B8 Theatre needs help finding new Concord home

B8 Theatre Company, Concord’s only remaining theater group, has retained its small-town feeling – but it can’t seem to find a new home in our town.

In 1989, John Butterfield founded the New Urban Dance Company, the first ensemble group to offer a variety of dance/theater entertainment in Contra Costa County. A roster of 12 to 14 dancers performed for 14 years, and Butterfield also staged two full-length contemporary ballets.

Butterfield 8 Theatre Company began in 1995, with actors performing monologues to complement the dance pieces. From 2002 to 2004, they performed both separately and together.

After Butterfield returned in 2005 from a leave of absence to study in New Zealand, the company shifted solely to the theatrical works of Butterfield 8. The “nomadic” company performed at the Lesher Center, Town Hall Theatre and Cue Productions Live.

Butterfield returned to New Zealand to resume his studies in spring 2014, and Butterfield 8 lost its performance space. After a two-year hiatus, the group reorganized as B8 Theatre Company.

The troupe had new leadership, an expanded vision and a new temporary home in the old US Bank building across from Sugar Plum in downtown Concord. The company continued offering its classic twist on familiar plays and produced many world premieres.

However, B8 Theatre Company has yet lost another lease to new owners and development. As they frantically search for a new home, the Concord Historical Society is temporarily housing the next two productions. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” runs in June, with “Strange Ladies” in September and October.

The company is reaching out to anyone who may be able to help them find a new home, which this writer hopes is in Concord – or we’ll lose a diamond in the rough.

Let’s keep theater in Concord. Visit their website at b8theatre.org or call 925-890-8877 if you can help in any way.

Carol Longshore has been a Concord resident since 1950. She is a community leader and past president of the Concord Historical Society. Send comments and suggestions for future topics to editor@concordpioneer.com.