INTRODUCTION
The Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) Performing Arts Division (PERF) is proud to announce an open call for Arts Organizations in the North Hollywood community who specialize in performing arts practices.
DCA invites performing and community arts organizations, both established and emerging, in the fields of musical theater, costume design, and performing arts instruction, as well as theater technicians versed in theater production to apply. All applicants must currently reside or work in Council District 2, already have an existing body of students, and be willing to register new applicants as needed.
The afterschool classes will take place at the Lankershim Arts Center, Tuesday through Thursday for eight weeks, from March 18, to May 29, 2025. This is a wonderful opportunity to inspire, captivate, and educate NoHo youth in the performing arts, thus enhancing the NoHo Arts District.
COMMISSION
Selected by peer-panel-review, one (1) arts organization will receive a commission of $2,000 to facilitate their proposed program, Tuesday through Thursday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. for eight weeks.
Organizations can propose 2-3 classes covering any of the following fields:
- Acting, Dance, Vocals, Dialects
- Costume Design, Set Design, Sound Design
- Light operation, Sound operation, Stage management
- Graphic Design (Logos, Posters, Playbills)
- Music production, Filmmaking, Videography
Awards may take six to nine months after the culmination of the program to disburse payment.
The deadline to apply is February 14, 2025. Please submit applications via email to dca-lankershimtheatre@lacity.org with “LNK After-School Performing Arts Classes 2025” as the subject line.
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
Afterschool Performing Arts Classes
PROGRAM DETAILS
- Location: The Lankershim Arts Center, 5108 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601
- Dates: Tuesday through Thursday, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., for eight weeks
- March 18, to May 29, 2025 (No classes April 14 to 18 for spring break)
PROJECT SCHEDULE
- Call Announced: January 31, 2025
- Application Deadline: February 14, 2025
- Peer Review Panel Scoring of Applicants: February 17, 2025
- Announcement of Commissioned Artists: February 21, 2025
- Registration Start Date: February 24, 2025
- Class Dates: March 18, to May 29, 2025
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
For this commission, performing arts organizations and instructors are expected to:
- Share their involvement in the project through their social media accounts, including @dca-lnk on Instagram.
- Provide quality, age-appropriate materials and instruction in the performing arts.
- Create a theme or focus for the instruction.
- Manage class space(s) in an organized, safe, productive, and engaged fashion.
- Document any undesirable behavior of youth participants.
- Report any incidents or accidents to Lankershim Art Center staff immediately.
- Provide insurance and register proof with the City’s KwikComply risk management system for your designated commission facilitation days and times.
- Ensure all instructors and staff in contact with youth are Livescanned and cleared to work with children.
- Provide all contracts, invoices, and receipts for commission monies paid.
- Applicants must live or work within the City of Los Angeles. Bonus points are given in the peer-review-panel scoring process for those who live or work within the geographic boundaries of Council Districts 2. Visit neighborhoodinfo.lacity.gov (link will open a new browser tab), enter your 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.
- Commissions are distributed to the organization after the project is completed in full. Payment may take about six to nine months after the culmination to disburse payment.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To be considered, interested organizations must adhere to the following:
- Short Bio (10 points):
A brief biography detailing the applicant’s experience in both performing arts and/or stage craft, with youth. - Video Sample (10 points):
A video sample link (up to five minutes) showcasing the applicant’s work with children, and as an artist or arts organization. - Social Media and Press (10 points):
Provide any links to social media accounts and any reviews, press coverage, or testimonials from previous performances or classes. - Proposal (10 points):
A paragraph explaining what performing arts classes you would like to teach, including your session theme or focus. - BTRC (Business Tax Registration Certificate):
The individual or organization receiving the commission payment must submit a copy of their BTRC.
For assistance in obtaining a BTRC, please contact Dale Madison at
dca-lankershimtheatre@lacity.org or by phone at (818) 301-6120.
SELECTION PROCESS
A review panel of experts will evaluate all submissions based on experience, creativity, ability, and professionalism.
Criteria | Full Point Value | Description |
Bio | 10 | A brief biography detailing the applicant’s experience in performing arts and/or musical theater, with an emphasis on work with youth in the NoHo area. |
Video Sample | 10 | A video (up to 5 minutes) showcasing the applicant’s work with children and their performing arts practice, highlighting style and teaching approach. |
Social Media and Press | 10 | Provide social media links, reviews, press coverage, or testimonials from past performances/classes. Active engagement is essential. |
Proposal | 10 | A detailed paragraph explaining the type of performing arts classes to be taught, including session theme and objectives. |
Location | 5 | Applicants who currently reside in the North Hollywood area (Lankershim neighborhood) receive full points; those from nearby areas may receive partial points. |
Existing Diverse Population | 5 | Applicants who have access to or currently engage with a diverse population of students will receive higher points. This ensures the program benefits a broad demographic. |
SCORING CRITERIA: 50 points total
We look forward to receiving your application and providing the NoHo community with an engaging, high-quality afterschool performing arts experience!