Carved out of a North Hollywood neighborhood that was already something of an artistic hub, the NoHo Arts District was established by the City of Los Angeles in 1992. This designation solidified the role the arts would play in the neighborhood’s economy. It also ensured support for artistic endeavors within North Hollywood would flourish rather than wane.
Do you want to know where to go for entertainment in North Hollywood? Acquaint yourself with these offerings of the NoHo Arts District.
Academy of Television Arts and Sciences
Since 1946, the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has promoted and advanced the artistic and technical aspects of television. The organization, which operates out of a NoHo Arts District building with the same name, is best known for hosting the Emmy Awards. In addition to coordinating the awards and publishing Emmy magazine, the organization focuses on educational outreach, generating scholarship funds for aspiring television actors, directors, producers, and more.
El Portal Theatre
An elegant building with a prolific history, the El Portal Theatre is arguably the most iconic structure in the NoHo Arts District. Originally built as a vaudeville house in 1926, the theatre has hosted shows, silent movies, and virtually every type of popular movie at any time since the release of the first “talkie.”
The theatre was destroyed in the 1994 earthquake, but reconstructed with its former glory in mind. The building’s facade looks no different than it did in the 1920s. It just has more theatre space and a slightly more modern interior. Today, the El Portal Theatre hosts shows from Broadway and the West End, such as ABBA MANIA. It also hosts many shows that are written and conceived in Los Angeles.
Lankershim Arts Center
This cultural landmark is home to several theatre and fine arts programs. The nonprofit Road Theatre Company is based at and administrates the Lankershim Arts Center. The Lankershim also houses Gallery 800 and NoHo Gallery L.A., which seek to cultivate the talent of local artists and promote their work.
Millenium Dance Complex
Founded during the creation of the NoHo Arts District, the Millenium Dance Complex is one of the most well-known and respected dance studios in the country. Beyonce, Britney Spears, Janet Jackson, and Justin Timberlake are among the dozens of famous performers who have taken classes at the studio. Classes offering instruction in the art of dancing to hip-hop, contemporary, jazz, and house music are open to the public.
NoHo Arts Center
Open since 2004, the NoHo Arts Center is one of the newer performing arts centers in the neighborhood. Talented actors, directors, musicians, singers, dancers, producers, and writers make up the NoHo Arts Center Ensemble, the award-winning artistic troupe that impresses audiences with up to five original productions each year.
Home to nearly three dozen theatres, numerous art galleries, music recording studios, and other artistic centers, the NoHo Arts District is a hotbed for creativity. If you live anywhere near it, not only do you have convenient access to art exhibits, dance productions, and live theatre shows, you also have a medley of eclectic boutiques and trendy restaurants at your fingertips.
The NoHo Arts District lies near AMLI Lex on Orange in Glendale, Calif. If you’re a fan of the arts and have an apartment in one of these communities, take advantage of your location and the talent clustered in the NoHo Arts District. Keep an eye open for exhibits and performances that appeal to you!
Do you have a favorite performance troupe, venue, or production you’ve seen in the NoHo Arts District? Share your experience in the comments!
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