Actors Co-op Theatre Company

Although Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s list of works is extensive (to say the least,) I’ve only ever read «The Hound of the Baskervilles.» In fact, I’ve done so twice. The name «Sherlock Holmes» in itself certainly conjures up expectations of tangled plots – ever thickening, ever winding – rife with murder and intrigue, drama and mystique. Enter one supernatural beast, a legendary hound of elusiveness and diabolical horror, and you’ve got a story that’s sure to impress. In reading it, it did.
It’s elementary, dear Watson!
Presented, then, upon the stage – and, added, the highly creative and inventive nature of The Actors Co-​op Theatre – this production, I knew, would be a great evening out, along the shadowy moors of LA. I’ve attended productions at The Actors Co-​op before – I loved, loved, loved the brilliance of «The Mystery of Edwin Drood” – and the intimacy of the theatre, seating placed directly upon the staging, welcomes you into the stories told. In «Hound,» it feels as though you, along with the novel’s colorful characters, are also huddled within the walls of Sir Charles Baskerville’s Devonshire estate, Baskerville Hall, while outside, somewhere amidst the encroaching fog and darkening night sky, fearsome howls of bloodlust encircle!
In the end, that’s what people want, you know, to be told a great story. The Actors Co-​op Theatre, well, they know exactly how that’s done.

I just came from «Hound of the Baskervilles» and once again I’m reminded how special this intimate theater company is. Actors dedication, well-​thought-​out stage and lighting design and a great audience all come shining through. Great job. I was asked if I was surprised at the ending… and yes I was. And surprised too that this one has a short run!

What an amazing and unique experience! I didn’t think I would enjoy a theater play so much! Came here with my GF after Unilocal hooked her up with tickets for The Hound of the Baskerville (Thank you Katie!!!). It was after first time going to such event and we weren’t sure what to expect. I am a fan of Sherlock Holmes so I was a bit more excited than she was. The theater is in the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood. You can’t miss it since there is signs to the FREE parking lot and to the theater. We got our tickets with no problem.
The theater was a lot small than I thought! If I remember correctly, there was only 83 seats so it was an amazing experience. We were so up close that we were engaged throughout the 2 hour play (with a 10min break). The actors, the sound and the lighting was all incredible. I definitely will come back! Thank you Unilocal,Katie and my GF for bringing me!

Last night I had the pleasure of seeing Jules Verne «Around the world in 80 days» first off, there is ample free parking in the theater which is almost unheard of in LA. The location of the theater was easy enough to find. It was right inside the Presbyterian church. Don’t be fooled by the location. This is no church production, or local community theater show. While you should not be expecting a broadway production either, you are in for a positive theater experience. When you walk into the small theater, you immediately notice the clever use if space. Not only in stage, but props and costumes hidden in and spread throughout the set as well. The audience was audibly delighted with the creative use of it all. I was very pleased with the adaptation of this story. 6 talented actors work seemingly effortlessly to portray a large variety of wonderful characters which is also proof the fine casting of this versatile troop. The stand out actor in my book is Andrew Carter, who won the audience over as the lovable Passpartout. Wonderfully charming as Foggs assistant, Carter was dedicated to each part he portrayed. This is a show worth seeing. I highly recommend it for a fun night of theater that will not disappoint. Special thanks to Unilocal and Katie B. for showing me this hidden gem in LA!

So hard to believe I’ve never been to this theatre until now, but thanks to Unilocal and Katie B I had the opportunity to attend a production of Around The World In 80 Days. The play was fantastic! The actors were wonderful and the sets were amazing! The entire production was incredibly creative!
The theatre itself was a great experience. The seats were comfortable and were spaced perfectly on risers. I’m barely 5’1″ so I often can’t see over people’s heads. This wasn’t a problem here. Not a bad seat in the house.
I also love that there is a free parking lot. A rarity in Hollywood.

