LA Stage Alliance

LA Stage Alliance is a non-profit organization that serves as a hub for the Los Angeles theater community, providing resources, support, and advocacy for theater companies, playwrights, and actors. Founded in 1975, the organization has been a driving force behind the growth and development of the Los Angeles theater scene, working closely with institutions like the Mark Taper Forum, Geffen Playhouse, and Center Theatre Group. With a strong focus on promoting and celebrating the work of Los Angeles-based theater artists, the organization has built partnerships with key players like the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, California Arts Council, and National Endowment for the Arts.

● History

The history of the organization dates back to 1975, when a group of Los Angeles-based theater professionals, including Gordon Davidson and Nina Foch, came together to form an alliance that would support and promote the local theater community. Over the years, the organization has undergone several transformations, with key milestones including the establishment of the Ovation Awards in 1989, which recognize excellence in Los Angeles theater, and the launch of the LA Stage Times publication, which provides news, reviews, and features on the Los Angeles theater scene. The organization has also worked closely with other Los Angeles-based arts organizations, such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Opera, and Los Angeles Master Chorale, to promote the city's vibrant cultural landscape.

● Mission and Programs

The mission of the organization is to foster a vibrant and diverse Los Angeles theater community, providing resources, support, and advocacy for theater companies, playwrights, and actors. To achieve this mission, the organization offers a range of programs and services, including the Ovation Awards, which recognize excellence in Los Angeles theater, and the LA Stage Alliance internship program, which provides opportunities for emerging theater professionals to gain experience and build connections in the industry. The organization also partners with other Los Angeles-based arts organizations, such as the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Pasadena Playhouse, and East West Players, to promote the work of Los Angeles-based theater artists and companies.

● Ovation Awards

The Ovation Awards are an annual awards ceremony that recognizes excellence in Los Angeles theater, with categories including Best Production, Best Director, and Best Actor. The awards are presented by the organization, in partnership with key players like the Los Angeles Times, Variety, and Backstage. The ceremony has become a highlight of the Los Angeles theater calendar, with past winners including Center Theatre Group, Geffen Playhouse, and Mark Taper Forum, as well as notable Los Angeles-based theater artists like Phylicia Rashad, Alfred Molina, and Annette Bening. The Ovation Awards have also been recognized by other Los Angeles-based arts organizations, such as the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle and the Theatre Communications Group.

● Impact on

the Los Angeles Theater Community The organization has had a significant impact on the Los Angeles theater community, providing resources, support, and advocacy for theater companies, playwrights, and actors. Through its programs and services, the organization has helped to foster a vibrant and diverse Los Angeles theater scene, with a strong focus on promoting and celebrating the work of Los Angeles-based theater artists. The organization has also worked closely with other Los Angeles-based arts organizations, such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Hammer Museum, and Getty Center, to promote the city's cultural landscape. Key partners have included the National Theatre Conference, Theatre Communications Group, and Dramatists Guild of America, which have helped to amplify the organization's impact and reach.

● Notable Members and Partnerships

The organization has a diverse range of members and partners, including theater companies like Center Theatre Group, Geffen Playhouse, and Mark Taper Forum, as well as notable Los Angeles-based theater artists like Neil Simon, August Wilson, and Tennessee Williams. The organization has also built partnerships with key players like the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, California Arts Council, and National Endowment for the Arts, which have helped to support and promote the work of Los Angeles-based theater artists and companies. Other notable partners have included the University of California, Los Angeles, University of Southern California, and California Institute of the Arts, which have helped to foster a new generation of Los Angeles-based theater professionals. Category:Theater