For nearly 15 years, the 540-seat Festival Amphitheater has served as home to Shakespeare OC, the only professional Shakespearean theater group in Orange County.  In 2003, the City entered into an Agreement with Tom Bradac (Bradac) to serve as the operator of the Festival Amphitheater.  As the theater operator, Bradac facilitated the variety of uses by different groups including the Boys and Girls Clubs of Garden Grove, United Methodist Church of Garden Grove, Strawberry Festival Association, Shakespeare OC and various independent users. 

In 2013, John Walcutt took over Shakespeare Orange County (SOC) and continued the summer tradition at the Amphitheater from May through September. Additionally that year, the City entered into an agreement with M&D Silva Enterprises dba Strawberry Productions, Inc. (M&D), to operate the theater from October through April.  M&D expanded cultural arts within the community by bringing movies, concerts and comedy performances to the theater and continue to do so.  Both agreements expire December 31, 2018.

In November 2016, the City received a proposal from the LFA Group, LLC, to manage operations at the Festival Amphitheater.  The attached proposal, offers both the addition of professional sound and lighting equipment and the promise of capital facility improvements, in lieu of rent, over a period of three (3) years.  While LFA Group, LLC, proposes to lease the Festival Amphitheater, staff will instead entertain a Facilities Use Agreement with LFA Group, LLC.  City staff has met with SOC and M&D about this proposal.  Both parties are supportive of the initiative, given the opportunity to realize significant technical and capital improvements at the facility.

LFA Group, LLC, has experience in the entertainment and restaurant industry, including the development of several night clubs, bars and restaurants, as well as concert promotion and concert venues.  Collectively, the LFA Group, LLC, brings more than 35 years of entertainment and food experience to the table and their experience shows that they are experienced operators.

There is no financial impact to the City's General Fund in the consideration of this Agreement. 

This presentation is to provide information regarding the LFA Group, LLC.  An Agreement will brought forward to the City Council for consideration at the meeting scheduled for January 24, 2017.