The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have an unprecedented impact on the Los Angeles theater and performing arts community resulting in dramatic job loss from cancelled in-person shows, performances, concerts, and other public gatherings.
To support live theater businesses headquartered within Council District 13, the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) in partnership with the Office of Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell are offering business-stimulation contracts of $5,000 to qualified nonprofit and for-profit theater businesses, theater troupes, and venues that support theaters, to create online performing art experiences such as: theater workshops, community classes, play-readings, one-person shows, or edited versions of past performing arts events, etc.
Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell and DCA have identified $130,000 in Arts Development Fees to support the theater community in the 13th Council District. A limited number of contracts, up to 25, will be available through a peer panel review process to determine the awardees.
Funds may be used for operational costs such as rent, salaries, artist fees, videography, marketing, website administration, and other related costs incurred since January 1, 2021. As part of the business-stimulation contract award, applicants will be required to produce, present, or provide in-kind production support for one virtual, online performance, workshop, or theater arts event that is free and publicly accessible, on both the organizations and DCA’s website.
As the City advances into the less restrictive COVID-19 tiers, in-person productions can be possible and recorded for later virtual online performance, workshop, or theater arts events that are free and publicly accessible, on both the organizations and DCA’s website.
Theater businesses with fewer than 50 paid annual workers (including proprietors, salaried employees, and independent contractors) are eligible to apply below. Only one (1) application may be submitted by each theater business.
Eligibility Applicants must be either a registered non-profit or for-profit theater business, or a theater troupe or collective. Business operations must be physically owned or leased within the geographic boundaries of Council District 13. Visit https://neighborhoodinfo.lacity.org/ (link will open a new browser tab), enter your headquarters’/theater’s physical street address in the search field, and click on “FIND.” In your search result, you should see your City Council District number and the LA City Councilmember’s name listed under Elected Officials.
This application contains: Forms (2) Attachments (3) Media (minimum of 2)
A complete application consists of answering the questions below and submitting the required documentation.