Did you know? The NoHo Arts District is only one square mile. But there’s A LOT happening in the neighborhood.

Every Thursday we send out our NoHo News. Do you get it? It takes 20 seconds. Plus, it’s FREE. Sign up HERE>>

The weekly email is about what’s going on in the North Hollywood arts community and a selection of some theater shows around town. L.A. is definitely a theater town!

Did you know that the NoHo Arts District has the highest concentration of theaters outside of New York City? Just check out the NoHo Arts District Theater Guide.  If you’re not sure what to see, we’ve got theater reviews, too.

Here’s a glimpse at this week’s issue – what’s happening in North Hollywood.

NoHo News for May 1: Magic Castle! NoHo Plaza. Beverly Hills Art Show. Jane Austen. The Secret Comedy of Women. Cabaret. Call to NOHO Artists. The Totality of All Things. #KeepNoHoArtsy

Click on the image!

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A celebration of the solo journey, SOLOFEST has been recognized as the largest solo festival on the West Coast. This year’s festival program offers premieres and audience favorites live on stage, with some shows available as a stream-on-demand option.  SOLOFEST 2025, produced by Susan Simons and The Whitefire Theatre is hosted by Bryan Rasmussen and Victoria Watson Winkler. 

Solofest 2025 May shows run May 1 through May 25.  

Thursday, May 1 at 8:00pm
WHAT EVER THIS IS... 

Whatever This Is…is written and performed by Laura Baggett. Looking back, it all seemed to be in alignment, so meant to be this move out to LA.  Yet the pressures of leaving New York, disappointing family, and rollerblading everywhere has led Laura to a rock bottom.  On one busy brunch shift at La Pain Quotiden, her life changes forever And she has to learn how to pick up the pieces. laurabutterfl2.wixsite.com/laurabaggett.  16+.

Friday, May 2 at 8:00pm
TANGERINE VAGINA 

Tangerine Vagina, a world premiere solo show performed by Nina Dicker written by comic Nina Dicker, and directed by Liam Tully, finds the sex positive in all of sex’s negatives. Tangerine Vagina is every woman’s coming of age story: clumsy sexscapades, daddy issues, and a choice between life or death. Trigger Warning: SA, self-harm, and really good jokes.  Ages 16+. 

Saturday, May 3 at 8:00pm
HOLY SHITAKE: A Wok Star is Born ~ BEST OF FEST WINNER 2024!

Filled with pathos and humor, Holy Shitake: A Wok Star is Born written and performed by Katie Chin, directed by Fran de Leon, produced by Paul Hemstreet, chronicles Chef Katie Chin’s journey as a Chinese American girl growing up in Minneapolis in the 1970s where she was raised by her remarkable mother, seamstress turned restauranteur, Leeann Chin.  Ages 16+.

Saturday, May 10 at 8:00pm
BARRYMORE ~ BEST OF FEST WINNER 2025! 

Barrymore, a play by William Luce, performed by Vito D’Ambrosio, directed by Bryan Rasmussen, depicts actor John Barrymore a few months before his death in 1942 as he is rehearsing a revival of his 1920 Broadway triumph as Richard III. Barrymore’s Richard III revival never took place, but was a device invented to serve as a dramatic framework for the actor to reminisce about various episodes in his life and about his career downslide due to alcoholism. Though classified as a one-person play, Barrymore makes frequent use of a second character, Frank the stage manager, who interacts with Barrymore over the theatre loudspeaker. Ages 15+.

Read the NoHo Arts theatre review>>

Friday, May 16 at 8:00pm
JONATHAN LIVINGSTON SEAGULL: A SOLO FLIGHT ~ BEST OF FEST WINNER 2025!

Richard Bach’s bestselling 1970 novella “Jonathan Livingston Seagull” is brought vividly to life in Jonathan Livingston Seagull: A Solo Flight by adapter, performer, producer Andrew Thacher, and directed by Paul Millet.  No ordinary bird, join Jonathan on his journey through the here and now, and all of eternity, as he soars to the heights of perfection, freedom, and love. Ages 12+.

