Encore, Ocean Beach Playhouse. After announcing plans to close at the end of 2023, the local theater will be staying open.
Operated by nonprofit Wildsong Productions , the Newport Avenue venue feared it wouldn’t be able to afford rising rent costs . Thanks to community support, the organization has raised funds to keep the stagelights on. It negotiated its rent agreement and was able to sign a new three-year lease .
The theater first opened in 2012 as the Ocean Beach Center for the Arts, and another rebranding is on the horizon. It will host youth programs, build a dance studio, and rename itself The Wildsong Theater and Arts Collective.
Of course, plays are still on the bill. Next up: a production of “Sweeney Todd” will run Friday, Jan. 26-Sunday, Feb. 25.