by Chris Peterson
In Bakersfield, California, a once-beloved theatre has closed its doors—not because of a lack of passion or community support, but because of a damaging mix of licensing violations, financial mismanagement, and broken trust.
Stars at the Fillbrant Theatre have long been a staple of Bakersfield’s performing arts scene. Known for staging musicals like Matilda, Once on This Island, Hairspray, and Legally Blonde, the organization created a space where artists, volunteers, and audiences came together to celebrate live theatre. But this spring, everything began to unravel.
The trouble started when Music Theatre International (MTI), one of the industry’s leading licensing agencies, accused Stars of producing or promoting shows without securing the necessary rights. A cease and desist letter was issued, followed by a payment demand. Local reports and leaked emails confirmed that Stars admitted to performing an extra, unlicensed show of Legally Blonde. They began promoting Matilda before finalizing the rights, citing financial strain. They claimed Hairspray and Once on This Island were properly licensed, but by that point, faith in the organization had already begun to erode.
The damage wasn’t limited to one building. Stars had previously run a smaller black box space known as the Stars Theatre Playhouse. It was a vital part of the local arts ecosystem, operated by a dedicated team that formed the heart of the theatre’s creative and operational success. But that venue ultimately closed, a casualty of poor funding decisions made by leadership at the main organization at the Fillbrandt. Productions that had already been licensed for The Playhouse never saw the stage. Momentum was lost. Trust was gone. The entire operation collapsed.
The situation worsened when it was revealed that Stars hadn’t filed its nonprofit status with the IRS since 2021. For the many volunteers who gave their time and energy under the assumption they were supporting a legitimate nonprofit, the discovery felt like a betrayal.
“We love volunteering,” said longtime supporter Desiree Lorelli. “But hearing that they weren’t filing as a nonprofit felt like a slap in the face to the theatre community.”
This was no longer just about licensing. It had become a story of a theatre that overreached, failed to communicate, and let down the very people who kept it running. In an art form that relies on goodwill and transparency, the fallout was swift. The artistic committee resigned. The Stars Theatre Playhouse was shuttered. And the silence from Stars’ leadership only made things worse.
Their only public statement confirmed that they were in communication with MTI and promised more information soon. But little ever came. The lack of transparency left volunteers frustrated and audiences confused.
What makes the loss of the Stars Theatre Playhouse so painful is that it wasn’t just a performance venue. It was a launchpad for first-time directors. A safe space for bold, experimental work. A place where people found their voice and built lifelong friendships. And now, it’s gone.
Even more concerning is what this could mean for other companies in the region. Local insiders fear that MTI and other licensing agencies might be more cautious about doing business in Bakersfield. One company’s mistakes have the potential to cast a shadow over everyone.
It’s worth noting that while Stars faltered, other theatres in the region have continued to thrive. Four major local companies have pushed forward, producing legally licensed, community-focused work and demonstrating what responsible leadership looks like.
The story of Stars isn’t about greed. It’s about a company that took on more than it could manage and failed to build the structure it needed to support that ambition. One extra show. One missed filing. One more email ignored. And then it all came crashing down.
For the community in Bakersfield, this is a real loss. For theatres across the country, it’s a cautionary tale. Secure your licensing. Stay on top of your paperwork. Communicate openly with your volunteers. Because while audiences might forgive a missed note or a technical glitch, they won’t forgive a betrayal of trust.
Stars Theatre still operates a dinner-theatre venue downtown, but the closure of the Playhouse space sends a clear message. The damage is done. The leadership is gone. The heart of the operation has fractured. And the consequences won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