Sunday, May 18 at 5:00pm
A MILE IN MY SHOES 

A mix of poetry, drama, comedy and consciousness-raising theater. Creator Kathryn Taylor Smith portrays 19 characters inspired by interviews with past and present members of the homeless community and those who advocate for them. This socially conscious and relevant piece will compel you to do more and act kinder to your homeless brethren. Directed by Zadia Ife. Ages 16+. Donations needed for My Friends House: Please bring new or gently used shoes (adult & children) and/or toiletry items (soap, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, razor, shaving cream, sanitary napkins, toothbrush and mouthwash) www.myfriendshousela.org. Ages 16+.

Sunday, May 25 at 7:00pm
A Life Behind Bars ~ BEST OF FEST WINNER 2025! 

Dan Ruth’s award-winning, critically acclaimed A Life Behind Bars returns to the Whitefire Theatre’s Solofest. An original roller coaster solo comedy bar crawl, A Life Behind Bars focuses on the soul-sucking restaurant and service industries. Through gritty storytelling, Dan Ruth shares dark comic monologues, interwoven with characters he’s encountered while working and drinking in the seedy bars and dives of pre-Giuliani NYC. The original solo black comedy has been performed in New York City, Los Angeles, Idyllwild, Pittsburgh, Wisconsin Dells and Richmond, VA. The show is written and performed by Dan Ruth and directed by multi-award-winning performer-producer-director, Tanya Moberly. ***Strong language, sexual situations, drug and alcohol use, rock & roll and redemption. 18+.

Tickets for SOLOFEST 2025 May Shows : 

General Admission Tickets for live shows are $25.00 each, unless otherwise noted. Buy tickets at https://whitefire.stagey.net/schedule

For information about SOLOFEST 2025, to buy tickets, or for parking tips please visit whitefiretheatre.com or call 818-687-8559.

When:

Solofest 2025 May shows run May 1 through May 25.

Where:

The Whitefire Theatre
13500 Ventura Boulevard (at Sunnyslope Avenue), Sherman Oaks, CA 91423.

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To see what shows are playing, check out our theatre guide>>

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“This motion is focused on revitalizing local film production, streamlining the City’s permitting process, making it more efficient and less bogged down by bureaucracy,” said Councilmember Nazarian at a rally on City Hall steps after the vote.  “It also aims to increase access to City-owned property for filming and prevent price gouging that drives up everyday production costs. More production means more jobs for L.A. families, and the communities where they live and shop. Keep Hollywood home!”

“Every lost production means fewer jobs for hardworking families,” said Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez. “Thank you to Councilmember Nazarian for leading on this critical issue. Together, we’re fighting to keep the heart of our creative economy right here in Los Angeles.”

”Councilmember Nazarian’s motion to keep film production in Los Angeles by cutting through bureaucratic red tape and streamlining inefficiencies is critically important to the hardworking film and television crews who make this industry possible,” said actress Yvette Nicole Brown. “In recent years, we’ve seen production leave our city, and jobs and opportunities leave with it. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to break into this industry and build a sustainable career. The dream of moving to Los Angeles is the hope of working in Los Angeles. That’s why it’s essential we support Councilmember Nazarian’s efforts to protect these jobs, uplift working-class professionals, and ensure that Los Angeles remains the entertainment capital of the world.”

Nazarian’s motion calls for reducing regulatory obstacles and making the city more competitive with other locations in the United States and abroad. It directs the City’s Chief Legislative Analyst (CLA), and all relevant departments to report back on adjustments to City fees, permits, parking and security requirements for location shooting, filming on City-owned property and certifying new sound stages.

“This motion speaks to something deeply personal for so many of us. It’s about protecting the soul of Los Angeles,” said Brigitta Romanov, President of the Costume Designers Guild, IATSE, Local 892. “It’s getting harder to make a living in this business –not only because we’re working less, but because the system productions work within has become too costly, too complex, and too out of reach for many productions. This motion is a crucial step towards reversing that.”

