Noted actors, playwrights and legislators are pushing for funding to help small non profit theatres, hit hard by the pandemic, to continue to operate and benefit local communities statewide.
Outside the CASA 0101 Theater on First Street, Josefina Lopez, actress and artistic director, says Sen. Susan Rubio’s bill, The Performing Arts Act of 2021, can provide not only critical funding for small theatres, it provides an outlet for community voices.
"It only takes two people to do theater, one person to tell the truth and one person to witness it. Right now we are doing theater because we are telling you the truth, that this is absolutely necessary," she says.
Actor Edward James Olmos said he owed his career to a start in small theatre and others will benefit from their continued existence.
"The arts are the single most important aspect for strength to culture and community and theater is the No. 1 goal," he says.
The measure comes up for a vote in the California Senate tomorrow and if passed may become a permanent aspect of programs run by the California Arts Council.