By Mary O’KEEFE

The Glendale Centre Theatre has been sold leaving many concerned about what the future holds for this historic property.

The live stage theatre, located at 324 N. Orange St., opened its doors in 1947. It established itself as the center for theatre, offering not only professionally produced plays but also provided the chance for many community members to spread their theatrical wings. For more than 50 years Glendale Centre Theatre productions of “A Christmas Carol” kept the story of Ebenezer Scrooge alive for so many theatre-goers.

“The Glendale Centre Theatre has been a home to me and my family for the last 15 years. The theatre allowed me opportunities to perform, write and direct several productions during that time. We’re all incredibly sad to see it go but thankful for the memories, relationships and experiences we’ve been given. It was truly a one-of-a-kind theatre, and I’m excited to apply everything I learned into future theatrical endeavors,” said Carter Thomas, a Crescenta Valley High School graduate who was part of several productions at Glendale Centre Theatre.

COVID-19 had delivered a blow to live theatre with many closing their doors forever. With the pandemic and other issues plaguing the Centre Theatre the owner decided to put the historic, and family run, business up for sale.

Recently National Properties announced the theatre had been sold, which launched a series of rumors on social media.

“I never authorized anyone to post [information] about the theatre,” said Arthur Ambarachyan of National Properties.

Some of the information being shared on the internet included fears the building would be demolished. This is something that has concerned both Ambarachyan and the former owner.

“That is all false information,” Ambarachyan said. “The person who purchased the [theatre] is an investor not a developer.”

He added there had to be a lot of work done inside the theatre prior to its sale, and more work will need to be completed before it is able to open its doors again.

“We have been trying to do everything in a mindful way,” he said. “There is a lot of charm [with the theatre].”

He is hoping the speculation on what will happen to the building calms down when the new owner takes possession.

“I can’t tell the future but all indications I have been told is [it will] remain a theatre,” he added.