The new Torch Theatre at Central Avenue and Highland is tied up in city bureaucracy, and will not open until late this year or early next year.
"It's still coming along. Obviously, we're way behind schedule of where we wanted to be. We're in the process of site plans and approvals and taking bids on contractors for building out," says Torch's Jose Gonzalez (full disclosure: Gonzalez is also a frequent New Times contributor).
Adds Torch's Sam Haldiman, "Although we are a little behind the initial opening date, we are still moving forward and hope to be doing shows in our new space soon. We are learning a lot about what it takes just to open our doors, but this is a great experience for when we outgrow this place and are in need of another one."
As was previously reported, the 1,400-square-foot venue, which will be dedicated to long-form improv, was scheduled to begin hosting original theater events beginning this past summer. But since many Torch Theatre members are newbies when it comes to stuff like permitting and zoning reviews, they underestimated the time it takes to open a legit business.
Haldiman estimates that the venue, located at 4721 North Central Avenue, will see a soft opening in late November or early December. A formal christening is scheduled for January 2011.
According to Gonzalez, the lack of physical space hasn't been a complete wash for the troupe. "We've been pushing ahead on other fronts. There was a lot of festival travel this summer and we've enrolled more students than ever before. So we've been making headway there, even while the physical space is still being worked out."
Please check Jackalope Ranch for updates.
