Education & Engagement

Since its founding, Center Theatre Group has engaged the next generation of theatre audiences, artists and administrators through educational programming, community engagement, and opportunities to experience the joy of creating theatre.

In 1971, with the help of a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Improvisational Theater Project launched, bringing theatre to schools and community organizations around Los Angeles. While CTG has always hosted students at our performances, in 2005, we launched the Young Audiences Program—now known as our Student Matinee Program. This program has since introduced over 113,6000 young Angelenos to the magic of live theatre.

Our school programming supports the great work of classroom teachers and inspires students to tap into their creativity. From our in-school Storytelling Residency to weeklong summer intensives for theatre educators, we support the practice of teaching theatre by providing opportunities and resources for schools. Through this programming, CTG supports the efforts for sustainable, innovative, and enriching access to arts education in schools.

CTG invests in the next generation of artists and arts managers through our Academy for Theatre Leadership programs. We are proud of our network of more than 1,000 professional development program alumni who participated in paid training programs such as the Student Ambassador Program, Apprenticeships, and Internships. We collaborate with higher education institutions throughout Southern California and work closely with our official education partner, East Los Angeles College (ELAC). As our alumni network continues to grow, we see the impact of this work extend through their flourishing careers.

CTG is proud of our community partnerships work, which has been largely focused in the Boyle Heights neighborhood, where our Costume and Prop Shop is located. Starting in 2014, we have provided free theatre-related community programs for Boyle Heights residents and other communities connected to CTG spaces. Programs include short play commissions, community play readings, and theatre-based community workshops and events.

Whether in the theatre, in the community, or in the classroom, we believe in the power of theatre to change lives and help every Angeleno tap into their creativity.