Seattle’s Empty Space Theatre Ceases Operations

The board of directors of The Empty Space Theatre in Seattle announced on Friday, October 27 that the company will cease operations effective immediately. In a press statement, they cited inadequate financing as the reason for the demise.

The Seattle-based company was founded in 1971 and was dedicated to producing plays by local artists and new works. In January 2006, the company moved into the new Jeanne Marie and Rhoady Lee Center for the Performing Arts at Seattle University. It produced two shows there, Bust and Louis Slotin Sonata. While both shows were well received, they did not do well enough financially to keep the company afloat. A planned production of Forbidden Xmas that was scheduled to begin November 28 has been cancelled.

“We’re very disappointed to be taking this step,” said Erik Blachford, chair of the board. “We appreciate the support we have had from the community, and we regret that the board is unable to raise the funds necessary to continue.”