“Too many hardworking film crew members are out of work, and this motion is a critical step towards bringing good union jobs back to Los Angeles,” said Alex Aguilar, Secretary-Treasurer of Laborers International, Local 724. “Reviving local production not only helps workers — it also supports the small businesses that keep our neighborhoods thriving.”

“Los Angeles is the creative capital of the world – yet far too many productions are taking projects elsewhere,” said Nella McOsker, President and CEO of the Central City Association. “We must streamline permitting, reduce unnecessary fees, and offer additional incentives in our fight to keep this industry and its thousands of jobs here. Councilmember Nazarian’s motion is a win for the hard working Angelenos and local businesses whose livelihoods are tied to film, television, and entertainment.”

As a State Assemblymember, Adrin Nazarian authored AB 2936 to expand statewide production tax credits. Although the State legislature is still considering expanded credits, the City of Los Angeles, with its vast pool of talent, experienced workers, and superior facilities can act now to make sure our city remains the motion picture capital of the world.

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Enjoy the NoHo Arts District even more, see what shows are playing and check out our theatre guide>>

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So you want to do an event in the NoHo Arts District? It’s easy! Hold your next event outside at the NoHo Plaza aka the green alley. 

Where:

NoHo Plaza
Next to 5223 Lankershim Blvd., NoHo Arts District, CA 91601

Application:

For more info on how to use the NoHo Plaza: https://www.nohobid.com/application

The NoHo Plaza is maintained by the NoHo Business Improvement District (NoHo BID). 

Do you know the NoHo BID?

The NoHo Arts District is an arts district because of the theatres, dance studios, recording studios and the many folks who create art. It stays an arts district because of these performing and visual artists. But there is one group that has helped to #KeepNoHoArtsy (and clean and safe) – the NoHo Business Improvement District (NOHO BID). 

In 2007, NoHo property owners and the City of Los Angeles joined forces to create a not-for-profit  501 C 6 organization to reduce crime, increase property values and to make the NoHo Arts District a better place to live, work, invest and enjoy. 

The North Hollywood Business Improvement District (NoHo BID) began the process of renewing the BID for a new six-year term in 2024 and thanks to the support of property owners in the NoHo Arts District the NoHo BID was successfully renewed for a third time.  If not renewed, BID services such as the safety ambassador team or maintenance team would end.

The NoHo BID has made the area cleaner and safer and in doing so, it has attracted new investment, new development, and new businesses.  

The BID has encouraged improvements to existing properties and secured several streetscape improvements, making the area more attractive and pedestrian friendly, as well as generating positive publicity about the Arts District and its members, and has created a unified voice for its property owners.

****Make sure to add your event to the NoHo Calendar>>

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Did you know? The NoHo Arts District is only one square mile. But there’s A LOT happening in the neighborhood.

Every Thursday we send out our NoHo News. Do you get it? It takes 20 seconds. Plus, it’s FREE. Sign up HERE>>

The weekly email is about what’s going on in the North Hollywood arts community and a selection of some theater shows around town. L.A. is definitely a theater town!

Did you know that the NoHo Arts District has the highest concentration of theaters outside of New York City? Just check out the NoHo Arts District Theater Guide.  If you’re not sure what to see, we’ve got theater reviews, too.

Here’s a glimpse at this week’s issue – what’s happening in North Hollywood.

NoHo News for April 24: NoHo Market. MAGIC! LA Dances Graham100. Jane Austen. The Secret Comedy of Women. The Body. Call to NOHO Artists. The Totality of All Things. Kids Hip-Hop. #KeepNoHoArtsy

Click on the image!

Sign up HERE>>

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The SPRING Beverly Hills Art Show 2025 will showcase 235 artists, have an array of food trucks and feature a Creative Zone for all ages and an adult beer & wine garden.

Immerse yourself in a vibrant showcase of exceptional art from 235 artists spanning four blocks within the picturesque Beverly Gardens Park on Santa Monica Boulevard from Rodeo Drive to Rexford Drive. This bi-annual extravaganza, held every May and October, captivates art enthusiasts and families alike, drawing in a multitude of visitors to Beverly Hills.

