Spreckels Renovates Raw Space Theatre

Spreckels Renovates Raw Space Theatre

The Spreckels team and Tonight in San Diego are joining efforts to seek support from the San Diego community in renovating the Raw Space Theatre, once used as a USO and storage space, located on the west side of the iconic Spreckels building. The collaborative group has launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise $15,000 to help transform the Raw Space venue as an expansion of a national historic landmark and vital cultural center.

Geoffrey Shlaes, the Executive Director of Spreckels for over 40 years, who recently passed away in January, had a fervent dedication to the arts of San Diego and a passionate vision to utilize the Raw Space Theatre to its full potential. Prior to his passing, Shlaes had met with Fale Luis, the Executive Producer of Tonight in San Diego, a local variety late night talk show, to discuss working on a partnership and make Raw Space the new home for Tonight in San Diego’s live studio.

“I am absolutely honored that Geoff was open to a partnership and it has always been a dream of mine to have a permanent home for Tonight in San Diego,” says Luis.

It wasn’t until 2014 — in conjunction with the San Diego International FRINGE Festival — that Spreckels decided to start dusting off the accumulation of decades of dirt in the 3,000-square-foot storage space to convert and build out the Raw Space Theatre. The space currently consists of 100 auditorium seats, a 20×20 stage area, and a carpeted dressing room with a couch.

“We want to continue Geoff’s legacy and carry out his vision of the Raw Space,” says Spreckels’ theatre manager, Shaun Davis.

For more information about the Raw Space Renovation Kickstarter campaign, click here.