Center

The Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles (SCLA), originally known as Shakespeare Festival/LA, was established in 1986, debuting with a Summer Festival performance of "Twelfth Night" in Pershing Square. The event engaged diverse audiences, including local homeless residents who actively participated in the production's management. This interaction inspired the "Food for Thought" admission policy, encouraging food donations for the needy instead of ticket purchases. In 1993, SCLA expanded its outreach with programs like "Will Power to Youth," offering arts immersion and job training for at-risk youth. By January 2000, SCLA secured a permanent headquarters in downtown Los Angeles, strategically located near three Title One high schools. The organization has since emerged as a leader in arts and human services, forming partnerships with entities such as the Department of Justice, the Department of Mental Health, and the US Department of Veteran Affairs. SCLA's innovative programs have been recognized in a documentary by the National Endowment for the Arts. As a tax-exempt, non-profit corporation, SCLA continues to foster community engagement through its arts programs, with donations being tax-deductible.