CREATEInclusively broadening the population of American Theatre practitioners
Having a viable career in the Performing Arts in America demands adhering to a conforming schedule. This prevents certain portions of the population (maybe as much as 10% in Los Angeles) who would otherwise be included in the field/industry, from choosing this as a profession, or mandates choosing against several factors of familial traditions and cultures, thus creating more mandated assimilation in order to tell this populations' stories on the stage. We work to create space for these stories to exist within the American pantheon.
What is the primary issue area that your application will impact?
Access to Creative Industry Employment (sponsored by the Snap Foundation)
In which areas of Los Angeles will you be directly working?
East LA
San Fernando Valley
West LA
South Bay
In what stage of innovation is this project, program, or initiative?
Pilot or new project, program, or initiative
What is your understanding of the issue that you are seeking to address?
There is a significant portion of the population that does not consider a career in the performing arts, and theatre in particular, because it is in conflict, schedule-wise even more so than ideologically, with family values, traditions and customs. This schism is not necessary, however there is an overwhelming conformity to schedule and time demands, that can balance this divide more positively, and allow space for greater mutual understanding and collaboration among otherwise separated cultures, and open the possibility for previously silenced stories. This does not exist in Los Angeles, and does not exist in an equitably and economically viable format anywhere that we are aware of in the United States.
Describe the project, program, or initiative this grant will support to address the issue.
To set the schedule, and build on a community-centered approach to theatrical production and inclusiveness. A true democracy of those constituting the membership of the company. We will be able to develop works with the aim of creating a sustainable company in Los Angeles, home to these diverse populations, and also one of the top three cities for theatrical production on the continent.
Describe how Los Angeles County will be different if your work is successful.
We will understand what is going on in our neighbors' communities, and we can work together to find where a middle ground is, not being mediated by the norms established by the 40-hour assembly line work week, or other structures that may not arise from the population themselves. This will expand the richness and inclusive tapestry of Los Angeles cultural expression and storytelling.
What evidence do you have that this project, program, or initiative is or will be successful, and how will you define and measure success?
When talented and silenced storytellers do not give up their passion and ambition to create in the theatrical space, while also maintaining the integrity of their family life, we will have increased peace and understanding, which is the aim of theatre implicitly.
Approximately how many people will be impacted by this project, program, or initiative?
Direct Impact: 100
Indirect Impact: 2,500