El Portal Update
The very first edition of the NoHo News featured an article about the plans for the El Portal Theatre. If you recall, Actors Alley Repertory Theatre had worked out a deal with the Community Redevelopment Agency to expedite the renovation of the El Portal Theatre to create the only Equity stage here in the Valley. Since then, all the hurdles have been cleared and Actors Alley is at this moment moving into the theatre.
The following comes from an Actors Alley press release:
The distinguished non-profit Actors Alley Repertory Theatre (AART) broke the barriers of cultural controversy recently when the Los Angeles City Council voted 11-0 to provide funding for the first major live theater complex in the San Fernando Valley in more than 25 years.
A celebration is set for Saturday, April 24 with a 6:30 p.m. reception and curtain at 8:00 p.m. The West Coast Premiere of Stag at Bay will be performed as a staged reading featuring a star-studded cast of 18. This theatrical happening is open to the public and will take place at AART’s new home, the historic El Portal, located at 5269 Lankershim Boulevard (just north of Magnolia). Burt Remsen and Loretta Swit host this fundraising event.
“The Sneak Preview features a casual, informative, script-filled evening, highlighted by the staged reading. Veteran stage and television director Stephen Rothman has confirmed an impressive roster to date which includes Edward Asner, Peter Fonda, Leslie Easterbrook, Lee Majors, Wendy Phillips and Actors Alley’s own Walter Koenig.
“The funds from the Community Redevelopment Agency’s cultural fund will be used to renovate the historic El Portal theater, with the goal of turning it into a 600-seat, state-of-the-art facility. In the meantime, the troupe plans to develop the El Portal into two 99-seat theatres, which will qualify as Equity theaters, where performers are paid union wages.
“Approximately $300,000 is needed for the planned renovation. The CRA agreed to loan $300,000 to Actors Alley and provide a grant for $50,000 that must be matched by another $50,000 by Actors Alley.
“Actors Alley Repertory Theatre, an established professional theatre company, is dedicated to creating a regional theatre center, with a supporting environment for actors, directors, designers, playwrights and teachers of theatre. It has been active for over two decades in the San Fernando Valley presenting expert and acclaimed productions.
“The plans for the community outreach programming for the El Portal facility include programs such as a playwrights workshop for Latino playwrights, senior programs, improvisational workshops, children’s programs and an art gallery.
“Tickets for the Sneak Preview are only $50.00. For information and reservations, please call 818-508-4200.”♦