Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater

Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater. Commonly known as REDCAT, it is a prominent contemporary arts venue located within the Walt Disney Concert Hall complex in Los Angeles. Founded through a major gift from Roy E. Disney and his wife, the philanthropist Edna Disney, the theater serves as the public center for the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). Its mission is to present groundbreaking international work in visual arts, performance, film, and literature.

History and founding

The theater was conceived in the late 1990s as a key component of the cultural revitalization of Downtown Los Angeles, anchored by the construction of the Walt Disney Concert Hall. A transformative gift from Roy E. Disney, nephew of Walt Disney and longtime board member of The Walt Disney Company, and his wife Edna Disney provided the foundational funding. Their donation specifically supported the creation of a public-facing venue for California Institute of the Arts, an institution Roy E. Disney had been deeply involved with since its founding. REDCAT opened to the public in November 2003, coinciding with the completion of the concert hall designed by Frank Gehry. The venue was named in honor of its principal benefactors, cementing their legacy in supporting avant-garde arts.

Architecture and design

The theater and its adjacent gallery were designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry, who also designed the encompassing Walt Disney Concert Hall. In deliberate contrast to the hall's soaring stainless steel curves, REDCAT's interior is a flexible, industrial-style black box theatre. The design prioritizes versatility, with movable seating and staging that can be reconfigured for a wide array of events, from experimental plays and dance to film screenings and multimedia installations. The entrance is located slightly below street level, fostering an intimate and accessible atmosphere. The connected gallery space hosts visual art exhibitions, often featuring work by international artists and California Institute of the Arts faculty and alumni.

Programming and artistic mission

REDCAT’s programming is dedicated to presenting innovative and interdisciplinary contemporary art from across the globe. Under the leadership of its executive director and curator, the venue has established a reputation for showcasing cutting-edge performance art, dance, theatre, and new music. Its film program, curated by the esteemed Steve Anker, highlights avant-garde cinema and documentary work. The mission explicitly focuses on artists who are pushing the boundaries of their form, providing a crucial platform in Los Angeles for work that might not otherwise be seen in mainstream commercial venues. This includes frequent international collaborations and festivals that bring global perspectives to the city's arts scene.

REDCAT as part of CalArts and The Walt Disney Company

REDCAT operates as the professional presenting arm of California Institute of the Arts, though it is housed in a building owned by the Los Angeles Music Center. This unique position bridges the educational mission of the school with the cultural infrastructure of the city. While funded in part by an endowment from the Disney family and receiving support from The Walt Disney Company Foundation, REDCAT maintains full artistic independence. It serves as a vital bridge for CalArts students and alumni, offering professional opportunities and exposure. The relationship underscores the Disney family's longstanding patronage of experimental arts, distinct from the mainstream entertainment associated with the Walt Disney Studios.

Notable productions and artists

Since its opening, REDCAT has hosted a formidable roster of influential artists and world premieres. Notable productions have included works by pioneering choreographers like William Forsythe and Mikhail Baryshnikov, and experimental theatre from companies such as The Builders Association and Theatre of the Oppressed. The venue has been a key site for presentations by visual artists including Matthew Barney and Pipilotti Rist. Its annual International Children’s Film Festival and the NOW Festival for new performance are signature events. REDCAT has also premiered significant works by composers such as John Zorn and has hosted residencies for groundbreaking ensembles like the Kronos Quartet.

Category:Theatres in Los Angeles Category:California Institute of the Arts Category:Frank Gehry buildings Category:2003 establishments in California