An area landmark since its opening in 1926 (when it was a vaudeville house), El Portal Theatre is a living legend. Today, the venue stages dramatic, comedy and musical productions that routinely garner rave reviews. Out front, there's an eye-catching art deco marquee that lights up at night; a vintage ticket kiosk sits underneath it. The entryway is lined with framed show posters. Inside—thanks to a 1990s remodel—the theater has three performance spaces: the MainStage, with its 360 seats, the Forum Theatre and its 95 seats, and the Studio Theatre, which is the 42-seat venue used by Theatre Tribe. Parking is available in the rear, and the theater is extremely convenient to the North Hollywood Metro station. For pre- or post-show dining, a number of options are within walking distance.
The Whitmore-Lindley Theatre Center hosts many plays and other performances produced by community theater groups. It offers rental space for various productions and also has acting classes.
Theatre Tribe is a smaller theatre located along Lankershim Boulevard with the NoHo Arts District. It is a 38-seat playhouse that strives to merge the world of theatre with the intensity, speed and entertainment of films. The theatre was founded in 1999, and moved to its current space in 2002. The playhouse continues to showcase world premiere plays in its small, but charming theatre space. Credit cards are accepted and parking is free on the street after 6pm. Reservations can be made by calling the box office.
The Actors Workout Studio is located in the heart of the Universal Studios Lot and the numerous entertainment production companies that create film and television programs. It is run by actor's coach, Fran Montano, who has performed in dozens of stage productions, television and films. Montano is also a director and producer of stage and television. It is an environment for the beginning or professional actor. Classes at the studio include: scene building, cold reading, improvisation and on-camera scene study. Montano is a disciple of the Meisner Technique, a popular form of acting training and teachings. Classes are small and cater to each student's needs.
Road Theater Company is a playhouse that supports and nurtures new works from artists. It was established in 1991 and is committed to revitalizing the NoHo arts district with innovative plays and educational outreach. Past productions include Madagascar, White People and The Bucher of Baraboo.
Road Theater Company is part of the Lankershim Arts Center and is next to Gallery 800. The theater is a non-profit company and is maintained through the Actor's Equity Association. It houses 99 seats and has been awarded Drama Critic's Circle Awards, Los Angeles Stage Alliance Ovation Awards and L.A. Weekly Awards, to name a few.
Located in the NoHo Arts District, the NoHo Arts Center is a company of actors, writers, directors and designers, adults and children. Their mission is to provide theatre that is affordable, entertaining and provocative, to establish educational programs and special events, to create new and innovative works and to include the theatrical education of children. This theater churns out its productions throughout the year and have received awards numerous times.
Zombie Joes is a small, underground theatre group that has made its way onto the main drag of theaters along Lankershim Boulevard. It features plays that are a bit darker, a bit scarier and a bit edgier than the normal theatre. The troop continues to push the boundaries of showmanship and stagecraft with each production, featuring shows such as Urban Death and Schmutzigen Deutsche Kabarett. The theatre continues to win awards for its shows and frequently holds auditions for new troop members. Tickets can be reserved by calling ahead, but can also be bought at the door. Showtimes can be found on the company's Web site and parking is metered 'til 8pm.
T. U. Studios (Theatre Unlimited Studios) is located on the corner of Camarillo Street and Vineland Avenue. The space is used for popular cabarets, musicals, plays and classes.
This stage is a bit larger than most local independent blackboxes. Most season shows are cast through open auditions, and the space is also available for rent/sublease. Entrance and limited parking for the theater can be found at the rear of the building.
Los Angeles Women's Theatre is a unique experience with a small but dedicated work force in the world of women performing arts. The office is located on Cumpston and will give you all the information needed to begin your quest into the world of women's theater.
The Academy of New Musical Theatre is a theater company and teaching facility that opened its doors in 1971. It is located on Lankershim Boulevard near Collins. Its goal as a creative entity is to create new musicals. Professional writers, producers, composers and actors work together to bring new musicals to fruition and subsequently onto the stages of Los Angeles. It offers concert readings, festivals and arts conferences throughout the year. As an academy, it also acts as a higher learning facility, offering professional programs of study to writers, composers and actors alike. Rehearsal space is available for rent as well.
Located on Magnolia Boulevard, Actors Forum Theatre is a full-service theatre that has been in existence since 1975. It was founded by Audrey Marilyn Singer, and has been at its Magnolia Boulevard location since 1994. The Actors Forum Theatre has many productions throughout the year and its own acting company featuring a dozen or more actors. The theatre seats 45 people and is available for rentals for productions and other events.