The Towne Street
Theatre’s mission is producing and developing original works by
primarily African-American playwrights and others that are reflective of
our experiences and perspectives for theatre and film. We also produce a
“Black Classics” series by reviving the work of authors such as Charlie
Russell, Loften Mitchell, Steve Carter, Lorraine Hansberry, Langston
Hughes, Ed Bullins and Alice Childress. This is not only to salute and
acknowledge those have come before us and paved the way, but also to
educate audience members, as well as younger cast members, who may not be
familiar with these authors and their place in the history of American
theater.
An extension of our
mission is our TST conservatory. In order for African-Americans to
continue to have a lasting legacy, we have to reach out to our young
people. The conservatory provides training in the various fields of the
theater. Quality instruction is taught by working professionals in
writing, acting, producing, design, etc. The emphasis is on training for
a career in the theater and exposing both youth and adults to what takes
place in front and behind the scenes. In addition to year round classes,
we also hold a musical theater camp in Los Angeles for children ages 7-17.