The Media, L.A. Theater and the Price of a Ticket

Bradley’s focus of concern may be at the heart of why Los Angeles can’t compete with New York or London as a theater town. Developing theater is a lot more than public relations (read: politics).

New York and London have a tradition of viewing theater as a necessity for the lifeblood of their cities. People do make a living moving from show to show in New York, or perhaps as members of repertory companies in London. We theater people in Los Angeles work elsewhere between paying venues.

Our first concern should be to create a living for those who create theater. Politically, L.A. theater seems to exist between L.A. festivals, where monies frequently are spent to import art.

Let’s stop worrying about tourism for the moment and find our theatrical identity. Without an L.A. product and paying work for local professionals, there is nothing to sell tourists.

CHARLES BERLINER

Santa Monica