• Decline in ticket sales: Ticket sales for the latest season were down 27% from the pre-pandemic levels. This represents a loss of over $1 billion in revenue
• Regional Theatres Closing: Last year, 20% of regional theaters had closed. This represents a loss of over 100 theaters.
• Lack of Diversity: In the past year, 22% of Black Americans and 28% of Hispanic Americans went to a live performance, whereas 48% of White Americans did the same

City Lights Theater Company’s Mission:

About the Guest:

Lisa Mallette has worked as an actor, director, and manager for countless theater companies throughout the Western United States. She became Managing Director of City Lights Theater Company of San José in 2001 and Executive Artistic Director in 2004. She has since led City Lights through over a decade of unprecedented artistic and administrative growth, winning widespread public and industry acclaim and closing 16 consecutive years in the black, a run ended only by the COVID-19 pandemic. Lisa is a Pacific Conservatory of Performing Arts graduate in Santa Maria, California, the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City, and a proud Actors’ Equity Association and SAG/AFTRA member.

In this Episode:

In this episode, you can anticipate an insightful conversation with Lisa Mallette, the dedicated leader of City Lights Theater Company. Lisa shares her journey, experiences, and the organization’s remarkable history since its founding in 1982. Discover how City Lights has continually inspired and challenged audiences through various plays and musicals, including fresh, new works. We dive into the dynamic atmosphere of their downtown San Jose theater, which is a magnet for artists, educators, students, and avid theatergoers. And we learn more about the captivating world of theater and how you can actively participate in this thriving creative community.