City Might Help Fund Theater’s Retrofitting
The long-awaited reopening of the Balboa Theater may get a boost from the city.
On Monday, the City Council will decide whether to contribute $50,000 to complete seismic retrofitting of the shuttered movie house on the Balboa Peninsula.
Since the theater closed in 1992, a citizens’ group has been trying to raise money to refurbish and reopen the 1927 cinema as a venue for art films and live performances. They have estimated the cost of seismic retrofitting at between $40,000 and $100,000.
The total cost of the renovation is projected at nearly $500,000.
Members of the Balboa Theater Foundation say they think most of the money can be raised in the community. Walt Disney Co., for instance, donated $85,000 worth of plush, high-backed auditorium seats last year.
Residents with experience installing lighting and sound for theaters have indicated they are willing to volunteer their time and talent to get the theater operating again.
Steve Bromberg, a board member, said the response from the community has been so great because residents recognize what an asset a fine arts theater would be.
The council will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday at City Hall, 3300 W. Newport Blvd. Information: (714) 644-3017.
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