Thanks to Unilocal and Katie B. for the opportunity to attend a beautiful and moving performance of My Children! My Africa! produced by the Actors Co-​op Theatre Company. The play explores the impact of apartheid on relationships and society in South Africa in an insightful but not preachy way. I loved it because it was both thought-​provoking and entertaining at the same time.
This is an intimate theater (99 seats, presumably to keep the Equity waiver) with truly no bad seats. The set design was amazing and the acting was fantastic. With a cast of only three, I was surprised at the depth of emotion the performance stirred within me and the rest of the audience. No spoilers but judging from the sniffling I heard, including my own, either everyone was crying or everyone was experiencing an allergy attack at exactly the same time!
But, seriously, this was a great performance which received a well-​deserved standing ovation. The entire cast was great but Aaron Jennings was phenomenal. Remember that name!
The theater itself is on the campus of a church. Parking is ample and free. The Co-​op serves water, coffee and candy bars outside the theater for a nominal fee.
Thanks, again, Katie B., for making this evening possible!

Came here for a free Unilocal event for their production of Pride and Prejudice.
I got a little confused where the area was and parked on a side street across the way, only to discover the theater was in the giant church courtyard with a lot right across the way. I saw the signs after I crossed the street and parked, at least it was a safe street!
Box office is right inside the courtyard, along with a small snack cart stocked with waters, coffee, chips, and candies. All of the snacks are under $ 2, what a steal for this day and age! Cash only for the snacks though, so bring some singles! Restrooms are clean and located on the other side of the theater building.
Now to the theater itself, it’s a great space! The seats are arranged in stadium seating so unless you’re behind a really tall person, you can see the whole stage easily! The chairs are nice and comfy too which is great for those longer productions (Pride and Prejudice went for 2 and a half hours), and you don’t feel cramped next to strangers. Assigned seating also makes the experience less stressful, but I really don’t think there’s a bad seat in the house!
The production itself was good, I enjoyed the actors and the story, though as a Jane Austen fan a few of the liberties taken with the story I thought were a bit odd. It’s nice to see a new take on a classic though. The actors were fabulous! Though it’s a Christian acting company, they don’t push the religion on you, it’s all about the art. I’d come back again for another production!

The Actors Co-​op Theatre Company kicked off its 22^nd season with Ken Ludwig’s «Lend me a Tenor», directed by Moosie Drier and produced by Kimi Walker. I was fortunate to receive a pair of tickets for Saturday, March 23, 2014 and took my mom as my date as I know she enjoys a good comedy. I stand corrected; this was a great comedy put together by a top notch cast and crew.
THE THEATER
The David Schall Theatre is located on the campus of the campus of the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood off N Gower St. and one block south of the 101 Hwy. Well-​lit parking is located south of Carlos Ave, which is across the street from the campus. The theater itself is small– stadium seating provides seating for 90 on cushioned chairs. The theater is ADA compliant, yet there is a wooden bench that blocks ½ of the entrance ramp. Temperature inside is comfortable and its easy to enjoy the performance from any seat.
THE PERFORMANCE
The cast as a whole, and individually, did an outstanding job of taking the audience back to 1934 and enjoying the comical follies of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company. I literally laughed out loud throughout the performance, it was that much fun! Some of my favorite characters are Maria (the wife) and the Bellhop, both characters that added to the eccentricity of the whole situation.
This is a polished cast that entertains from beginning to end. Kudos goes to the lighting, sound, costume, and make-​up crew that made the stage and set feel like 1934 but also accentuate the persona of the characters (for example, Max’s loose-​fitting attire making him appear young and in over his head).
DON’T MISS OUT
The Actors Co-​op will be performing «Lend me a Tenor» until May 4, 2014. Seating is $ 30/​person, $ 20 for students with ID, and $ 25 for seniors (60+). This play is perfect for a date night or friends looking to enjoy a night out.

