ESCONDIDO — Thanks to county investment, Studio One, a new community theater space, opened in Escondido on May 8.
“Our goal is to offer a space that is still a practical performance space, but that is more affordable to start up programs or new ideas than our two traditional theater spaces,” said Rebecca Noland, the director of education for the California Center for the Arts, Escondido.
“We are hopeful that the space may also inspire some groups to branch out and explore some of (new) genres.”
Located on Escondido Boulevard, the space originally was a pottery studio until it was rented by the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum.
When the museum moved to a permanent home on a few blocks away, the California Center for the Arts, Escondido decided to renovate the space to be a small, black box style theater.
The Studio One theater is designed for staged readings, children’s productions, improv, and small concerts and can seat up to 75 people.
The California Center for the Arts, Escondido’s other venues include a 1,500-seat concert hall and a 400-seat center theater.
The $40,000 renovation was paid for by a $30,000 grant from the San Diego County Board of Supervisors and $10,000 from the California Center for the Arts, Escondido’s endowment trust.
“One of the things I have been passionate about is trying to make sure we make strategic investments in my district in arts and culture,” said Supervisor Dave Roberts.
He said that Studio One offers a valuable space for youth to be exposed to the performing arts, particularly in light of budget cuts to arts programs in schools.
“This to me is a great place for youth and groups to come and perform at very low to no cost,” Roberts said.
He expressed hope that the space will further enhance the quality of life for Escondido residents as a whole.
