Theatre of NOTE

Theatre of NOTE. A major force in the Los Angeles small theatre scene, it is a writer-driven ensemble company founded in 1981. Operating from a 99-seat venue on Hollywood's North Cahuenga Boulevard, it is renowned for producing original, provocative works and cultivating new playwrights. The theatre has garnered critical acclaim, including multiple Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards and Ovation Awards, establishing a lasting legacy in American theatre.

History

The company was formed in 1981 by a collective of artists seeking an alternative to the commercial theatre landscape of Los Angeles. Early years involved performing in various found spaces before establishing a permanent home. A significant chapter began with the 1985 production of The War at Home, which won the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Production and transferred to Off-Broadway, bringing national attention. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, under the leadership of various artistic directors, it solidified its reputation for risk-taking and innovation. The company has maintained its core mission as a writer-driven ensemble for over four decades, navigating the evolving challenges of Los Angeles theatre.

Productions and artistic focus

The artistic focus is squarely on the development and production of original, often experimental, works by emerging and established playwrights. Notable productions include the long-running hit Poona the Fuckdog and Other Plays for Children by Jeff Goode, the Ovation Award-winning The Eight: Reindeer Monologues by Jeff Goode, and the critically acclaimed The Beard by Michael McClure. The theatre's annual "Hollywood Fringe Festival" offerings are a staple of the event. Its repertoire frequently explores dark comedy, satire, and socially relevant themes, distinguishing it within the Los Angeles theatre community.

Company and organization

The organization is structured as a collective of member artists, including actors, directors, writers, and designers, who govern the theatre's operations. Key leadership has included artistic directors such as Kiff Scholl and James Carey. The company operates on a non-profit model, relying on box office revenue, grants, and donations. Membership is selective, with artists contributing to all aspects of production and administration. This collaborative model fosters a distinctive ensemble aesthetic and a deep commitment to its writer-driven mission, ensuring artistic control remains with the practicing artists.

Venue and facilities

The permanent home is a 99-seat black box theatre located at 1517 North Cahuenga Boulevard in Hollywood. This intimate space allows for flexible staging and close audience interaction, ideal for the theatre's experimental work. The facility includes a lobby, dressing rooms, and basic technical capabilities. Its location in the heart of Hollywood places it within a vibrant cultural district alongside other notable venues like the Complex Hollywood and The Actors' Gang Theatre. The venue itself has become a recognized landmark for Off-Off-Broadway-scale work in Los Angeles.

Recognition and impact

The theatre has received sustained critical recognition, including numerous Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards, Ovation Awards, and LA Weekly Theater Awards. It has been instrumental in launching the careers of playwrights like Jeff Goode and directors who have moved on to major regional theatres, film, and television. Its commitment to original work has significantly influenced the Los Angeles small theatre ecosystem, providing a vital platform for new voices. The company's longevity and consistent quality have cemented its status as an indispensable institution within American theatre.

Category:Theatres in Los Angeles Category:Off-Off-Broadway theatres Category:Theatre companies in Los Angeles Category:Performing arts organizations established in 1981