I am no regular to any type of play or Broadway event, but this sounded fun when Unilocal gave the opportunity to see Lend Me A Tenor.
I invited a dear friend who I knew would appreciate the arts, and he was very excited about it. First hand, the parking lot across the way was free of charge. We walked across the street to the Actors Co-​Op at the David Schall Theatre. Tickets were at will call and we sat on the patio until the doors opened. The theatre is quaint, several rows of chairs and a well-​lit stage awaited the actors. We sat in row C, but I noticed any seat would have been a great view.
The show began and the actors came to life. Their voices were pronounced and immediately we all were giggling. This performance was targeted to a laugh-​out-​loud crowd, as we followed the Cleveland Grand Opera Company through its journey to get their main attraction on stage for the big night! Taking place in Cleveland, Ohio 1934 was hilarious to me and my friend because he and many others we are close to are in fact from Cleveland! Funny little things in life, yknow? It was so much fun to laugh and watch these charismatic actors. I left light hearted and refreshed, I need to do this more often! Thank you Katie & Unilocal

I was lucky enough to be given tickets to see the Lend Me a Tenor show, and it was as promising as the advertisements made it to be.
It’s a small theater, probably only enough to seat around 50 people, so it’s a very cozy setting, which I loved because even in the back, you are still close enough to the stage to feel like you really get to see the actor and actresses’ faces.
The crew was sensational, had us laughing throughout the whole play. I guess my only request would be that they sell some alcoholic beverage of some kind, but nothing that would take away my review of the place.
I would definitely recommend going out to Hollywood area and seeing this play, it really is such a great show and you end up feeling like you are connecting with the actors themselves. :)

I am not even going to try and go all theater-​y here. I know what I like and I like this place and I enjoyed the production.
Put that in your thespian and smoke it.
Later.

I was impressed with the production of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher. It was 90 minutes with no intermission. At first I thought, ’90 minutes! DANG, too long! I should’ve used the ladies room.” But by the end of the play, I was impressed how it felt way shorter than 90 minutes. The acting drew me into the play and the storyline really kept me interested. It was great. I definitely recommend this play and this venue.
It was in the David Schall Theatre. The seats were comfy and the view from each seat isn’t obstructed because of the different levels. Parking is free when you drive in from the side street. But if you drive in from Hollywood Blvd, you might get charged. Bottom line, pretty good date night idea. Grab dinner at a Thai place up the street then make your way to the theatre for an entertaining play! I’ll leave it to you as to how to end the night.

I grew up performing in local theatre and therefore have an affinity for small acting troupes and theatre performances. They are raw, intimate, and generally require a much higher level of talent than screen performers (no offense). In this overabundant land of actors; I was unaware of the Actors Co-​op Theatre. Luckily, I have been exposed.
The Actors Co-​Op is an award-​winning acting co-​op currently in its 22^nd season. The mission of the group is to perform within Christian ideals and confines which is expressed by the two theaters (David Schall Theatre and the Crossley Theatre) being located on the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood complex. Don’t worry though: there are no bible-​pushers on site and the plays aren’t «restricted» to religious themes.
Thanks to Katie B. and Unilocal; I was able to attend «Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde» which was quite a ‘win’ as tickets are $ 15-​$ 30 for this show run. Arriving to the venue, parking was beyond easy with several signs pointing to a large, FREE theater parking lot across the street of the church plus pointing to the box office and theater. A courtyard opens up to the two theaters and the box office, an indoor school area with bathrooms and a daycare, plus a small refreshment stand selling soda, coffee, chips, and water. The willcall area can be a little tricky if both theaters are running a performance (which they were on my night of attendance) but the employees are very kind, efficient, and help coordinate the lines.
Can’t find a babysitter? There are a couple daycare (nightcare?) rooms available with teachers on staff to watch small children during performances. I am unsure how this runs or if it has any costs, as I do not have children but it is something to look into. There are also several bathrooms open in various sections of the church to accommodate the crowds.
«Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde» was held in the David Schall Theatre which is the larger, swankier of the two. Seating is stadium-​style, assigned, and is decently comfortable with ample leg room. The theatre isn’t too cold and provides great sound and lighting. In fact, I must note that my performance featured AMAZING special effects and that the lighting and sound people are clearly as talented as the performers.
The show itself was hands down, one of the BEST plays I have EVER seen. There were no sets/​backdrops, minimal props, and yet the actors carried the play like a Tony-​winning Broadway performance. These actors were brilliant and the show was PERFECT. I wouldn’t even mind watching the same play again! The Actors Co-​op is 100% recommended for a terrific theatre experience.
The only negatives was no intermission in a 90 minute show and also the prohibition of photography. Otherwise, no complaints!
Note: tickets can be purchased at the box office or pre-​purchased online (which they recommend).
Yes, this city is FILLED to the brim with actors but the Actors Co-​op is the crème of the crème and much suggested for an intimate but extremely talented performance. Take it from me, who has experience in theatre. Thanks to Katie and Unilocal

