The Storefront Theatre, housed at 955 Bloor Street West in Toronto, Ontario, will close its doors January 31 after an “unexpected request to vacate” the space by the location’s owners.
A statement on the company’s website reads, “After four years of protracted negotiations with the owners of the 955 Bloor location regarding a long term lease for The Storefront Theatre, the company is being asked to leave the location in order for the owners to lease the space to another commercial enterprise.”
It adds that the Storefront Theatre will not be mounting any productions planned for their 2017 spring and winter seasons, but that a select few productions may be produced elsewhere in 2017 subject to appropriate venue availability.
Artistic director Benjamin Blais told Playbill.com that the company has plans to produce the world premiere production of Tough Jews by Michael Ross Albert in a sight-specific location in Kensington Market during the spring of 2017.
The statement continues, “The Storefront Theatre will be actively seeking out a new flagship location through the spring of 2017. The company’s secondary studio location at 296 Brunswick Avenue will remain open and serve as a temporary headquarters. The company’s ongoing monthly cold reading series: Sing For Your Supper will be held at pop up locations across Toronto until an appropriate new venue is found.
“The company leaves behind its current location with a heavy heart. The Storefront has served as a trailblazer and beacon for the burgeoning movement of independent theatre in Toronto. The company hopes to reopen in the fall of 2017.”
Those who wish to help the company with the upcoming move can email [email protected], and click here to offer financial support.
