Good news for the San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre, theatergoers, and tree conservationists. SLO REP received a $1.5 million donation from local philanthropist Joan Gellert Sargen toward its planned new theater to be constructed on the corner of Monterey and Nipomo streets. Construction of the 215-seat mainstage and 100-seat black box theaters will begin this month and open its doors to the public in spring of 2028. And the 100-year-old oak tree on the property, which was going to be cut down until public outcry led to a risky plan to relocate it, is going to remain in place.
“Any one of these headlines would be terrific news. Having them all fall into place over the last few weeks is absolutely thrilling,” SLO REP Managing Artistic Director Kevin Harris said in a press release. “Joan Sargen’s exceptionally generous gift is icing on the cake. It speaks volumes about our donors’ confidence in SLO REP and the power of live theater to bring a community together.”
SLO REP’s board voted to keep the oak rather than move it to Mission Plaza. The tree survived an initial root pruning to prep it for relocation, but arborists decided the tree’s essential root system will not be impacted by construction. Δ
This article appears in Oct 1-8, 2026.
