Josefina López, founding artistic director of Casa 0101 Theater in Boyle Heights announced that Casa 0101 Theater is in danger of closing its doors.

“I opened Casa over 15 years ago. I started Casa to create opportunities for actors and writers and artists,” said Lopez. “This is the kind of place that I wanted when I was a little girl. I thought this would be my way of giving back to my community in Boyle Heights. But, unfortunately, we are on the brink of closing down because we can’t pay our rent, so we need financial support.”

Emmanuel Deleage, executive director of Casa 0101 Theater, added, “In an effort to save Casa 0101 Theater and keep our doors open, we have launched a fundraising campaign. We are looking for 350 people to become $25 monthly donors. It’s very easy to sign up on our website, http://www.casa0101.org/support-us. This will insure our financial stability.”

As of the end of January, there were 77 people who committed to make the $25 monthly donation.

“It’s very possible to do it but, without it, unfortunately we may have to close our doors,” Deleage said. “Over the years we have produced well over 100 plays, offered countless classes and presented many art exhibits. We invest heavily in our productions. Like many arts organizations, our theater is no longer able to sustain itself alone with our ticket sales and limited grants.”

Casa 0101 Theater currently is presenting “Brown & Out IV,” a play festival of 10 world premiere short plays celebrating the LGBTQ+ Latinxperience, on the Main Stage of Casa 0101 Theater, 2102 E. First Street (at St. Louis Street) in Boyle Heights on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m. through March 4.

Learn more by visiting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QA9mFetaKo and sharing the hashtag, #casa350.

Edward Padilla, president of Casa 0101 Theater’s board of directors, said, “I joined Casa 0101 because I believed in Josefina López’s vision, and because I saw an opportunity to inspire our local residents, our youth and parents, and to nurture self-confidence and emotional development in those outside our Casa walls. I think it’s a void we have helped to fill over the years. We want to continue these important programs for the betterment of our community.”