Introduction to a New Era
In the early days of the pandemic, people found themselves engaging in activities they might not have otherwise considered, such as baking sourdough, tackling jigsaw puzzles, or exploring ceramics. For actor Alden Ehrenreich, this period of downtime presented an opportunity to pursue a long-held dream: opening a theater in Los Angeles.
Discovering Huron Station
Ehrenreich’s journey began with a Google search, which led him to Huron Station, a historic building in the Cypress Park district. Originally built as a service station for Los Angeles’ yellow trolley cars, Huron had recently been used as a wedding and event space. Four years ago, the latest owner transformed it into the Huron Station Playhouse.
A Space for Creative Expression
Ehrenreich’s vision for Huron is to create a space where artists can come together to share ideas and collaborate without the pressures of the entertainment industry. Inspired by creative collectives like American Zoetrope and the Actors Studio, he aims to provide a platform for artists to experiment and grow. "I think it’s very difficult for people in LA and for artists not to work in isolation," Ehrenreich explains. "The pressure of the industry and the pressure of their status can influence their work."
A Career of Versatility
Ehrenreich’s own career has been marked by versatility, with roles ranging from young adult drama to authorial dramas and even a stint as Han Solo in the Star Wars franchise. Despite his success, he remains committed to his artistic vision, seeking out projects that allow him to grow as an actor. "I didn’t investigate certain options that would have been very advantageous from a career perspective," he admits. "Instead, I’m more interested in the unit – I want my career to feel like me."
Recent Projects and Pursuits
Ehrenreich’s latest role is in the horror thriller Weapons, where he plays a sober police officer investigating the disappearance of 17 local primary school children. The film’s director, Zach Cregger, praises Ehrenreich’s performance, saying, "He can turn any material into gold and never be boring." Ehrenreich is also set to make his feature debut as a director, with a film he hopes to release in the near future.
The Future of Filmmaking
Despite the challenges facing the film industry, Ehrenreich remains optimistic about the potential for innovation and creativity. He believes in the importance of independent filmmaking, which allows artists to maintain control over their work. "I don’t know if I’ll make a few films that are shaky until I make a good one, or if I’ll be able to hit the mark straight away," he says. "But I know that’s the place where I want to go next."
Keeping the Fire Alive
For Ehrenreich, the key to success is staying true to one’s artistic vision. He quotes Francis Ford Coppola, saying, "They will be successful, and the same amount will fail, no matter what they do. So, it’s all about where they focus their attention." Ehrenreich’s goal is to keep the fire of creativity alive, both in his own work and in the community he is building at Huron Station Playhouse. "It’s not about being cool," he says. "It’s all about trying to keep the fire on life."
