GARDEN GROVE : 3 Theater Proposals Presented to Council

The City Council this week was presented with three proposals to revitalize the Gem Theatre and the Festival Amphitheater, which closed when GroveShakespeare canceled its 1993 season last month after financial collapse.

One of the proposals was a reorganization plan by GroveShakespeare that calls for scaled-down operating expenses and a full production schedule in 1994.

A second group, the Fullerton Acting Laboratory, wants to move here and establish a conservatory of theater arts for up to 60 students. Students could put on plays for the public within five or six months of moving to the city-owned complex, according to representatives.

Marge Swenson, a resident who helped establish the theater complex 15 years ago, proposed continuing Shakespeare in the outdoor amphitheater and having a community-based board of directors oversee production of musicals that are “a wonderful diversion in times of depression,” she said.

The council took no action on the proposals. But on Aug. 3 it will consider Councilman Bruce A. Broadwater’s request for a city audit of GroveShakespeare’s financial records every 90 days.

Councilman Mark Leyes said the contract with GroveShakespeare remains valid, adding that the association deserves a chance to reorganize.

Use of the theaters by other organizations depends on agreement with GroveShakespeare, which manages the city-owned complex, Leyes said.

Mayor Frank Kessler said he was “very encouraged” by the GroveShakespeare plan and its intentions to rent out facilities this year.

The New Mission Ensemble is scheduled to open “The Elephant Man” on Friday and the Orange County Light Opera will perform “HMS Pinafore” beginning Aug. 20.

GroveShakespeare consultant Kevin Cochrane, who will become interim producing director on Aug. 2, said there probably will also be a Saturday morning series of performances for children in October.