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Chance Theatre asks Anaheim for support as AB 5 and costs strain operations
Summary
Chance Theatre’s founding artist told the council the company opened a sold-out season and has created a $100,000 endowment, but rising costs and AB 5 classification of contractors have added financial strain and prompted a request for city support.
Erica Miller Nguyen, founding artist of Chance Theatre and chair of the Anaheim Culture and Heritage Commission, used public comment at the Feb. 4 meeting to highlight the theater’s recent sold-out season opener and to request city support amid financial pressures.
Nguyen said Chance Theatre opened its 26th season with a sold-out production of the musical Tick, Tick... Boom! and has launched the Sophie and Larry Scribe Eberhard Drachman Musical Theater Endowment Fund with an initial $100,000 gift to support future musicals. “This fund ensures that musicals will continue to thrive at Chance Theatre for generations,” Nguyen said.
She also told the council that California’s AB 5 labor law reclassification has increased costs by treating many independent contractors as employees, and that rising operating expenses have added strain on small arts organizations. Nguyen asked that Anaheim consider financial assistance to help sustain the theatre’s programming, education and community-engagement efforts; she suggested bilingual and free/low-cost offerings in parks and libraries.
Why it matters: Local arts organizations provide cultural programming, education and community engagement. Nguyen framed the request as a means to preserve local arts, educational outreach, and accessible performances for Anaheim residents.
Outcome and next steps: Nguyen asked the council to consider support; she provided website information for donations and said the theater’s season continues through Feb. 23. No formal council vote or budget referral was made during the meeting; council members invited written follow-up and acknowledged the request.
Ending: Nguyen thanked the council and staff for their time and asked the city to consider financial support for Chance Theatre during its recovery from pandemic-era impacts and under new labor classifications.