I first set foot in a theatre when I was six and the love affair hasn’t ended. I’m not picky either. I’ve been enjoyed children’s theatre productions in small towns and the pageantry of musicals on the great white way. Yeah, this love affair will never end.
So thanks to Katie B my husband and I scored two tickets to Jekyll & Hyde last night. The only word that comes to mind is FANTASTIC! There was so much going for this little production — all of which made the experience very memorable.
First there was the intimacy of the theatre itself. While we sat in the third row I’m sure there wasn’t a bad seat in the house. But third row aisle was so close I practically felt like I was in Victorian London with the cast.
Next there was the spartan stage. Sometimes this is obvious in its appearance but in this case the actors used the space skillfully. I really felt the locale.
Costuming and make-​up were well done. In particular, the gauntness of the men’s make-​up was fascinating. It was noticeable (at least from the third row) but added to the aura the actors created.
Lastly, the actors brought to life the tortured soul of Dr Jekyll. All but one took turns as Mr Hyde. The effect was eerie and, together with the lighting and sound, made for a haunting and tortured story. I LOVED IT!
One more thing. Some of the reviews and the program itself referenced the Christian foundation of this theatre. I admit concern, fearing the content would be influenced by the type of art responsible for things like the Left Behind Series. I needn’t have worried. This play was an exploration of the psyche — sometimes raw, sometimes harsh and sometimes beautiful. I didn’t feel that anything about this character study was sacrificed to satisfy a specific belief system.
I would return to the Actor’s Co-​Op without hesitation.

The Actors Co-​Op Theater Group is a company of Christian actors that operates shows from two theaters on the Campus of First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood: the Crossley Theater and the David Schall Theater. For about $ 100, you can watch a whole season of their plays (about 5).
My first exposure to the group was to watch Ah! Wilderness, a comedy by Eugene O’Neil, the company’s first play of the season at the Crossley Theater. If only all theaters were this easy. Because it’s on the campus of a church, there is ample, ample, church parking across the street accessible from Carlos street. It’s free, spacious, well-​lit and close.
The Crossley theater was a very intimate space with only 4 rows and a total of 99 seats! The backdrops were creatively done for such a small space and quite detailed and believable. I wasn’t in love with Ah! Wilderness but it had some decent acting, wholesome comedy, a light touch of humor, and an overall feel-​good ah-​shucks old town vibe.

Thanks Katie B. for yet another dive into cultural arts scene in LA. The Actors Co-​op is a fun theater company based in a theater inside the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood.
Such a fun time at a really intimate stage at this theater. All of the actors were wonderful. I believe we were in previews so there were some foibles here and there, but nothing that took the audience out of the moment.
I loved that there was a nice little concessions stand outside that didn’t charge an arm and a leg for the privilege of buying their food. And they gave out complimentary macaroons for all the patrons!
This was my first Eugene O’Neill play and am ready to tackle some of this darker stuff.