Artists will showcase their work in 10 categories, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, glass, drawing, watercolor, traditional printmaking, photography & digital art, jewelry and more.  A myriad of festivities will include gourmet food trucks offering delectable treats, a Creative Zone brimming with fun hands-on artmaking, art demonstrations in chalk, trace drawing, watercolor, painting and more, and a beer and wine garden where adults can unwind in the shade while listening to relaxing music in the park.  For more information, visit beverlyhills.org/artshow.   

The Beverly Hills Art Show started over 50 years ago as a small arts and crafts fair on one block in Beverly Gardens Park.  Today, it has grown to 235 artists spread across four blocks and has attracted over 30,000 people over the two-day weekend, making it one of the most beloved and long-standing community events in Beverly Hills.   

The spring Beverly Hills Art Show 2025 sponsors and partners are:  The Los Angeles Art Association, Los Angeles Printmaking Society, Southern California Women’s Caucus for Art, NoHo Arts District, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, Exceptional Children’s Foundation, Mount of Angels, reDiscover Center, Blank Beverage, SALT Catering, the Beverly Hills Unified School District, Next Beverly Hills, the Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau, the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, the Beverly Hills Fire Department, the Beverly Hills Police Department and Just in Case BH.

When:

Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18, from 10AM to 6PM  

Where:

Santa Monica Boulevard from Beverly Drive to Crescent Drive.

Parking:

Convenient parking for the Art Show is located directly across from the show grounds and in surrounding public parking structures.  A map to the City’s public parking structures can be found at beverlyhills.org/parking. 

For more information about the Beverly Hills Art Show May 2025:

Visit beverlyhills.org/artshow or call (310) 285-1000. 
Admission is free. This event takes place rain or shine!

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To see what shows are playing, check out our theatre guide>>

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Did you know? The NoHo Arts District is only one square mile. But there’s A LOT happening in the neighborhood.

Every Thursday we send out our NoHo News. Do you get it? It takes 20 seconds. Plus, it’s FREE. Sign up HERE>>

The weekly email is about what’s going on in the North Hollywood arts community and a selection of some theater shows around town. L.A. is definitely a theater town!

Did you know that the NoHo Arts District has the highest concentration of theaters outside of New York City? Just check out the NoHo Arts District Theater Guide.  If you’re not sure what to see, we’ve got theater reviews, too.

Here’s a glimpse at this week’s issue – what’s happening in North Hollywood.

NoHo News for April 17: Rocky Horror Audition. Call to NOHO Artists. The Totality of All Things. Kids Hip-Hop. LA Dances Graham100. Lost Cell Phone Weekend. Meet Dima Otvertchenko. Solofest. LA Seen. #KeepNoHoArtsy

Click on the image!

Sign up HERE>>

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 ​IT’S TIME TO RISE UP.

About ​Uprise: The Art of Climate Action

Uprise: The Art of Climate Action is a groundbreaking event kicking off Earth Week at the legendary Zebulon concert venue, bringing together artivists and changemakers to showcase and celebrate the power of art and music in climate and environmental action. Through music and the arts, we unite to inspire action, spark dialogue, amplify the voices fighting for the future of our planet, and cultivate a global community dedicated to environmental protection. Produced by Better Earth Productions LLC and supported by Better Earth Media Nonprofit Org, our mission is to harness the power of music to drive awareness and action and create a platform for artists and activists to collaborate, educate, and mobilize communities toward a sustainable future.

​LIVE PERFORMANCES BY:

• ​Hannah Bowers (90s alternative, acoustic)
• ​Tertulien Thomas (soulful jazz)
• ​Inanna (alternative/world)

​WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF:

• ​Kevin J Patel (Founder and Executive Director, One Up Action)
• ​Samuel Rubin (Founder and Impact Director, Entertainment + Culture Pavilion)
• ​Dan Thorman (Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director, LA Climate Week)
• ​Ekaterina Sky (Muralist/Impact Artist, Artful Impact Talk Series Founder)

​PRESENTING SPONSOR: GOOD PLANET INNOVATION

​SUPPORTING SPONSOR: UNCHAINED TV

​COMMUNITY PARTNERS: LA Climate Week, Plant-Based Treaty, Entertainment+Culture Pavilion, Recycle2Riches, Replant the Forest Festival, Hysterical Theater

​DETAILS:

​FREE ENTRY. DONATIONS are encouraged to support the event production (suggested donation: $10+). No one will be denied entry due to lack of funds.

