Manuscripts, videos, administrative papers, and photographs related to the Los Angeles-based Center Theatre Group and its Latino Theater Initiative.

From 1992 to 2004 the Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles housed the Latino Theater Initiative (LTI) which was designed to provide access not only to emerging Latinx artists but also to increase its Latinx audience base by offering theatrical programming which was relevant to the Latinx community and reflected the diversity of the city of Los Angeles. One of the reasons why this program was so groundbreaking was that it created a specific space for Latina/o theater within a nationally recognized institution and helped to broaden the definition of American theater, as described in its mission statement, "By creating art works that are culturally based, the Latino Theater Initiative contributes to a broader definition of American identity while creating works and a new audience for the American Theater." Not only did the Initiative create an environment of artistic possibilities for Latinx people but through special events, workshops and off-site events worked to integrate the theater into the lives of its community members. Although the program was ultimately cut by newly appointed Artistic Director Michael Richie in 2004, its influence can still be felt throughout the Los Angeles theater community and beyond. Many of the artists who were fostered within the Initiative are now sprinkled throughout Los Angeles and beyond, and continue to create new work, run local theater companies, and work as scholars and educators.

30 linear feet

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Open for research.