Is Los Angeles a Theater Town?
The question of whether Los Angeles is a theater town is often met with skepticism, particularly from those in New York and London who cling to outdated stereotypes. However, the reality is that Los Angeles is a city teeming with talented actors, many of whom are eager to hone their craft on stage. While it’s true that most actors in LA are focused on making it big in film and television, the city’s theater scene is thriving, with a diverse range of playhouses and companies that rival those found in more established theater capitals.
A City of Actors
Southern California is home to some of the most prestigious playhouses in the country, including the Mark Taper Forum, Pasadena Playhouse, South Coast Repertory, La Jolla Playhouse, and the Old Globe, all of which have received the Regional Theatre Tony Award. The Geffen Playhouse, once considered the entertainment industry’s local theater, has entered a new era of bold vision and integrity under the leadership of playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney. Additionally, companies like East West Players, the Latino Theater Company, Ebony Repertory Theatre, and Native Voices at the Autry reflect the cultural, ethnic, and racial diversity of the city.
A Thriving Theater Scene
While LA may not be known for its avant-garde scene, companies like REDCAT and CAP UCLA have filled the gap by hosting interdisciplinary performance work from around the world. The Getty Villa’s annual outdoor classical theater production brings a fresh perspective to ancient Greek and Roman classics, and A Noise Within has cultivated a loyal audience that appreciates the relevance of classical repertoire to modern life. Even A-list actors like Tom Hanks and Annette Bening have taken to the stage in LA, with Hanks playing Falstaff in a production of “Henry IV” at the Japanese Garden on the West Los Angeles VA campus, and Bening performing at the Mark Taper Forum, Geffen Playhouse, and UCLA’s Freud Playhouse.
The Lifeblood of the Local Theater Scene
Beyond the big names, LA’s theater scene is driven by a vast population of working actors hungry for opportunities to hone their craft. To meet this need, the city has developed an extensive network of small, independent companies, many of which operate out of 99-seat theaters. These companies, including Rogue Machine Theatre, the Fountain Theatre, Echo Theater Company, and Boston Court Pasadena, are the lifeblood of the local theater scene, demonstrating that heart and imagination can thrive even in the absence of large budgets and grand venues.
A Curated List of Essential Venues
LA is undoubtedly a theater town, albeit one that operates according to its own unique rules and urban logic. For those looking to experience the best of the city’s theater scene, a curated list of essential venues can be found Here. This list highlights companies that have been active in recent seasons and have a dedicated home, showcasing the diversity and richness of LA’s theater landscape.
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