California Conservatory Theatre and Curtain Call Performing Arts Announce Merger

In the spirit of arts collaboration, Curtain Call Performing Arts, INC. (CCPA), entering its fifth season, is thrilled to announce the merger of California Conservatory Theatre (CCT), and CCPA effective September 1. Hundreds of patrons and the community-at-large received disappointing news on June 25 when long time San Leandro based non-profit theatre company CCT, announced suspension of operations due to financial challenges. Now followers of CCT have reason to celebrate again, as the companies will move forward under the CCPA name with a full season in place.

San Leandro is home to a rich arts culture, and after a summer of negotiations, CCT is set to merge with CCPA. The two leading arts organizations are joining forces to continue to provide exceptional live theatre. Additionally, Curtain Call’s arts education offerings and “Gift of Broadway” free assembly program for local K-8th grade students provides services to the community that are new to CCT.

“We are excited to announce this merger of our companies. Thanks to our similar vision and shared hometown, joining forces made sense. The experience and long standing tradition of quality theatre that CCT brings, will prove invaluable towards our joint efforts,” said Andrea Gorham, Curtain Call’s Founding Artistic Director.

Rich History and Quality Productions to be Upheld
CCT has a rich history and following in San Leandro and the greater SF Bay Area dating back to 1978. Helping to ensure the same quality performing arts productions continue was central to the discussions of merging companies. With the company’s largest season in place, and momentum from critically acclaimed “Cinderella,” which BroadwayWorld.com’s Linda Hodges said the “…decision to ratchet up the energy by going steampunk, lift(ed) this production into the stratosphere…” CCPA offered a logical merger option for CCT.

“The members of the board of CCT are eagerly anticipating a joint venture with CCPA. We feel that The Combined group can offer our community an expanded entertainment package including traditional CCT dramatic plays and mysteries, musicals, choral music, classes and other exciting entertainment options. CCT is proud of our rich history in San Leandro and this next step will reach many additional patrons in our community,” expressed CCT Vice President Barbara Maroni.

The 2012/2013 CCPA season will include six (6) productions featuring musicals, stage plays, and choral concerts with performances at the current CCT site and San Leandro Arts Education Center. The season will officially kick-off this fall with “A Toast to the Arts” reception at The Vine Wine and Tapas in downtown San Leandro.

For more information on Curtain Call Performing Arts and season tickets, visit www.curtaincallperformingarts.org, or call 510.909.9516. Follow the official CCPA Facebook page at www.facebook.com/curtaincallperformingarts.

California Conservatory Theatre (CCT) has been providing quality theatre in San Leandro since 1978. For nearly 35 years, CCT has presented comedies, dramas, and musicals from their home at 999 E. 14th Street, earning the nickname “the biggest little theatre in the Bay Area.”

The Vision of CCPA is to ensure that performance-based arts are accessible to everyone who desires to participate or attend performances by keeping both ticket prices low and class/workshop tuition affordable.