Introduction
The City of Los Angeles 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 (YPALL) 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. Los Angeles-based organizations and artists with familiarity with the North Hollywood community are encouraged to apply.
LAB 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.)
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.
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.
APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
DCA welcomes both established and emerging organizations, instructors, and technicians specializing in musical theater and technical theater production for youth. Submit a complete application by April 13, 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:
| Completed Application | 3 points | All required materials submitted by the deadline. |
| Artistic Practice and Experience | 12 points | Demonstrated expertise in performing or technical arts with a strong background in youth arts education. |
| Proposed Program Quality & Curriculum | 12 points | Clear, engaging, and well-structured curriculum with detailed lesson plans aligned with the goals of either Creative Crew campers (CCC) or Teen Theatrical Trainees (TTT). |
| Creativity and Feasibility of Proposal | 12 points | Innovative approach to teaching performing arts or technical theater, with realistic implementation strategies. |
| Experience with Youth Development | 12 points | Proven ability to engage, inspire, and educate youth in a structured, supportive environment. |
| Social Media/Press & Community Engagement | 6 points | Active presence in the arts community, with promotional outreach through social media, press, or community events. |
| TOTAL | 57 points |
APPLY NOW:
Submit applications via email to Dale Madison at dca-lankershimtheatre@lacity.org. Include “YPALL 2025 Application” in the subject line. Deadline: April 13, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. For more information, contact the Lankershim Arts Center at dca-lankershimtheatre@lacity.org or (818) 301-6120.