Martha Demson News

Open Fist Theatre Company will present the world premiere of A Froggy Becomes, written by Becky Wahlstrom and directed by Pat Towne, opening March 9 and running through April 13 at Atwater Village Theatre.

California Governor Newsom has signed a new bill to provide critical funds and support for the state's creative workers. Learn more about the impact of this legislation and how it will benefit artists, performers, and other professionals in the entertainment industry.

The California state legislature has passed SB 104/AB 104 trailer bills, reallocating $11.5 million in unused arts funding for SB 1116, a measure introduced by Senator Anthony Portantino (D – Burbank), which creates a payroll fund to support small nonprofit performing arts organizations (SNPAOs).

Discover the perspective of Actors' Equity on a proposed California bill that aims to provide increased support for nonprofit performing arts organizations. Gain insights into the potential impact of this legislation and understand how it may shape the future of the arts landscape in California.

Discover how the Colony Theatre has responded to crisis and embraced resilience in the face of challenges. Gain insights into their strategies and learn about the performing arts sector's adaptation in uncertain times.

Discover the compelling play 'Blood at the Root' by Dominique Morisseau at Open Fist Theatre Company. Don't miss out on this gripping production - find out more here.

A two day festival of new plays and theater-themed symposia is being presented by Stage Raw and Greenway Arts Theatre on Friday, June 30, 11:00 AM-10:00 PM, & Saturday July 1, 11AM-6:00PM, at The Greenway Court Theatre,  544 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036.

A two day festival of new plays and theater-themed symposia is being presented by Stage Raw and Greenway Arts Theatre on Friday, June 30, 11:00 AM-10:00 PM, & Saturday July 1, 11AM-6:00PM, at The Greenway Court Theatre.

Actors’ Equity Association, the Theatre Producers of Southern California (TPSCA) and Arts for LA have released the findings from a new independent study showing that California has lost more than 150,000 live performing arts jobs since the pandemic,

The SB1116 California Coalition, whose efforts led to the passage and signing of California's Equitable Payroll Fund, was honored with two major awards in April: The Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle named the coalition winner of the 2023 Gordon Davidson Award for distinguished contribution to the Los Angeles theatrical community, while Stage Raw bestowed its prestigious 'Queen of the Angels' award upon the group.

The Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle has announced the award recipients for 2022. See the full list here!

The Stage Raw Theater Awards celebrate excellence on Los Angeles-area stages. This year's Stage Raw “I'm Still Here” Theater Awards Party will recognize productions that opened in the calendar year 2022.

A little Daily Show, a little SNL... a lot of fun! Live on stage at Atwater Village Theatre, This Week This Week is Open Fist Theatre Company's weekly comic newscast, featuring a revolving cast of actors and special guest stars at every performance.

Founding Artistic Director of Ophelia's Jump Productions (OJP) Beatrice Casagrán, will receive the Gordon Davidson Award for distinguished contribution to the Los Angeles theatrical community as part of the SB1116 California Coalition along with Martha Demson (Open Fist Theatre Company), Vanessa Stewart (writer, producer, actor), Emmanuel Deleage (Casa0101), Teri Ball (Center Stage Theater), and Leo Marks (actor, activist). 

Founding Artistic Director of Ophelia's Jump Productions (OJP) Beatrice Casagrán, will receive the Gordon Davidson Award for distinguished contribution to the Los Angeles theatrical community as part of the SB1116 California Coalition along with Martha Demson (Open Fist Theatre Company), Vanessa Stewart (writer, producer, actor), Emmanuel Deleage (Casa0101), Teri Ball (Center Stage Theater), and Leo Marks (actor, activist).

The Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle has announced its 2022 nominees for theatrical excellence. See the full list of nominees!

An unusual coalition of management and labor launched a kick-off event on Friday, January 27 to secure budgeting for SB 1116, the groundbreaking arts funding bill that passed the state legislature and was signed into law last year, but remains unfunded in the most recent budget. See photos from the event.

Jim Leonard has published eight plays, including The Diviners, And They Dance Real Slow in Jackson, and Battle Hymn, with his theatrical honors including the Outer Critics Circle Award, an Ovation Award, the Dramatists Guild Award, and an LA Weekly Award for best play.

Directed by Ben Martin (Open Fist’s Under Milk Wood), the LA premiere of Anatomy of Gray is set for a November 19, 2022 opening at Atwater Village Theatre, where performances continue through January 21, 2023.

Senate Bill 1116, a measure introduced by Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank) which seeks to create a payroll fund to support small nonprofit performing arts venues (SNPAOs), was signed into law September 29, 2022 by Governor Newsom.