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.
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.
Tremaine Dance Conventions is a dance program that is located centrally in North Hollywood. It can be found along Vineland Avenue, standing out with its unique white building and bright pink letters on the sign out front. It offers students dance training to prepare them for competitions and conventions all over the country. Tremaine's classes include tap, jazz, hip-hop and ballet. Prospective students must audition to become a part of the program and continually be dedicated to the classes to be a part of the team. For more information, visit the Tremaine website.
The Actors Workout Studio is located in the heart of the Universal Studios Lot and the numerous entertainment production companies that create film and television programs. It is run by actor's coach, Fran Montano, who has performed in dozens of stage productions, television and films. Montano is also a director and producer of stage and television. It is an environment for the beginning or professional actor. Classes at the studio include: scene building, cold reading, improvisation and on-camera scene study. Montano is a disciple of the Meisner Technique, a popular form of acting training and teachings. Classes are small and cater to each student's needs.
The Young Actor's Studio is located on the 2nd floor of the 5217 building along Lankershim Boulevard. It features classes for kids ages 4-18, as well as adult workshops and more. The space is divided into 2 studios, each with various spaces used for acting classes.
Previous students have included Shia LeBeouf, Scarlett Johansson and Samantha Mahurin. The school primarily focuses on enhancing and molding the talents of young actors through performance and training. The instructors are all professionals at their craft and are highly experienced. A full list of classes can be found on the studio's website.
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.
MA Yoga Studio operates out of a home in North Hollywood. To hear a schedule of classes and to get more information, please call the number provided.
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.