Summary
Organization name
Empty Space Productions
Tax id (EIN)
56-2370660
Address
5417 Woodmere DriveBakersfield, CA 93313
Welcome to the new home of The Empty Space!
Our History
The Empty Space opened its doors on January 2, 2003, and incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit the following year. Our theatre’s name is derived from the 1968 book written by Peter Brook, "The Empty Space: A Book About the Theatre: Deadly, Holy, Rough, Immediate", and specifically the first few lines of the book: "I can take any empty space and call it a bare stage. A man walks across this empty space whilst someone else is watching him, and this is all that is needed for an act of theatre to be engaged."
Our Present - Help us FIND OUR LIGHT!
We recently upgraded our venue and moved into a safer, bigger, and better space, but it hasn't come without challenges. While we continue navigating our new space, we are working diligently to fundraise at every opportunity to offset these expenses.
This year we're focusing our fundraising efforts on a new state-of-the-art lightboard. Our current equipment is almost 15 years old, and lightboards typically serve as a primary/master control system for around 10 years, with potential for continued use as a secondary or backup system for another 5-10 years. These systems can cost anywhere from $10,000-$15,000. We hope with your help to achieve a portion of that goal during GBK!
Pride and Prejudice directed by Kristina Saldaña. (2025)Our Future
Our goals remain simple and clear:
1. Create and maintain a safe and welcoming space for all who need a creative outlet and community to call home.
2. Grow our ability to showcase diversity and create art that represents all walks of life.
3. Continue searching for new projects to increase our involvement with community affairs.
4. Partnering with local organizations and businesses to increase awareness within the community.
5. Increase grant funding and donations to help offset costs and allow us to continue our work for another 20 years.
That's where you and Give Big Kern come in!
We welcome gifts of all sizes and every donation is vital to our efforts. Give Big Kern provides an array of extraordinary opportunities for you, your family, business, or organization to leave a lasting legacy through a gift. All gifts will be recognized with a display on our new member and sponsorship walls, in programs, and on our website.
The cast of "When I Was Your Age" directed by Mendy McMasters. (2024)Our Mission
The Empty Space’s mission is to provide professional quality live theatre to the community of Bakersfield and to create an opportunity for local actors, directors and technicians to work in a creative environment that allows them to express themselves and their artistic ideas while encouraging them to continue to study and improve their craft.
The cast of "Anastasia" directed by Andrea Vega. (2024)Our Board of Directors
Run by a board of directors consisting of dedicated members of the community, The Empty Space has grown into one of the premiere places to view live theatre in Kern County. Our all-volunteer board is comprised of experienced individuals who support TES with their time and talents. We are dedicated to bringing the experience of live theatre to as many people as possible, along with the help of our supportive and generous community.
To learn more about our board of directors, please visit us at esonline.org/ourboard.
Who We Are
Our Mission
The Empty Space’s mission is to provide professional quality live theatre to the community of Bakersfield and to create an opportunity for local actors, directors and technicians to work in a creative environment that allows them to express themselves and their artistic ideas while encouraging them to continue to study and improve their craft.
Our Board of Directors
Run by a board of directors consisting of dedicated members of the community, The Empty Space has grown into one of the premiere places to view live theatre in Kern County. Our all-volunteer Board is comprised of experienced individuals who support TES with their time and talents. We are dedicated to bringing the experience of live theatre to as many people as possible, along with the help of our supportive and generous community.
Our History
The Empty Space opened its doors on January 2, 2003, and incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit the following year. Our theatre’s name is derived from the 1968 book written by Peter Brook, "The Empty Space: A Book About the Theatre: Deadly, Holy, Rough, Immediate", and specifically the first few lines of the book: "I can take any empty space and call it a bare stage. A man walks across this empty space whilst someone else is watching him, and this is all that is needed for an act of theatre to be engaged." Today, we stand by our commitment to make sure theatre is affordable to anyone who wants to see it...
Organization Data
Bakersfield, CA 93313