Meet Zeke Rettman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zeke Rettman.

Zeke, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Originally from Ohio, I moved to LA in the 90s after college to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. While having a decent modicum of success working on screen, I maintained consistent involvement in the small theatre scene over the years, acting and directing for the stage. Since 2000, I worked as the Managing Director at the Hudson Theatre. My wife gave birth to our first son in 2010, and for a few years after that my career flourished, primarily in the commercial voice-over world. But then as is often the story in this industry, the work slowed to a crawl. In 2012, our second son arrived, and in 2015, I moved with my wife and two sons to Ohio to raise our boys closer to family. I continued to operate the Hudson on a remote, part-time basis while also serving as the Executive Director for Opera Project Columbus. In 2019, the founder of the Hudson, Elizabeth Reilly, found love and marriage and was ready to step away from theatre ownership. I bought the business and moved my family back to LA. Our time in Ohio was wonderful actually, but this opportunity synced up nicely with a transition in our sons’ schooling, and we were excited at the opportunity to come back home and be theatre owners.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I had an amazing first year in 2019 as a business owner, and then of course, a worldwide pandemic threw a wrench in our plans. I had my family’s eggs in one basket, and the basket would remain shut down for over a year. Covid hit live theatre harder than any other industry. My job turned into navigating the offerings of government assistance and in particular the largest grant through the Save Our Stages Act. If not for that and a patient landlord, we may not have made it. Many theatres did not. We’re grateful to still be here.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Hudson Theatre?
The Hudson Theatre offers three intimate live stages for rent and a newly re-designed coffee shop lobby. We have been the home to some of the longest-running hit plays and musicals in LA theatre history. Our shows have gone on to Off-Broadway, national tours and have been made into major motion pictures. Our venue, staff, and services are top-tier for any project, whether it’s a one-night event or a long-running full production.

Pricing:

• $1,190/performance – 99-seat theatres
• $545/performance – 43- seat theatre
• $35/hour daytime rehearsal rate
• $55/hour evening rehearsal rate

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hudsontheatre.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hudsontheatres/