The Basement Dance Center is located below the AMP Rehearsal space and has limited signage, so first-time visitors would do well to look for the AMP signs and ask to be pointed in the right direction. Twenty-four-hour studio rentals are available here, for everything from rehearsal and audition space to private events and kids' parties. It's a favorite spot for professional dance and TV/film industry use. Adult and youth dance classes are offered as well.
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.
Mad Dog Video is a full service field production company. They offer professional crews, a production studio, High Definition film and digital media, an art department and more. To learn more, check out their website.
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.
Set Masters is owned by Proptology FX, which was founded in 2001. Set Masters and Proptology FX merged to provide an expansive list of services for clients. It is a "one-stop shop" for custom design and fabrication props and sets for the film industry. It works with interior designers, event planners and architectural firms as well. It specializes in creating and renting out props, effects, custom designs and scenery for the motion picture industry and to independent producers. Its film work includes Iron Man, Starship Dave, The Prestige and The Island.
Sterling's Upstairs at The Federal is a supper club and nighttime entertainment venue offering dining, dancing and music for patrons. Its features include a full bar, a private patio, state-of-the-art production equipment and a thrust proscenium stage. Many of its performers are award-winning Broadway veterans.
The Lankershim Arts Center is located along Lankershim Boulevard in the heart of the NoHo Arts District. This large, historic space is home to the Road Theatre Company, Gallery 800 and other art programs based in North Hollywood. It was built in 1939 and was a department of water and power building, and has since become a staple in the NoHo arts community and continues to be a place where new artists can be seen. The large gallery space can be rented, as can the smaller theater space that seats 42. The building is a registered cultural landmark and continues to be a place of inspiration to many artists throughout the area. Parking can be found in the rear or on the street at meters.
Alley Cats provides prop rentals for the entertainment industry. The company’s warehouse is located in North Hollywood's industrial section, and has a wide and colorful range of functional prop pieces. Alley Cats specializes in amusement park and recreational props and set pieces.
Customers filming a project for television or films can speak with one of the company’s prop experts.
Deaf West Theatre is a stage venue, featuring a number of productions throughout the year. Its mission is to promote the arts, especially in the deaf community. Its products are featured in spoken English and American Sign Language.
The Sherry Theater is a performing arts venue founded by Scott Haze and Lukas Behnken. It hosts live music, theatre performances, film screening and festivals. Named after Haze's mother, the venue can be rented for audio recordings, photo shoots, special events, auditions, rehearsals and classes.
The Antaeus Company and Academy are located at the Deaf West Theater on Lankershim and Otsego. It is a classical theater ensemble and school made up of actors, directors and producers who are all lovers of classical theater works. What started out in 1991 with just 36 actors is now a premier theater company in the heart of the NoHo Arts District with over 100 actors and directors who produce new classical theater pieces every year. In tandem, actors from all over come here to study and fine-tune their classical acting skills and add to their repertoire. Bringing their love of theater into local High School classroom has also been a cornerstone of its mission as a theater arts company. Its outreach programs have brought ensemble members into schools for close to 20 years now
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.