Sourced from the press release

A Fixture in the City of Arts Since 1965, Costa Mesa Playhouse Pledges to Keep the Curtain Rising

Costa Mesa, CA – (May 1, 2025) – Costa Mesa Playhouse (CMP), one of Orange County’s longest-running community theaters, will temporarily pause productions following the conclusion of Sweat by Lynn Nottage on June 8, 2025. This announcement comes on the heels of the Newport-Mesa Unified School District’s decision to terminate the theater’s lease of a building at Rea Elementary, effective June 29, 2025. The CMP Board of Directors is actively exploring all available options to secure a temporary venue for the conclusion of its 2024–25 “True Colors” season with Boeing Boeing, originally scheduled to run July 11–August 3, 2025.

Costa Mesa Playhouse has been a reliable tenant with a strong record of stewardship over the Rea space since 1984. Upon seeking further explanation regarding the decision to terminate the lease, the District expressed its appreciation of Costa Mesa Playhouse’s contribution to the community and explained that the termination was necessary to continue providing high-quality educational programs — both during and after the school day — and to plan for the upcoming academic year, requiring District use of the facilities. 

“We are saddened by the District’s decision, but acknowledge their right to terminate our lease,” says Mike Brown, President of Costa Mesa Playhouse. “We are grateful for their 40 years of support, renting us the space at a rate that allowed us to operate with significantly lower overhead than most theaters in the region. We are counting on the District to help ease the impact of this decision by continuing our partnership and assisting us in finding a new home. This will allow Costa Mesa Playhouse to continue delivering award-winning and socially impactful works of theater to the community.”

Since learning of the lease termination on April 17, 2025, the CMP Board has taken several steps to maintain operations without interruption as the playhouse approaches its 60th anniversary. They have advocated through emails, meetings with district trustees, and public statements, stressing the theater’s importance to Costa Mesa’s history and proud identity as “The City of Arts.” Furthermore, CMP has urged the school board to work in good faith, requesting a lease extension for adequate time to vacate, as well as support in the form of a temporary performance space and/or storage until a permanent location is found.

“The school board’s decision was untimely as we were prepared to celebrate our 60th Anniversary Season, including a Certificate of Recognition from Mayor John Stephens,” states Costa Mesa Playhouse Artistic Director Peter Kreder. “We had a remarkable lineup of plays planned, with rights and directors secured for several. Though the Playhouse’s future is uncertain, we are optimistic about finding a way to continue our partnership with the school district. Until then, we encourage the community and theater enthusiasts to show their support of Costa Mesa Playhouse by helping us sell out every performance of Sweat – the final show at our home of 41 years.” 

Community support will be vital as Costa Mesa Playhouse explores alternate paths, without the school district’s support, to preserve its legacy. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Costa Mesa Playhouse welcomes donations. 

As a cultural cornerstone in the City of the Arts for nearly 60 years, Costa Mesa Playhouse needs your voice now more than ever. This is not a battle, but a rallying cry — to the city, the school district, and theater lovers everywhere — to support our mission of continuing to bring award-winning and socially impactful theater to the community. If our stage has moved you, inspired you, or simply given you a place to belong, show your support on social media using #StandWithCMP.