Company of Angels at the Alexandria 

Company of Angels looks forward to occupying its new home downtown in the historic Alexandria Hotel on Fifth and Spring Streets.  The Alexandria was built in 1906 and designed by famed Architect John Parkinson who also designed Los Angeles City Hall, the Memorial Coliseum and Union Station.   In its heyday the Alexandria played host to dignitaries like Winston Churchill, Enrico Caruso, King Edward VII and American Presidents Taft, Wilson and Theodore Roosevelt.Alexandria developer Amerland Group headed by Ruben Islas will donate the black box space inside the Alexandria that will be home to future COA productions.   Amerland is in the process of restoring the Alexandria according to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties.  The Alexandria is an affordable housing residence for senior citizens and low-income residents of Los Angeles.  Company of Angels, in exchange for free rent, will provide the residents free theater workshops and discounted tickets to performances. We are excited to be a part of the revitalization of a central and historic part of Los Angeles.

am 

On Populism

Ever since I saw the iconic photograph of the Group Theater’s production of “Waiting for Lefty” with the actors on stage with raised fists and audience members on their feet mirroring the actors, I have felt that theater can and should move us to such heights of feeling and passion.  Today with Company of Angels we have an opportunity and obligation to make theater that directly connects us with our community and our nation.  I believe that this form of populist theater is by definition accessible, one that is simple yet profound.  A profundity that sheds light on an aspect of our life in America today, thus leading to a greater understanding of ourselves and each other.  I believe that our version of populism requires that we engage within the community we serve by creating stories with members of our community for the residents of Los Angeles.  This kind of participatory theater making will not only reinvigorate theater but also empower and give voice to portions of our society that do not have access to art.  The success of You Tube and My Space illustrates the hunger people have to directly participate in these social spaces, which only underscores the need for American Theater to become a similar vehicle for community expression.  It is this expression that Company of Angels will support with META (Mutual Education Theater Academy) projects in East Los Angeles in collaboration with the East LA Community Corporation.

A. Molina

Last week staff members (Dolores, Kila and Diane) decided to take a walk through the streets and alleys of Downtown – our new neighborhood.

Through the generosity of Gary Warfel, President and Jodi Nelson, Vice President of The Titan Organization (owners of the Grand Ave Club) and their commitment to supporting the arts in the community, Company of Angels has been given temporary residence in the Grand Avenue Club.

On Sunday, February 18th, from 1:00-5:00pm Company of Angels will host an Open House – Angels Come to Grand Ave. Scheduled events will include a tour of their theater space, entertainment in the Grand Avenue Art Bar, a sneak peek of their upcoming season, a viewing of a video history of Company of Angels, and a vibrant photo exhibit – “LA In Color” –all while enjoying appetizer fare and a glass or two of LA’s best spirits. Live musical performances by various LA artists including: Fish Circus, Rock Rose Gallery Musicians and the Undercover Girls.

According to Artistic Director Armando Molina: “We are looking forward to this residency, which will afford us the time to foster partnerships with the Downtown community through artistic development opportunities while continuing to deepen our vision of presenting diverse new works by established and emerging Los Angeles artists”.

For an updated list of the Open House activities go to www.companyofangels.org

Now in its 49th year, Company of Angels is the oldest repertory theatre in Los Angeles, which has provided a space for actors and other theatre artists to work at their craft free of commercial constraints. On November 30, 2006 they will be leaving their Silverlake location after 17 years.

Originally housed in Hollywood they were forced to move in 1988 when their theatre was destroyed by fire, and relocated to the Silverlake location in 1989. Over the years they have enjoyed producing a variety of productions ranging from classics to new works, while providing a space where their membership could cultivate the craft of acting, playwriting and design.

The Lyric-Hyperion theatre building has always had its complications–dated electrical and plumbing issues, a leaking roof and flooding. Yet despite these difficulties, the company managed to produce award-winning productions while developing a devoted audience.

Through the assistance of legal counsel, Company of Angels sought to improve conditions and after lengthy negotiations with the current property owner was unable to negotiate an equitable lease.

According to Artistic Director Armando Molina:  “With the support of a 13-member staff, and a 30 member company, we are positive that with this move from our beloved theatre we will find new and innovative opportunities to better serve the artists and residents of Los Angeles. With our shift towards embracing new work by artists from Los Angeles, we view this change as an opportunity to reinvigorate the company and it’s members.”