Open Fist Theatre Company

The Open Fist Theatre is both a 501(c)(3) non-profit theatre company and 99-seat theatre facility in Theatre Row Hollywood located at 6209 Santa Monica Blvd. The name of the Open Fist Theatre Company comes from two principles: the notion of an open spirit and the fist - a sign of determination and force.[1]

The OFTC was founded in 1990 by Ziad Hamzeh (Artistic Director), Michael Denney (Actor/Playwright/Teacher), Tim Pulice (Actor), Brian Muir (Actor) and Kathleen Dunn (Actor/Teacher). All of whom were graduates of the Theater Program of California State University, Fullerton. Since 2000, the company has been under the artistic direction of Martha Demson.[1] Originally the company was based at 1625 North La Brea [1] in a rehearsal hall once owned by Bob Hope. In 2005 this facility was destroyed to accommodate Hollywood redevelopment and the company moved to 6209 Santa Monica Boulevard - a facility originally operated by the Actors Gang.[2] The Open Fist is notable for its support of both new works and new interpretations of theatre classics in productions typically featuring contemporary production values, ensemble acting, and imaginative direction and design.

It has been the site of significant premieres such as Frank Zappa's rock opera Joe's Garage,[3] deLEARious by Ron West, Fall Off Night by Allison Gregory, The Room by Michael Franco, Eenie Meanie by Teresa Willis, Love Water by Jacqueline Wright, Neil Labute's The New Testament, and Julie Hebert's St. Joan and the Dancing Sickness.

A yearly summer Director's Festival or First Look Festival also features membership-driven new work. The Open Fist has been nominated and received numerous LA Weekly, Ovation,[4] Garland and other awards and is a member of Play 7.[5]

Production history

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Awards and Nominations

Awards Production Nominations Wins Notes
2009 Ovation Awards Joe's Garage 4 0
2009 Ovation Awards Light Up The Sky 1 0

Current and past affiliated artists

References

  1. 1 2 3 http://www.openfist.org/
  2. ↑ http://www.laweekly.com/locations/open-fist-theatre-115421/
  3. ↑ http://www.rollingstone.com
  4. ↑ http://www.lastagealliance.com/
  5. ↑ http://www.play7.com/openfist
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