THOUSAND OAKS : Panel to Consider Reduced Theater Fees

Michael Arndt wants to dazzle every first-grader in the Conejo Valley Unified School District with a production of “The Jungle Book” in Thousand Oaks’ new Civic Arts Plaza in the fall.

But to stage the popular children’s musical, he’ll need some help.

On Wednesday, the board responsible for setting policy at the Civic Arts Plaza will consider whether to assist Arndt and others who gear productions toward schoolchildren.

The seven-member commission will vote on whether to halve rental rates at the 1,800-seat auditorium and 400-seat theater for nonprofit groups that perform for students during the school day.

If the discounts are approved, Arndt’s theater group would pay only $900 to use the larger auditorium and $200 to perform in the smaller theater.

“With the normal rate, we’d be losing money,” said Arndt, who chairs Cal Lutheran University’s drama department.

The reduced fees are important, he said, because they would encourage the production of more shows aimed at students. “If you can get kids into the theater when they’re young, you can develop an audience that will stay with you,” he said.

Tom Mitze, director of the two theaters, has recommended approval of the reduced rates. Besides Arndt’s proposal, Mitze has received requests for discounts from the Ventura County superintendent of schools (for an Adventures in the Performing Arts series) and the Conejo Valley Children’s Concert Series.

The commission meeting will start at 7 p.m. at Thousand Oaks City Hall.