Pasadena Playhouse Files for Bankruptcy

Dark since February of this year, the historic Pasadena Playhouse has announced they have filed for bankruptcy, and hope to reorganize and re-open, according to the SGV Tribune. Despite having a $1-per-year lease from the city of Pasadena, the theatre, open in 1917, has been in dire financial straits in recent years. When they reached their breaking point a few months ago and closed up, all the staff except "[Executive Director Stephen] Eich, Artistic Director Sheldon Epps, an accountant and an assistant were laid off." At that time, they had $500,000 in bills in addition to $1.5 million owed in loans, and funds that could only be used to refurbish the structure.