top of page

About TCLA

Below is additional information on how we got here and how TCLA has developed over the last 3 years. 

Founding Principles: 

The Guideposts That Inform Our Work:

Steering Committee:

Timeline:

Mission Statement

To serve and advance a vibrant and inclusive theatre community in Los Angeles.

Vision Statement

TCLA envisions a harmonious, equitable, and thriving Los Angeles theatre community.

From staff composition to board, from the membership model to program design, and from internal conversations to public engagement, TCLA is committed to being guided by, accountable to, and emblematic of these values:

  • Theatre and the arts are elemental to an informed, engaged, vibrant, and just society.

  • Our job is to:

    • serve, connect, encourage discourse between, and promote harmony among the people and organizations that make and support theatre;

    • listen to and adapt programs/services for the expressed needs and
      interests of our membership, our supporters, and theatre audiences;

    • advocate effectively for the investments, partnerships, and participation the LA theatre community needs to thrive.

  • We embody our commitment to equitability in theatre by:

  • welcoming and serving theatre makers and organizations of all backgrounds;

  • providing access to resources, programs, and services;

  • striving to include members of the organization in the decision-making process;

  • promoting hiring and leadership opportunities that reflect the diversity of the community and city we serve;

  • being responsive to the community we serve;

  • adhering to our “ground rules” as a framework for respectful engagement, in all that we do.

Twelve members of the Los Angeles theatre-making community came together voluntarily in commitment to the rigorous process of imagining, negotiating, and setting goal posts for a new theatre service organization. This group included both independent theatre workers and leaders of organizations and institutions from small to large; individuals representing a mix of generational, ethnic, racial, and gender identities and experiences; and a range of vocations, skills, career paths, and expertise that collectively represent the diversity of the local theatre ecosystem. 

​

The initial Steering Committee was comprised of the following individuals:

  • Armando Molina, Artistic Director, Company of Angels

  • Celia Mandela Rivera, Actor, Director, Creator of BLKLST, Literary Manager, IAMA Theatre Company

  • Cricket Myers, Independent Sound Designer

  • Danny Feldman, Producing Artistic Director, Pasadena Playhouse

  • DeLanna Studi, Actor and Playwright

  • Donna Simone Johnson, Co-Artistic Director, Watts Village Theatre Company

  • Jessica Kubzansky, Artistic Director, Boston Court Pasadena

  • Mayank Keshaviah, Independent Writer and Theatre Critic

  • Michaela Bulkley, Independent Theatre Producer and Administrator (Michaela is transitioning off the Steering Committee and will now be the Admin Coordinator). 

  • Snehal Desai, Artistic Director, Center Theatre Group

  • Stefanie Lau, Producing Artistic Leader, Artists at Play

  • March 30, 2021 - 31st Annual Ovation Awards livestreamed 

  • April 2, 2021 - LA STAGE Alliance announces it is shutting down 

  • April 13, 2021 - Leaving LASA Town Hall 

  • August 2021 - Steering Committee members come together to discuss next steps and approach NSI for support to hire a consultant to lead the process of discovery for a new LA Theatre Service Organization.  

  • September 2021 - LA Anti-Racist Theatre Standards released

  • December 2021 - Nancy Berglass hired as consultant 

  • May 2022 - Funding received and meetings started with consultant 

  • March 2023 - Phase 1 completed 

  • September 2023 - LA Theatre Summit 

  • April 2024 - Phase 2 completed 

  • November 2024 - Admin Coordinator hired, field mapping and theatre listing website started. 

bottom of page