have here of Burbank residents. Many stage, tv & film actors live in Burbank and would love to be able to work in their own backyard. If you decide to let this theatre go then we cannot claim to be a thriving arts community and that would be extremely unfortunate for all of Burbank.
Thank you for taking the time to read this plea,
Sincerely,
Lisa Dyson