Stageworks

Breaking into L.A. theater on, off and around the stage

Comments (0) By Bryce P. Coleman Wednesday, Aug 11 1999

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"We like to get kids when they’re little, so then they have experiences other than those that they’ve grown up around," Curran says intently. "When peer pressure really kicks in, they have alternatives because of the positive experience."

The project’s success rate is high by any standard. Curran estimates that only about 1 percent drop out, and they currently have five graduates attending college, three of whom are on full scholarships. For the future, this determined former New Yorker envisions the Virginia Avenue Project having its own facility with an area for classrooms and a perform-ance hall. For now, she’s thrilled at developing a new generation of theater lovers.

For more information on careers in the theater:

Volunteer Usher Programs: Tony Peraino at the Geffen Playhouse, (310) 208-6500; Sylvia at Knightsbridge Theater, (626) 440-0894.

Paid Script Reading: Matt Almos at A.S.K. Theater Projects (e-mail malmos@askplay.org); Literary Department at the Mark Taper Forum, (213) 972-7574. Internships: Terry LeMonchek at Center Theater Group, (213) 972-7534; Jennifer Moss at A Noise Within, (818) 240-1540. Set Construction/Design: SetsToGo, (818) 890-7500; Scenic Arts, (818) 767-6568. Outreach Programs: Leigh Curran at Virginia Avenue Project, (310) 828-7443; Jon White-Spunner at 24th Street Theater, (213) 745-6516. On-line: Big Cheap Theater bulletin board (e-mail theater@corpworks.com — "subscribe" in subject box); Theater L.A. Web site (www.theatrela.org).

And last, but not least, call your local theater company — they always need bodies.