​All proceeds after event costs will be donated to the LA FIRE RELIEF FUND.

When:

Saturday, April 19
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• ​Doors open at 7 pm
• ​Show and presentations start promptly at 7.30 pm
• ​Show ends at 9.30 pm
• ​FREE DANCE AFTER-PARTY at Zebulon from 10 pm!

Where:

Zebulon
2478 Fletcher Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90039

“​We can’t wait to sing, dance and celebrate Earth Month with you! The time to RISE UP is now.”

REGISTER:

https://lu.ma/hi9zh5o5

​By registering for this event, you agree to share your registration information with the LA Climate Week Organizers.

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56th Annual Academy of Magical Arts Awards Show

Don’t miss the 56th Annual Academy of Magical Arts Awards Show on May 2. Dress to impress and mingle with the world’s greatest magicians while enjoying exclusive, world-class performances rarely seen in Los Angeles.

Magic Castle Live on Stage

Next, if it’s only magic you’re looking for, enjoy even more enchantment with Magic Castle Live on Stage on May 3 and 4, matinee or evening.

Both shows feature internationally celebrated magicians, many of whom have wowed audiences on America’s Got Talent, Penn & Teller: Fool Us, and Masters of Illusion. It’s a rare chance to see these award-winning performers in action!

Both shows will take place at the stunning United Theater on Broadway and are perfect for the whole family.

Magic Shows Tickets:

How to get your tickets with a 15% discount: Go to AXS.com to choose your performance. Then, head to the “Partner Offer” section and enter code NoHo15 to receive a special 15% discount. But hurry—tickets are selling fast!

Exclusive Bonus – MAGIC CASTLE Tickets!

Get your invitation to the legendary Magic Castle!

When you purchase tickets, you’ll receive an exclusive invitation to the Magic Castle®, a private club that is usually only accessible to members and their guests. This is a rare opportunity to visit one of the most mysterious and sought-after destinations in the magic world.

You’ll receive an email the week of May 5, 2025, with details on how to redeem your invitation for up to 6 people. Your invitation allows you to make a one-time reservation for a visit Monday–Wednesday up until October 15, 2025. Guests must be 21+ with a valid ID and adhere to a strict dress code. Passes are non-transferable and cannot be sold. For full terms and conditions, visit www.magiccastle.com/invitationinfo

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Support the NoHo Arts District theaters, check out our theatre guide>>

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In her three-hour interview, Sharon Bialy discusses growing up in Brooklyn, NY and her early love of theater. She shares how she came out to Los Angeles and got her start in casting, how she formed a partnership with Rick Pagano, and talks about several of the early television projects she cast, including The Young Riders, Picket Fences, and The Mind of the Married Man. She recalls how she met Sherry Thomas and how they formed their partnership, which continues to this day. Bialy then discusses casting The Unit, Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead (from season 3 on), Halt and Catch Fire, The Last Tycoon, The Handmaid’s Tale, The Act, The Comedy Rule, Julia, Perry Mason, Vice Principals, Barry, and several other shows. She shares how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted casting, talks about the craft of casting, and offers advice to both aspiring casting directors and aspiring actors. B-roll features memorabilia from Breaking Bad, plus books that were turned into television projects that she worked on. Amy Harrington conducted the interview on October 18, 2023 in Santa Monica, CA.

To read more about Sharon Bialy and see the full interview, visit The Interviews series by The Television Academy Foundation: 

https://interviews.televisionacademy.com/interviews/sharon-bialy

To watch hundreds more industry interviews, visit https://interviews.televisionacademy.com/

Video courtesy of the Television Academy Foundation Interviews: https://www.televisionacademy.com/foundation

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Want more TV, film, art, dance and music? Check out NoHo arts and entertainment blogs>>

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