Call for Arts Organizations NoHo Afterschool Performing Arts Classes - Spring Session for Youth 7 to 16 years old

The Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) Performing Arts Division (PERF) is proud to announce an open call for performing arts organizations in the North Hollywood and greater Los Angeles area who specialize in youth performing arts education.

DCA invites performing and community arts organizations, both established and emerging in the fields of musical theater, costume design, performance instruction, and technical theater production, to apply.

To be eligible, organizations must have an existing body of students or a proven track record of engaging youth audiences. Organizations must be responsible for their own registration, marketing, and student outreach. Organizations must be based in the City of Los Angeles, preferably in North Hollywood.

The Lankershim Arts Center will provide location support only, serving as the hosting venue for the selected program.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The afterschool classes will take place Tuesday through Thursday for eight weeks from April 7, 2026, to May 28, 2026.

Time: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Location: The Lankershim Arts Center, 5108 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601

Participants: Youth Ages 7 to 16

COMMISSION

One lead arts organization will be selected by a peer review panel to receive a $2,000 commission to operate the eight week program.

Organizations may propose two to three classes in the following areas.

• Performance Arts including Acting, Dance, Vocals, and Dialects
• Design and Technical Theater including Costume Design, Set Design, Lighting, and Sound
• Stagecraft and Production including Stage Management, Filmmaking, Music Production, and Videography
• Marketing and Graphics including Graphic Design, Logos, Posters, and Playbills

Payment may take up to six months after project completion.

PROJECT SCHEDULE

Call Announced: January 20, 2026

Application Deadline: February 6, 2026

Panel Review and Scoring: February 11, 2026

Notification of Selected Organization: February 17, 2026

Public Registration Begins: March 3, 2026

Class Dates: April 7 to May 28, 2026

Dates are subject to minor adjustment pending DCA marketing and publication schedules.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Selected organizations must handle student registration and promotional outreach. Organizations are expected to share project involvement through social media tagging @dca-lnk. Teaching artists must provide age appropriate engaging instruction, create a clear instructional theme, and maintain a safe organized classroom environment.

Organizations must report behavior issues or incidents to staff immediately, submit proof of insurance through the City’s KwikComply system, ensure all instructors and staff are Livescanned and cleared to work with youth, and submit all required contracts, invoices, and receipts for payment processing.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

To be considered, applicants must submit the following by February 6, 2026.

1. Short Bio describing the organization’s history, mission, and experience in youth performing arts.
2. Video Sample up to five minutes in length showcasing work with children or youth focused programming.
3. Social Media and Press Links including active accounts, reviews, or community coverage.
4. Proposal outlining the classes to be taught including the session theme and a brief curriculum.
5. Business Tax Registration Certificate showing current registration in the City of Los Angeles.

Submit all materials via email to Dale Madison at dca-lankershimtheatre@lacity.org. Subject line: LNK After School Performing Arts Classes 2026

For questions please call (818) 301-6120.

SELECTION PROCESS

A panel of professionals in youth arts education and theater will evaluate submissions based on experience, quality of work with youth, clarity of proposal, community engagement, and readiness to manage registration and outreach.

We look forward to supporting organizations that uplift young voices and provide meaningful access to the performing arts and help grow the next generation of storytellers, performers, and creators in the heart of North Hollywood.

For questions, contact

Dale Madison

dca-lankershimtheatre@lacity.org

(818) 301-6120