Ventura’s Rubicon Theatre Company received $1.5 million from the state for building renovations, including equipment upgrades, kitchen repairs and other improvements to make the space more accessible.
The announcement, made Saturday, is the largest in public funding the theater has received in its 25-year history, said Rubicon Artistic Director Karyl Lynn Burns. The funds should arrive no later than April, she said.
Burns said the money is earmarked for building and building-related infrastructure but the nonprofit theater company on Main Street still has other needs.
“We still are struggling coming out of the pandemic and need support for artistic and education programming,” she said.
Doug Halter, president of the Rubicon board and a Ventura City Council member, said the money will also help the theater purchase lights and sound equipment, which are currently rented for performances. The ability to purchase the equipment will allow the theater to save hundreds of thousands of dollars a year.
State Sen. Monique Limón, D-Santa Barbara, and Assemblymember Steve Bennett, D-Ventura, presented the check at the opening night performance of “The World Goes ‘Round” on Saturday.
“The arts are an essential part of our lives, and Rubicon Theatre has been dedicated to providing access to the performing arts and educational opportunities in Ventura County for 25 years,” Limón said in a statement.
She also said she was proud to secure the funding to the community continues to enjoy what the theater has to offer.
Bennett said he has been a season ticket holder to the Ventura theater for nearly two decades.
“The contributions the theater makes to our community are enormous, and this investment will allow the Rubicon to expand their impact,” he said in a statement.
The production of “The World Goes ‘Round,” with a cast that includes Ventura native Andrew Samonsky, continues through Dec. 23.
The theater is currently soliciting donations. A group of donors has agreed to match up to $120,000 through the end of the year, Burns said.
For more information, visit www.rubicontheatre.org.
Wes Woods II covers West County for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at [email protected], 805-437-0262 or @JournoWes.