Volunteer group puts spotlight on Calabasas

Spotlight the Arts, a nonprofit group that is raising funds for a new community theater in Calabasas, has begun discussions about the type of facility it wants to help build.

Founded in January of last year, Spotlight already has raised over $50,000, according to the foundation’s co-chair, Toby Keeler.

The cost to build the theater isn’t known yet since there’s no theater plan, Keeler said.

“We’re in the midst of a feasibility study by area-based Civic Center Group, and we’re anticipating a final report in March,” he said. “This report is meant to clarify many of the questions regarding size, scope and viability.”

Spotlight has also hired Barton Myers Associates, the architect and designer of the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts and many other stateof-the-art venues.

Spotlight plans to build the theater next to the future Calabasas Civic Center, located on Park Sorrento near The Commons shopping center. Barton Myers Associates will prepare a preliminary site plan that shows how the theater should be positioned.

In the meantime, Spotlight continues to attract supporters. So far, it has about 500 members, Keeler said.

“In all of our community outreach, we have experienced a groundswell of support for a privately funded 400-seat performing arts center for both professional and community-based programs located in the civic and commercial heart of Calabasas,” Keeler said. “Folks respond favorably to the idea of dinner at The Commons and an evening of topflight entertainment at an intimate, well-equipped theater for the performing and visual arts right next door.”

On Sun., Feb. 19, Spotlight is hosting Spotlight Nite Swing, a fundraising event at the Sagebrush Cantina in Old Town, Calabasas. For more information about the event, go to www.SpotlightTheArts.org or call (818) 725-2978.

Spotlight hosts monthly meetings on the third Monday of each month at the Country Inn and Suites, 23627 Calabasas Road. The public is invited to attend.