Center Theatre Group Creates an 'It Gets Better' Video

In response to the increase in the numbers of student suicides stemming from anti-gay bullying, Center Theatre Group (CTG) is releasing a video for the It Gets Better Project. CTG staff members, including Artistic Director Michael Ritchie and Managing Director Charles Dillingham, share personal stories from childhood in a message of support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth.

"Our mission statement is quite clear," says CTG's Artistic Director Michael Ritchie. "CTG serves the diverse audiences of Los Angeles, and this includes the 25,000 students from across Southern California who come to our theatres every year."

In September 2010, the It Gets Better Project was created by syndicated columnist and author Dan Savage to inspire hope for young people facing harassment. The Web site ItGetsBetterProject.org boasts over 5,000 user-created videos including President Obama, Hillary Clinton, Anne Hathaway, Colin Farrell, the Broadway community and staffs of Google and Facebook.

CTG's video was commissioned by CTG's Education and Community Partnership department and created by documentary filmmaker Aleigh Lewis. It includes music by the band Live Footage. CTG's video is available on CenterTheatreGroup.org or YouTube.com/CTGedu. It can also be found on ItGetsBetterProject.org.

CTG's three stages - the Mark Taper Forum, the Ahmanson Theatre and Kirk Douglas Theatre - have produced over 50 shows for the Los Angeles community that have gone on to Broadway. CTG's school matinee performances give students the opportunity to see Broadway-caliber shows, and for many it is their first experience with live theatre. This year, CTG celebrates the 40th anniversary of its education programs for Los Angeles' youth.