Manuscripts, videos, administrative papers, photographs related to the Los Angels based Center Theater Group and its Latino Theater Initiative

From 1992 to 2004 Center Theater Group's Mark Taper Forum in Los Angels housed the Latino Theater Initiative (LTI) which was designed to provide access not only to emerging Latino artists but also to increase its Latina/o audience base by offering theatrical programming which was relevant to the Latina/o 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 Latinos/as 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

Publication Rights For students and faculty researchers of UCLA, all others by permission only. Copyright has not been assigned to the Chicano Studies Research Center. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Archivist and/or the Librarian at the Chicano Studies Research Center Library. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.