Pulse Check: The Arts Scene

Patient: A new $22 million 500-seat theater and performing arts center in the heart of downtown to showcase community-based performances by groups such as Livermore Valley Opera, Del Valle Fine Arts Concert Series, and Livermore-Amador Symphony

Pulse: Alive and kicking

Prognosis: Ground breaking on the as-yet-unnamed facility took place last fall; it is expected to open in September 2007. Future plans include building an 1,800-seat theater nearby in 2011–2012.

Patient: A massive makeover of the town’s original firehouse on Railroad Avenue will include an art gallery, a 240-seat theater, arts education classrooms, and a central lobby for receptions (pictured above).

Pulse: Steady

Prognosis: The nonprofit Pleasanton Cultural Arts Foundation is raising money, and the city will ask for construction bids in November. The foundation hopes to finish the project in 2008.

Patient: A theater next to a business complex on La Gonda Way remains unfinished after some drama of its own, including arrests for felony tax evasion, fraud, and embezzlement.

Pulse: Flatline; resuscitation is under way.

Prognosis: The Mt. Diablo Region YMCA acquired the theater in 2004 and is breathing new life into the project by partnering with Concord’s Willows Theatre Company to raise the $5 million needed to finish the interior.

Patient: Expanding the Shadelands Arts Center campus to consolidate arts education classes under one roof and building a new, larger theater to accomodate more audience members

Pulse: Needs life support

Prognosis: The city’s priority is the new library; a new theater won’t happen until 15 to 20 years from now. In the meantime, 2007 brings a new Chamber Music Series to the Lesher Center.

Pulse: Needs life support

Prognosis: The federal government has yet to return the property to the city of Concord, so the plan remains in Phase I: gathering community input. Arts First is championing the arts-campus idea.