Carrie Hamilton Theatre
Hothouse
Furious Theatre Company

CARRIE HAMILTON THEATRE

Currently, the Playhouse is raising funds to complete an $8.5 million capital campaign to renovate this beautiful historic landmark theatre and rejuvenate the Carrie Hamilton Theatre, which was dedicated in honor of Carol Burnett's late daughter in July 2006. This performance space was designed to engage diverse audiences, ensure that live theatre is available to new audiences, reduce barriers to the theatre experience, and to sustain the art form through the mentoring of young and emerging artists. Existing programs taking place in the Carrie Hamilton Theatre include the readings series, Hothouse at the Playhouse; the Directors Lab West, which develops emerging playwrights, directors and actors; and artists- in-residence, Furious Theatre Company. With this theatre, Carrie's infinite passion for life and the arts will find a permanent home.

On February 19, Pasadena Playhouse announced that renowned architect, Frank Gehry, will begin a two-phase pro bono design project of the Playhouse’s Carrie Hamilton Theatre. Gehry generously volunteered his time and expertise in honor of his long-time friend, Pasadena Playhouse Board Member Carol Burnett.

HOTHOUSE

Hothouse at the Playhouse began in 2005 and has grown into an artistic home where playwrights can utilize the resources and support of the family here at the Playhouse. Each Hothouse project is tailored to the play's unique development needs, as determined by the playwright and director. For playwrights interested in the program, click here to see our submission guidelines.

We are proud of the work that has come through Hothouse at the Playhouse and are pleased to cheer on their successes.

Recent Award Winners:

MATTER OF HONOR
Winner of 2 NAACP Theatre Awards for Lead Male Actor and Producer for the production on the Pasadena Playhouse Mainstage in the spring of 2007!

RAY CHARLES LIVE!
Winner of 4 NAACP Theatre Awards including playwright Suzan-Lori Parks!

SISTER ACT the Musical
Winner of an NAACP Theatre Award for choreographer Marguerite Derricks! Performed on the Mainstage of the Pasadena Playhouse and went on to Arena Stage in Atlanta, Georgia.

Other full productions at Pasadena Playhouse:

LOOPED
CAN-CAN
OPEN WINDOW
AS YOU LIKE IT: A CALIFORNIA CONCOCTION

Full productions at prestigious theatres around the country:

ROCKET CITY by Mark Saltzman at Alabama Shakespeare Festival THE NIGHT IS A CHILD by Charles Randolph-Wright at Milwaukee Repertory NUMBER OF PEOPLE by Emilie Beck had a reading at Hartford Stage HOUSE WITH NO WALLS by Thomas Gibbons was produced by Robey Theatre Company
 

FURIOUS THEATRE COMPANY

Furious Theatre Company is an award- winning professional ensemble committed to edgy, innovative and original works. As our artists in residence, they offer full seasons of daring new plays in the Carrie Hamilton Theatre.

The company debuted in April of 2002 and rapidly produced five plays in 12 months, earning six NAACP Theatre Award nominations, two LA Weekly Award nominations, and numerous critics’ picks from the Los Angeles media. The company also received the Pasadena Arts Council’s Gold Crown Award and The Debut Award from Back Stage West.

In September of 2004, Furious Theatre Company and Pasadena Playhouse forged a multi-year partnership that brought them to the Playhouse as the resident producer in the Balcony Theatre (recently renamed the Carrie Hamilton Theatre), the Playhouse's 99-seat second stage. Furious Theatre Company’s work at the Playhouse has included the Los Angeles Premieres of Neil LaBute’s The Shape of Things, Yussef El Guindi’s Back of the Throat and Craig Wright's Grace, as well as a World Premiere Adaptation and two U.S. Premieres.

Furious Theatre Company is led by co-founders and Artistic Council members: Sara Hennessy, Shawn Lee, Vonessa Martin, Eric Pargac, Brad Price and Dámaso Rodriguez. Visit their website for more information.