Local theater group struggling after rent hike

EVANSTON — “I’m not trying to slander the city or anyone, but these are the facts: we can’t afford what they’re asking, we don’t have the funds or the capabilities. If we did, we would [pay them] for sure,” said Sagebrush Theatre President Katie Heckert about leasing the Strand Theatre for future productions after a rate hike. “I love theater and I think it’s important for our community.”