Introduction
The Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) Performing Arts Division (PERF) is proud to announce an open call for Performing Arts Organizations specializing in musical theater and technical theater for the 2025 Young Performing Artist Lab (YPAL) at the Lankershim Arts Center.
DCA invites performing arts organizations, instructors, and theater technicians with expertise in musical theater, technical theater production, and youth engagement to apply. Applicants residing in Council District 2 will receive additional points in the peer review panel process, but organizations from greater Los Angeles are welcome to apply.
COMMISSION OPPORTUNITIES:
Two lead arts organizations will each receive a $35,000 commission to operate one of the two camps listed. Creative Crew Campers (CCC) for ages 7–12 Teen and Theatrical Trainees (TTT) for ages 13–16 Programs will run Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. concurrently in the three designated spaces.
YPAL OVERVIEW
Dates: Monday through Friday, June 16, 2025 – July 18, 2025 (Camp is closed on June 19 and July 4, 2025)
Location: Lankershim Arts Center, 5108 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601
Age Groups and Tracks:
Creative Crew Campers (CCC): Younger Students (Ages: 7–12 years old)
Teen Theatrical Trainees (TTT): Older Students (Ages: 13–16 years old)
Time: Both tracks will run concurrently from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. utilizing three key areas of the Lankershim Arts Center (the Black Box Theater, the Gallery Performance Space, and the Mezzanine Studio.)
Description:
CCC (Ages: 7–12 years old): A fun and imaginative introduction to the performing arts, focusing on creativity and confidence-building through dance, voice, acting, costumes, stage makeup, personal storytelling, and comedy monologues.
TTT (Ages: 13–16 years old): A teen centric program focusing on the basics of acting, dance, voice, technical theater (lighting, sound, and video production), and stage management that is accessible to all levels of experience.
A culminating performance showcasing student achievements will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
DCA welcomes both established and emerging organizations, instructors, and technicians specializing in musical theater and technical theater production for youth. Applicants must be based in North Hollywood or the greater Los Angeles City area. Submit a complete application by March 8, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must provide the following:
- Short Bio: Detail experience with performing or technical arts and work with youth.
- Proposal: Describe the program you are applying for (CCC or TTT), including the performing arts/ theatre skills, lesson plan, and daily schedule. Additionally, we ask that the overall theme of the program–which in turn will also be the proposed theme for the culminating performance–be included in the proposal.
- Video Sample: Provide links to video samples (maximum 5 minutes each) showcasing previous work with youth or performances.
- Social Media and Press Links: Highlight relevant coverage or testimonials.
- Professional Images: Submit 2–5 high-quality images (these may be used for future promotional purposes, should the applicant be awarded the commission.). Photo/Video Release Form: Ensure all images submitted include signed release forms.
- BTRC (Business Tax Registration Certificate): Required for the organization receiving commission payment.
FUNDING AND PAYMENT CONDITIONS:
Two organizations will each receive $35,000 to lead one of the following: CCC or TTT program. The City of Los Angeles does not front-fund projects. The commission will be paid in full after the conclusion of the session, and when all contractual requirements have been met. Please note this may take up to nine months to complete.
SELECTION PROCESS:
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of experts based on the following scoring criteria:
APPLY NOW:
Submit applications via email to Dale Madison at dca-lankershimtheatre@lacity.org. Include “YPAL 2025 Application” in the subject line. Deadline: March 8, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. For more information, contact the Lankershim Arts Center at dca-lankershimtheatre@lacity.org or (818) 301-6120.
ABOUT THE PERFORMING ARTS DIVISION (PERF)
PERF serves as the heart of the City’s support of live dance, music, theater, film/ digital media art forms and culture. At the core of its mission, PERF produces world-class local programming, as catalysts for economic development, community engagement, and civic education and pride. When producing its programming, PERF uses an independent, peer-review panel and process to select artists who respond to calls, and who create and present programming across the City of Los Angeles.
PERF also offers Angelenos low-cost rental opportunities at six professional, DCA-managed performing arts centers and two public/private partnership theaters. The Performing Arts Centers are: Barnsdall Gallery Theatre (East Hollywood), Lankershim Arts Center (North Hollywood); Madrid Theatre (Canoga Park), Taxco Theatre (Canoga Park), Vision Theatre (Leimert Park), Warner Grand Theatre (San Pedro); partner-venues: Nate Holden Performing Arts Center (Mid-City), Los Angeles Theatre Center (Downtown).
PERF’s community-focused programming shapes attitudes, counters cultural
stereotypes, and inspires creativity. PERF|DCA original programming and performing arts centers play an essential role in the ongoing economic recovery and the revitalization of our City’s creative communities.
ABOUT THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS (DCA)
As a leading, progressive arts and cultural agency, DCA empowers Los Angeles’ vibrant communities by supporting and providing access to quality visual, literary, musical, performing, and educational arts programming; managing vital cultural centers; preserving historic sites; creating public art; and funding services provided by arts organizations and individual artists.
Formed in 1925, DCA promotes arts and culture as a way to ignite a powerful dialogue, engage LA’s residents and visitors, and ensure LA’s varied cultures are recognized, acknowledged, and experienced. DCA’s mission is to strengthen the quality of life in Los Angeles by stimulating and supporting arts and cultural activities, ensuring public access to the arts for residents and visitors alike.
DCA advances the social and economic impact of arts and culture through grant-making; public art; community arts; performing arts; and strategic marketing, development, design, and digital research. DCA creates and supports arts programming, maximizing relationships with other city agencies, artists, and arts and cultural nonprofit organizations to provide excellent service in neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles.
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