NEW YORK CITY: The Pearl Theatre Company permanently closed its doors today at the end of the 2016-17 season, after 33 seasons of producing work. An email from the company says the board  “could not outpace the economic reality of operating a mid-size theatre company in Manhattan amid a crowded field of worthy causes.”

“Since losing its home at Theatre 80 on St. Mark’s Place nearly a decade ago, the Pearl has fought to keep theatre, arts education, and a resident company of actors thriving in its performance venue on Manhattan’s far West Side,” the email stated. “But, as with many of its peers in the arts community, the continuing pressure of maintaining real estate as a 160-seat non-profit theatre proved to be an insurmountable challenge for the company and its steadfast community of supporters.”

A representative for the company said no one is available for comment.