WINTER GARDEN, Fla. – The Garden Theatre in Winter Garden announced on Wednesday that it will be closing up shop after nearly two decades in business.
According to its website, the closure comes amid financial hardship for the theatre, which hasn’t been able to bring in enough funds to stay in operation.
Officials with the Garden Theatre offered the following statement:
“Since 2008, Garden Theatre has been a haven for artists, performers, and audiences alike. We have been proud to nurture local talent, bring stories to life, and foster connections through the power of live theatre. It goes without saying that the performing arts contribute greatly to a community’s quality of life. Unfortunately, rising costs and the challenges of recent times, including significant state budget cuts, have deeply impacted our ability to secure the funding required to maintain our mission.
Garden Theatre has been a major part of the West Orange community for 16 years. We are so grateful to everyone who has supported us over the years—our audiences, donors, volunteers, and artists. Your dedication and passion have been the heartbeat of this theatre, and we are honored to have been part of this community for so very long.
While our final curtain has drawn, the memories, friendships, and artistic achievements we’ve shared will live on.
Thank you for being part of our story and for allowing Garden Theatre to be part of yours.”
The Garden Theatre
The theatre was originally built in 1935, styled after a Spanish courtyard with “Romeo and Juliet” balconies, according to the city.
However, the Garden Theatre was renovated several times before it closed in 1963 thanks to the newfound popularity of television.
Eventually, the building was bought by the city in 2002, and it was restored by the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation before being reopened in 2008.
This year, the theatre kicked off its 17th season with a rendition of “Little Shop of Horrors,” though a volunteer coordinator with the theatre announced that the closure means it will no longer be presenting any concerts or movies scheduled for this weekend and beyond.
Sherry Colombero said her grandson had a lead role in an upcoming play at the theatre that’s now been canceled.
“I know he’s going to be devastated because he was so excited about this play and having one of the lead parts in the play,” she said.
Meanwhile, volunteer Rebecca Lewis told News 6 that losing the theatre is like losing an “integral part of the community.”
“This place means a lot to me. It’s a wonderful theatre, not only for young aspiring actors, but for actors who are already in the theater business,” she said.
News 6 reached out to the city of Winter Garden, which owns the Garden Theatre property. City officials say they were not notified that the Garden Theatre would close before the official announcement.
City Manager Jon C. Williams issued this statement Thursday, saying the city was looking into what the next steps will be:
The City of Winter Garden became aware of the Garden Theatre announcing its closure at the same time as the public. Although the City owns the building, the City’s longstanding agreement with the Theatre does not grant the City jurisdiction over its operations and finances. As such, the City did not have a role in the Theatre’s decision to close its doors. Currently, the City is looking into the legalities and ramifications of the closure and this process will take time. Meanwhile, what is certain is that the Garden Theatre is an important cultural resource for Winter Garden and Central Florida and the historical Garden Theatre will remain intact as a theatre.
Jon C. Williams, Winter Garden City Manager