Thank you Unilocal,Actors Co-​Op, and Katie B for the amazing experience! :)
I was luckily selected among the few who were given the opportunity to see the production of «Ah, Wilderness.» I had previously read the play, and I was very curious to see how everything would be portrayed.
The stage was small and there were only a limited amount of seats. I must say, every seat is a good seat in this theater since it has such an intimate setting. The stage itself was the thing that most fascinates me. I must give props to those who designed the stage. The design was made so that the 3 different settings would be on a circular platform that rotates in a circular motion to change to a different scene/​act/​place. In this case, the three main scenes were: the Miller’s residence, the bar, and the beach.
For the most part, I enjoyed the play. I just felt as though there were some points that could have been condensed or completely taken out. This production took WAY too long! The people to the right of me LITERALLY walked out. I was exhausted by the time the play was over.
Overall, I enjoyed the performance. The actors and actresses did a spectacular job with their roles. I just felt like I would have enjoyed it much more if it was condensed.

This was my first time coming to the Actors Co-​Op Theatre Company thanks in large part to Katie B and Unilocal for providing 2 tickets to Ah! Wilderness.
We ended up coming here on a Saturday Night and it was amazing. Situated in a church, you wouldn’t think much of the theatre from the outside. Once inside, we were in awe at how close we were to the stage. I had never been to a 99-​seat theatre before so this was a first time experience for me. And I must say, it was pretty damn awesome.
Seeing the actors/​actresses up close and personal. For such a small venue, the set design was pretty elaborate. The costumes definitely reflected Connecticut circa the early 1900’s.
We throughly enjoyed our time at the play and venue. Can’t wait for the next opportunity to come back.
Thanks Katie!

This review is specific for the show, «Ah, Wilderness!»
I have previously reviewed Actors Co-​Op here:
I love this theatre company. They present solid pieces of drama/​comedy/​musicals in a 99 seat Equity-​Waiver venue. Considering other 99 seat theatre companies, this one is THE standard that others should compare themselves with.
I don’t want to get too redundant with what I already said in my review of the company itself, so I’ll try to stick to the evening of September 7, 2013.
First, a big thank you goes out to Katie and Actors Co-​Op! I hope there will be more events here in the future.
Honestly, when I learned that «Ah Wilderness!» was written in the 1930’s (and by Eugene O’Neill at that)…ugh, I groaned. I knew the Co-​Op put up great shows, but there wasn’t any way to take a dated comedy (from that time period anyway), and entertain me with it.
The first 5 minutes or so, I sat there internally agreeing with my previous declaration. Then the first big laugh came. I was so surprised that I sort of did a double laugh. The first one because something funny happened in the show. The second one because I surprised myself by actually laughing out loud.
The performances were solid. Phil Crowley (if you look him up on imdb, you’ll see a GANG of credits) was very impressive as the father of the family, trying to balance the demands of his wife and the emerging independence of his children.
Townsend Coleman (the ORIGINAL voice of Michelangelo on the TV show Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!!) killed me with his sauced portrayal of the guy who needs a wife. The best part was during the dinner scene when he spit food all over everyone else at the table!
The most brilliant performance of the evening was Nicholas Podany!!! Apparently this kid is only 16 years old in real life! Watch for that name. He’s got INCREDIBLE talent.
Of course the directing was fantastic, it has to be in such a small space. The set was ingeniously designed, taking us from the interior of the house, to a bar, to a dock with a rowboat. I’d expect nothing less from Tim Farmer.
Go see this show. If you can’t see this one, go see another Co-​Op show. You won’t be disappointed.

Nice little theater with ample parking and attentive staff. Saw a one man CS Lewis show on Sunday afternoon. Will keep this in mind for future affordable entertainment. Can’t beat the suggested donation price of $ 10 per person.