Keep the small stages of Los Angeles open. — Team #pro99

The debate over the 99-Seat Theatre Proposal has brought together actors, directors, and theater artists from across Los Angeles who share a common concern about the future of intimate performance spaces. For many years, the existing plan allowed small nonprofit theaters to operate under a framework that recognized the unique character of the local scene, where artists often lend their talents out of dedication rather than for commercial gain. The community behind this effort believes that replacing that framework would not create more paying jobs but would instead reduce opportunities and shrink the cultural infrastructure that has made the city a distinctive home for live theater.

At the heart of the discussion is a question about what kind of theatrical landscape Los Angeles wants to preserve. Intimate houses have long served as training grounds, laboratories for new work, and gathering places where audiences can experience storytelling up close. Supporters of the current model argue that eliminating the flexibility these small venues depend on would damage a vital part of the performing arts ecosystem. The campaign documented on this site continues to collect stories, news updates, and resources for those who wish to understand the stakes and join the effort to protect the tradition of intimate theatre in Southern California.