The Bulb Theater

Just what is "The Bulb?" 

The Bulb Theater is a dream that has been proposed by supporters of the arts in Gilroy. It is an outdoor performance space that would be created on the empty lot on the corner of Eigleberry and Seventh Streets downtown. A few years ago the city purchased this piece of land with the intention of building a new Cultural Art Center. With the downturn in the economy this plan has been put on hold, for now. In the meantime, the lot sits empty and overgrown. We believe a portion of this plot of land could be used as an outdoor theater in the interim.

Modeled after a similar project in England, The Bulb would use privy hedges (they grow quite tall quickly) along the back instead of stage curtains. There would be a "mote" dug out in a half-circle in front of the performance space, separating it from the audience and defining the space. Across from the performance space would be a level area for seating and a second slightly elevated area behind that. The ground would be planted with durable, drought resistant ground cover so it would not need mowing and would require little water. Audiences would be invited to bring their own chairs or sit on the ground. A few trees would be planted along the edges and the back to allow for some shade, and to be used as support for a few lights. In order to cut down on the noise level in the surrounding area and keep the grounds safe from vandalism, a wooden fence would be erected surrounding The Bulb. Individuals and organizations would be invited to adopt a portion of the fence, painting murals on the outside that would add to the charm of the facility.

The original theater in England

The Bulb Theater Mock-Up

Adjoining the proposed Bulb Theater site is the old Salvation Army building on Monterey Street. It is currently being reviewed as an interim center for the arts. When this is confirmed and the arts groups can take possession of this building, it will be used for arts related workshops, classes, a small gift shop, ticket outlet, rehearsal space, dressing rooms for outdoor performances, play readings, exhibits and much more.  Theater Angels is hoping to see this happen in December, or the beginning of 2010 at the latest.

This will require quite a bit of hard work and fundraising. But if there is one thing the arts community is really good at, it's making silk purses out of sow's ears! With help from the community we hope to be hosting many events there by next summer.

If you would like to become involved in this endeavour, please send us your name and email address so we can add you to the contact list. And, by all means, if you would like to donate money or goods or services, or just want to be kept in the loop, we would really love to hear from you.

Theater Angels Art League~ 7691 Eigleberry St., Gilroy, Ca. 95020 ~ Telephone: 408.847.1441 ~ Fax: 408.842.1019