Horizon West Theater Co. loses performing space

For the past five months, Horizon West Theater Company has invited the community to Two Bridges Pub, a local eatery in Winter Garden, to enjoy its monthly Pints & Performances. 

The pub became a place to gather, share their talents, have fun and most importantly, raise funds for a forever home. 

But Two Bridges Pub permanently closed its doors Tuesday, Feb. 3, without any advanced notice, forcing the nonprofit that was founded in 2018 to find a new place to perform. 

“As a local business, their approach and desire to wanting to support our nonprofit was immediate and community driven,” Horizon West Theater Company Vice President Jenny Teter said. “This approach aligned perfectly with the mission of Horizon West Theater Company, so it’s never easy to see a community business close, and their presence will certainly be missed.” 

Theater members are actively searching for a new venue to continue their beloved Pints & Performances series in Horizon West or Winter Garden. The funds from the event go toward its ACT 2 fundraising campaign, which consists of raising $150,000 to secure and renovate its new facility in Winter Garden.

In the meantime, Horizon West Theater Company members are looking for a new business or organization to host Pints & Performances. 

“We are taking this moment to rethink and relaunch the event in a way that works within a different space while still maintaining its original spirit,” Teter said. “While the closure does create a pause, it doesn’t change our long-term goal. … At the same time, we are exploring other creative ways to continue engaging the community while we work toward finding a home.” 

Teter said the theater’s goal is to create a mutually-supportive partnership where performers can bring arts programming to their partners’ spaces while also helping drive community engagement and support for their business. 

The nonprofit has raised about 60% of its goal.

“This level of support reinforces how much the community believes in the importance of a stable home for the theater,” Teter said. “A stable home means consistency, growth and long-term sustainability, not just for the theater but for the community as a whole. Our vision is for this space to be welcoming and accessible, serving a wide range of needs beyond our own. It would allow us to support education, collaboration and creative opportunities for others while ensuring Horizon West Theater Company remains a lasting cultural resource for the area.” 

While members of the theater are upset because of the unexpected closure of Two Bridges Pub, they always will value the strong relationships built with the staff and the amazing times they had at the eatery. 

“It’s always unfortunate to see a local business close — especially one that contributed to bringing people together,” Teter said. “Moving forward, we’re adapting, continuing conversations with potential partners and staying focused on our long-term goals. Moments like this remind us how important collaboration and local partnerships are, and we’re excited about what comes next as we continue building toward a home for us.”