Story of Z. Clark Branson
Z. Clark Branson is the developer of the center and founding director of
The Theatre @ Boston Court

Why build an arts center?

For myself and many others, Los Angeles theatre has fostered a special appreciation of the small venues over the years. The oft-called “store-front” theatres have frequently produced excellent and, at times, in my humble opinion, great theatre. They’ve been an inspiration. “Small is beautiful,” as the saying used to go; and I’ve always agreed. This has been the main idea behind the creation of Boston Court: a state-of-the-art facility encompassing a 99-seat theatre, a small concert space and amenities which won architect John Sergio Fisher an AIA Award in 2004 for his realized design. And though Boston Court is capable of presenting the quality of production usually found in larger venues, its smaller capacity makes for an intimate connection between artist and audience, something of great importance to me.

Also personally gratifying is my ability to found such a facility in Pasadena – the city in which I grew up – thus fulfilling an old dream of providing a supportive environment for artists while also giving something back to the community which early nurtured my love of the arts. I named the Marjorie Branson Performance Space (“The Branson”) in honor of my mother, whose philanthropic efforts benefited a number of Pasadena charities including educational and artistic organizations.

“Not a bad seat in the house” is my motto for our Boston Court venues. But, now what? The economics of a small theatre with limited seating capacity, especially one with the goal of developing and premiering new and challenging works, requires creative financing. Thus the creation of The Theatre @ Boston Court, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. As Founding Director, I feel I have assembled an extraordinary artistic and administrative team to bring our community exceptional, exciting theatre. And now, like most art, it needs to be a collaborative venture.

So, I urge you to help support our endeavors by becoming a subscriber, volunteering time or making a tax-deductible donation. Join me in paying tribute, to the many artists who continue to enrich our lives through the art of live performance.

LONG MAY IT THRIVE!

Z. Clark Branson, Summer, 2004