Firefighters are currently battling the Pacific Palisades Fire, which is affecting large areas of Los Angeles and Southern California. Sadly, a local theatre has been impacted. Theatre Palisades, housed within Pierson Playhouse, has been completely lost to the fire, just days before the company was scheduled to begin performances on a new production.
"For the immediate future, all operations at Theatre Palisades, Pierson Playhouse are suspended until further notice by the Board of Directors owing to the serious damage sustained in the Palisades Fire," reads a statement on the theatre's website. News of the extent of the theatre's damage was reported January 7 by NBCLA.
The company was founded in 1963 by TV writers Ken Rosen, Sheldon Stark, and Jacquie Chester, with the aim of producing new works. Since 1967, the company has operated as a community theatre with an active community of subscribers. The theatre opened this most recent venue in 1988, as the company celebrated its 25th anniversary. The group typically performs five shows a year, plus two youth productions, and also hosts presentations from Palisades Historical Society. The company had been slated to begin performances on Jest a Second! this week.
The theatre has not yet shared additional details about the loss, as the fire is still active. Those wishing to help the company as it recovers from the loss can make donations at TheatrePalisades.org.
