Aurora Theatre Company in downtown Berkeley is suspending its 2025-26 season due to ongoing low ticket sales, which have not recovered to pre-pandemic levels. The 33-year-old nonprofit, noted for its intimate performances, has to raise $50,000 in an urgent fundraising drive to complete its current season amid financial troubles experienced since the pandemic. Despite successful past fundraising efforts, the company faces severe budget cuts, including staff layoffs, to address a previous $500,000 deficit. The Managing Director emphasizes transparency about their situation as they explore future survival options.
We want to be above board about what's happening and we would really like to finish our season.
To have a 2025-26 season, the theater company would have needed to raise another $500,000, but didn't want to make that ask of the community.
This news represents another devastating blow to the East Bay's performing arts ecosystem.
Aurora Theatre Company plans to suspend its 2025-26 season, citing sluggish ticket sales that have struggled to rebound to pre-pandemic levels.
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