Vision for the Future

Crossroads Arts Academy found itself aptly named this year. Struggling with structural and financial uncertainty, it went through a flurry of reorganization and a three-month hiatus in operations.

Now the sprawling, gated grounds and theater--renamed the Vision Complex--at the heart of Leimert Park’s arts community has re-emerged with a new, practical emphasis. In addition to offering its core performing-arts classes, it will be working closely with community and social service agencies and the disabled. Youths will get the chance to learn entrepreneurship firsthand from local merchants, as well as train in the technical aspects of film and theater.

“We had to be dynamic, and change as needs in the community changed,” said Avril Harris, who was brought on board as director in September by Crossroads founder Marla Gibbs. “We want to contribute to the quality of life more.”

The theater is staging a three-day Christmas carol marathon beginning Friday. Harris and music arranger-composer H.B. Barnum collaborated in producing the fund-raiser, which will feature music and readings by Nancy Wilson, Jasmine Guy, Dionne Warwick and Robert Guillaume. The program, which features a rotating 100-voice choir culled from churches across the nation, will repeat every two hours. Half of the marathon proceeds will go to buy food for needy families in Los Angeles. Along with $3, guests are asked to donate a toy that will be distributed through the Toys for Tots program.