Pasadena Playhouse Stages a Renaissance: From Hollywood Training Ground to ‘Theater for Everyone’
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The historic Pasadena Playhouse is undergoing a dramatic transformation, expanding its mission to become a vibrant, multigenerational theater school while honoring its storied past. Once a pioneering force in actor training and a haven for silent film stars, the Playhouse is now embracing a new era of accessibility and community engagement, offering classes for students as young as four and as seasoned as octogenarians.
The Playhouse’s renewed focus on education is evident in classes like “Playhouse Singers,” where instructor Adam McDonald encourages students to fully embody their performances. “At the very least, smile when you sing,” he recently told a class preparing for a performance featuring Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “A Grand Night For Singing.” This emphasis on emotional connection reflects the core of the Playhouse’s evolving identity.
A Legacy of Training and Revival
Founded in 1925 by Gilmor Brown, the Pasadena Playhouse quickly became renowned for its innovative conservatory training. In 1927, Brown established the Pasadena Playhouse College of Theatre Arts, a program that immersed students in all facets of theatrical production – from acting and set building to wardrobe and stage management. This holistic approach attracted aspiring actors and established stars alike, including Gene Hackman, Dustin Hoffman, Sally Struthers, and Raymond Burr.
However, the Playhouse faced significant challenges in the mid-20th century. The IRS padlocked its doors in the 1960s, leading to the school’s closure in 1969 and eventual bankruptcy in 1970. For nearly two decades, the building remained derelict. A partial reopening occurred in 1986, but the Playhouse operated as tenants alongside other businesses.
A turning point arrived in April of this year when the company completed the purchase of the real estate for $9.5 million, securing its future and allowing for a comprehensive revitalization. Now, 80% of the campus is dedicated to theater initiatives, including mainstage productions and educational programs.
“Theater for Everyone” in Practice
The Playhouse’s commitment to inclusivity is embodied in its motto: “Theater for Everyone.” Producing artistic director Danny Feldman, often seen sporting a T-shirt emblazoned with the phrase, emphasizes that “Education is as core to us as the shows on stage.” This philosophy has fueled the rapid expansion of the theater’s educational offerings, now encompassing 14 classes per semester and serving up to 400 students.
The program’s growth is remarkable. The first children’s class, launched three years ago, has more than doubled in size annually, according to Arie Levine, the Playhouse’s education director. This expansion is a direct result of a year-long planning process that involved gathering input from parents and teachers to identify community needs. A scholarship fund, covering partial tuition for 20% of students, further underscores the Playhouse’s dedication to accessibility.
Cultivating Creativity Across Generations
The Playhouse’s classes cater to a diverse range of ages and skill levels. Brandon Gill, a Juilliard-trained actor who recently starred in Suzan-Lori Parks’ “Topdog / Underdog,” leads a “Teen Acting Intensive.” Meanwhile, instructors like Sarah Mass foster creativity in younger students. During a recent “Theatermakers: Myths and Legends” class for students aged 11-15, Mass guided her students in developing a performance piece based on the folklore of “Baby Blue.”
“I love watching the light bulb go off, watching them be inspired,” Gill shared, highlighting the transformative power of arts education. “I think art is the foundation for any career. It teaches you confidence. It teaches voice and speech and clarity, and how to present yourself in a room.”
The multigenerational aspect of the Playhouse’s programming is particularly striking. Families are actively participating together, with parents and children enrolling in classes simultaneously. Steve Breland, a software consultant, attends “Acting for Non-Actors” while his nine-year-old son, Azizi, participates in the “Playhouse Players” musical theater program. “It just really opened him up,” Breland said of his son’s experience. “He absolutely loves it.”
A Bright Future on Stage and Beyond
The Pasadena Playhouse’s recent recognition as only the second Los Angeles institution to win a Regional Tony Award further solidifies its position as a leading cultural center. The theater is poised to build on this momentum with its inaugural “Jingle + Mingle” event on December 13th, a public holiday celebration featuring performances by students and families.
“This is year one of really bringing it all together,” Feldman stated, signaling a new chapter for the Pasadena Playhouse – one that blends its rich history with a forward-looking commitment to community, education, and the transformative power of theater.
