Paradise Theatre Finds New Home in Gig Harbor

For the Past 16 years, Paradise Theatre has been an active community arts organization in Gig Harbor, producing hundreds of live theatre productions and cultivated generations of new theatre arts patrons and arts educators in Gig Harbor-and throughout the Puget Sound.

But the encroaching bulldozers of local developers have the local thespians on the run. Literally. Developers are "Paving Paradise" and building a "parking lot" of new homes on their current location -- just off NW Burnham Drive. The theatre has until December 31st to pack up all the stage sets, lights, tools, costumes, props-and memories-and move out.

The good news is that through the generosity of members of the Milgard family, Paradise Theatre will have an interim home right in the Heart of the Harbor. The former Judson St. Rexall Drug location will be transformed into a 100-seat performance venue as well as serve as support space and administration offices.

"We are happy to welcome the theater into shopping center," said Lisa Tallman of First Western Properties. "We have lost some very large businesses in the last several years. Paradise will bring some needed energy as the owners continue to work on ideas for the future of the property. Working together with 1st Western Properties, Paradise Theatre will have a space until March of 2017. According to Jeff Richards, Director and Board member of Paradise Theatre: "We were in a tight spot, with time running out at our current location. This collaboration is a real lifesaver and gives us the opportunity to continue programs while pursuing our long term permanent plan."

Paradise Theatre will continue on their path of building a Community Theatre for the Gig Harbor area. The ACT LOCAL capital campaign is in full swing, however the immediate need for an interim space has been generously provided by members of Milgard family that own the shopping center.

Following their final curtain on "Scrooge," Paradise plans to relocate in January to the former Rexall location on Judson Street, neighboring the Seven Seas Brewery. This relocation is Phase I of an ambitious two-year capital campaign to construct a permanent new home for the theatre.

If you would like to donate to Paradise Theatre's ACT LOCAL Capital Campaign, go to their website at www.paradisetheatre.org.

GRAND OPENING at New Location!

3114 Judson St, Downtown Gig Harbor, Wa 98335

Nunsense February 5-27, 2016

The Fantasticks March 11-April 2, 2016

Next to Normal April 22-May14, 2016

Disney's The Little Mermaid June 17-July 9, 2016

Fiddler On The Roof August 5-27, 2016

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