With rising costs of groceries, rent, gas and just about everything, it’s harder for patrons to plan an evening out and for spaces like theatres to provide the opportunities while staying afloat. The Town Hall Theatre is making some adjustments to try to meet the moment, while aiming to keep theatre accessible and stay in business. 

    “Town Hall Theatre is in an exciting period of growth and evolution. We're expanding what audiences can experience here, not only through our Main Stage productions, but also through education programs, community partnerships, and special events,” Executive Director Morgan Daley said. “Our goal is for Town Hall to be a gathering place where everyone can find a way to engage with live theatre. All main stage performances are now priced at $25. Instead of offering pay-what-you-can options for all productions, the THT is now offering a $10 preview performance and two pay-what-you-can options. All student-led-educational productions are $15. This replaces a model that previously offered pay-what-you-can options at each show as well as $5 options for local students.” 

    Daley said that keeping nonprofit community theatre alive at this particular moment is both challenging and meaningful. 

    “Nonprofit theatres everywhere are navigating rising production costs, changing audience habits, and increased financial pressures,” Daley said.  “At the same time, I think people are craving connection more than ever.  Live theatre gives us the opportunity to sit together, laugh together, ask difficult questions, and experience stories that remind us of our shared humanity.”

    The theatre has also implemented other changes including the sunsetting of longtime house manager Tricia Kelley’s position, as well as that of the artistic director Richard Perez. These changes followed the departure of Dennis Markham, who served as the theatre’s managing director, the predecessor of Daley. Daley says that while change is often not easy, it is often necessary. 

    “Every organization has to evaluate how best to serve its community, and we're continually looking for ways to remove barriers while ensuring Town Hall Theatre can continue to thrive for years to come,” Daley said. “Our goal is to create a theatre that's not only affordable, but also welcoming, engaging, and deeply connected to the community we serve.”

    Daley hopes that the theatre can continue to be an educational space, as well as a connective arts space that is accessible to people from all ages and stages of life. Above all, she said she hopes people in the Lamorinda community feel a sense of ownership over the theatre. 

    “Whether you've been attending productions for years or have never walked through our doors, there's a place for you here,” Daley said. “We want people to think of Town Hall not just as somewhere to see a show, but as a home for creativity, conversation, and connection.”

    Daley recently directed “Tiny Beautiful Things,” which was based on Cheryl Strayed’s book. Even though Perez is no longer serving as the artistic director, patrons can still see his work as he’ll be directing “Steel Magnolias” Sept. 12 - Oct. 8. The play takes place over a three-year span of time in the gossip center of a beauty salon. There is a happy hour from 6 to 6:30 p.m. preceding the 7 p.m. show, that comes with discounted drinks and featured Bay Area musicians.
 
    There are also an assortment of classes and camps year-round including youth productions in collaboration with local schools, improv camps for youth in the summer and monthly improv classes for adults year-round. There are also comedy shows, concerts and other pop-up events.
 
    At this particular socio-political moment, in which there is a great deal of divisiveness in the world, Daley believes theatre may be more important than ever.

    “Gathering in a room to experience a story together is a powerful act of community,” Daley said. “That's what motivates our work every day, and we're grateful to everyone – our patrons, donors, volunteers, artists, and staff–who make that work possible.”

    To learn more about the Town Hall Theatre’s offerings, visit townhalltheatre.com