KHTS Radio Santa Clarita Radio – Santa Clarita News
The Santa Clarita theater scene has a new player starting March 30, city officials announced Tuesday.
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The performing stage formerly known as The Repertory East Playhouse, or The Rep, is in the process of being rebranded as The Main, said Phil Lantis, one of the de facto leaders of the project as the arts and events administrator for Santa Clarita.
Lantis and David Knutson, arts and events coordinator for Santa Clarita, offered a tour of the facility Tuesday and unveiled some of the efforts of city staff, which is working full steam ahead to ready the spot in time for a community showcase at the end of March.
“For me, it’s kind of like a homecoming,” said Knutson, as he strolled past the lobby where the city had recently rolled on about 20 gallons of primer alone to give the walls a new color.
In fact, both have ties to the facility, beyond the fact that the city has used the venue several times in the past, and it was actually when the city was looking to extend its agreement with the previous owners that the discussion of a municipal theater operator began again in earnest. The new lease is also in line with the city’s goal for its arts plan, Lantis noted.
Knutson is no stranger to The Rep, and actually began his career with the city when Nancy Lantis was looking for a part-timer to help with some projects at the theater. Nancy, Phil’s wife, was executive director of the theater when it was called the Santa Clarita Repertory Theatre.
“That was in 2004,” Knutson said, with a laugh, “I didn’t know it would be the start of a lifelong career with the city.”
New floors and other renovations abound, as the city looks to give the 81-seat venue — which, as Phil Lantis noted a couple times, “doesn’t have a bad seat in the house.”
The city agreed to lease the space from MAGA LP for about $166,000 for a nearly three-year lease back at the Jan. 25 City Council meeting.
The city is working on a selection of promising local artists for an entertainment showcase March 30.
Wow, now the City is going after TimBen Boyston’s livelihood at the Theater Guild as a competitor using the citizen’s money..!!!??
Doesn’t anyone see what’s happening?
Why is the City of Santa Clarita having to lease this space from a Private Entity Limited Partnership with citizens’ money? Was this on our recent ballot? Were Santa Claritans allowed to vote on whether they wanted to pay for this?
A theater is not a bad idea, but if our taxes pay for it, I’m sure there is a list of things Santa Claritans would also like the City Council to spend our money on.
Please explain.
This is great! The place currently looks like a dump and is in desperate need for some sprucing up like the rest of the area.
Downtown Newhall has a chance to become an exciting place. Lets hope it reaches it’s full potential.
The Laemmle Theatre project is great addition. There are finally a few good restaurants on Main Street, but it could still use more. It can be a hub for homegrown local business and boutiques rather than the chains that dominate Santa Clarita.
You won’t hear me complain about tax dollars spent here. This community needs a place to check out the arts. This could be a beautiful main street. Out with the OLD and in with the NEW! It will only bring value to the area!
I am opening Nightingale Boutique featuring handmade items all made by artists on Thursday March 16th! Come check us out! We are right across the street from The Main.
Cristina Nowling
Owner, Nightingale Boutique
24247 Main Street, Newhall
I agree whole heartedly. I’d like as little city money as necessary go into something like this but a revitalization like this requires significant start up money and anchor attractions. It’s off to a good start but the momentum needs to be kept going even if initially on the taxpayer’s dime. A vibrant arts, dining and entertainment area will pay back the investment in the long run. Go for it!