WATTS VILLAGE THEATER COMPANY (WVTC) is a multicultural-urban theater company that
seeks
to inspire positive social change through innovative
theatrical work it was founded in 1996 by actor/activist
Quentin Drew, and actor/playwright, Lynn Manning. This
creative partnership was an outgrowth of Cornerstone
Theater Company’s residency in the community
of Watts.
WVTC’s earliest endeavor was to conduct acting
and performance workshops for youth and young adults
at risk in several Watts housing projects. Since then,
WVTC has made it goal to produce theater in areas where
it is needed most. But the company does not limit itself
geographically it has performed all over Los Angeles
from Inglewood to Hollywood.
Watts Village Theater Company strives to promote
literacy and enrich the appreciation of the performing
arts
amongst all Los Angeles residents, especially those
in at risk communities. In its most moribund states
the company has shown resilience. In 2005 it lost
its founding Artistic Director Quentin Drew, who
before
his passing, selected Guillermo Avilés-Rodríguez
and Damion Teeko Parran to continue the companies vision.
Since then, WVTC has overcome several significant
challenges to continue its work in the community
of Watts, and
continues to regularly develop and produce new
theater by Los Angeles-based artists of color.
WVTC’s
work has been featured on the cover of LA Stage Magazine,
and received commendations from Senator Martha Escutia
and Councilwoman Janice Hahn.
To learn more about WVTC visit www.wattsvillagetheatercompany.org.
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