Chance Theater to Launch 2014 Season in New Home

Chance Theater, one of the leading ensemble-driven theatre companies in Southern California, publicly announces its plans to move into a new theater that will double the square footage and has the potential to triple the seating capacity. This major news from the Chance comes after months of strategic planning and successful fundraising efforts, with $235,000 of the first phase's $465,000 goal raised thus far. The Chance is slated to move into its new home in time to kick off its 2014 Season in February.

This new space is an exciting venture for the Chance that will allow them to expand its programming, create a more comfortable experience for its audiences and artists, and help ensure its long-term operation and fiscal stability. The expanded theater is designed with the intention to meet ticket demand (the Chance has been playing at an average 94% capacity for the last three years), offer additional education outreach programs, and truly allow the company to spread its wings.

"We're going to be just on the other end of the parking lot," says Managing Director Casey Long. "We are so grateful to everyone who has stepped up thus far to show their support, financially and otherwise, including everyone on our board, staff and company of resident artists. We now look to our subscribers, to other close friends of the Chance, and to foundation gifts to get us the rest of the way to our goal. Now is the time to expand the possibilities of what we can accomplish, while maintaining an intimate theater experience."

The Chance's relocation is actually only the first of three phases for the total capital campaign goal of $700,000. The second phase will be a further expansion in the latter part of 2014. This will include the building of a classroom, a scene shop, administrative offices and more. The third phase in the capital campaign would be to finish the lobby and upgrade all of the equipment. This includes more versatile and energy-efficient lighting instruments, as well as a full surround sound installation and durable, efficient and re-configurable seating risers.

"This is such an exciting time," says Artistic Director Oanh Nguyen. "This move will give us greater artistic tools and flexibility to deepen and broaden our work. The additional space will forge the way towards the Chance becoming a gathering place for the arts and the community."

For those who want to support the Chance's capital campaign, there are naming opportunities available, ranging from the theater facility to the sound system. You can even adopt a chair in the new theater for $2,500, or $50 per month for 50 months. To make a pledge, or for more information, call Chance Theater's Development Director Erika C. Miller at (714) 970-0592.

Chance Theater was founded in 1999, and has established itself as one of the leading ensemble-driven theatre companies in Southern California. The Chance recently received a Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle (LADCC) Award for its reimagined revival of West Side Story and was nominated for two Ovation Awards for its west coast premiere of ROOMS: a rock romance. The Chance also received the Ovation Award for Best Musical (Intimate Theatre) and an LADCC Award for its Southern California premiere of Jerry Springer: The Opera. Twice named "Outstanding Arts Organization" by Arts Orange County, Chance Theater is also a recipient of the LADCC's Polly Warfield Award for Excellence. Founded in 1999, Chance Theater is focused on its goal of being Orange County's premiere mid-size contemporary theater. As a constituent member of Theatre Communications Group, Network of Ensemble Theaters, and the LA Stage Alliance, Chance Theater continues to bring national attention to the Southern California and Orange County theater scenes.

Chance Theater's new home is located at 5522 E. La Palma Ave, Anaheim, CA 92807.

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