THE 51 ESSENTIAL THEATER VENUES IN SOCAL

WITH SEVERAL PLAYHOUSES CREATING SOME OF THE MOST ORIGINAL WORKS IN THE INDUSTRY AND A DEEP TALENT POOL TO DRAW FROM, THE STAGE IS SET FOR A VIBRANT SCENE

- BY CHARLES MCNULTY, JESSICA GELT AND KEVIN CRUST

S L.A. A THEATER TOWN?”The question, typically posed with New York condescension, fails to recognize the obvious reality that L.A. is a city of actors.

True, most of them are here to make their names onscreen, but the talent pool rivals those of more established theater capitals. Don't bother, however, trying to convince those denizens of New York and London who cling to old stereotypes of L.A., perhaps to compensate for their own inferior weather.

Southern California, of course, boasts some of the most prestigious playhouses in the country. The Mark Taper Forum, Pasadena Playhouse, South Coast Repertory, La Jolla Playhouse and the Old Globe are all recipients of the Regional Theatre Tony Award. The Geffen Playhouse, once considered the entertainment industry's local theater, has entered a new era of bold vision and integrity under the leadership of playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney. It would surprise no one if the Geffen Playhouse is similarly honored in the next few years.