The Actors' Gang was founded in 1981 by a group of young artists looking to build a theater that would present relevant and vibrantly entertaining plays. Spanning 40 states and five continents, The Gang has produced more than 100 plays creating theatrical experiences that entertain, inspire, and activate ongoing dialogue about our society, culture and the human condition. But we don't just entertain...

We Educate:

• In response to budget cuts that have eliminated arts programs in the Los Angeles public school system, The Actors' Gang helps to fill the arts education gap by providing free in-school, after school and summer programs to students of all ages and economically challenged backgrounds in the Los Angeles area.
• GET LIT: An innovative poetry program for teens, the Get Lit Players conduct workshops with established poets and perform classic and contemporary poetry in addition to their own original works.
• INNER CITY ARTS: Free after school workshops support students especially at risk of academic failure - children without after school supervision in economically disadvantaged areas.

We Empower:

• THE PRISON PROJECT: As one of the only remaining arts programs inside California's correctional system. The Prison Project uses The Actors' Gang theatrical technique to foster self-esteem, tolerance and non-violent expression, significantly reducing recidivism rates and preparing participants for life beyond bars.
• HOMEBOY INDUSTRIES: Our teaching artists provide free workshops for former gang members, parolees and at-risk youth with a focus on emotional expression, tolerance, and community-building, skills which empower them to choose against gang involvement and re-engage positively with family and society.

We Are The Gang!

With your generous support The Actors' Gang can continue 32 years of uninterrupted entertainment, enrichment and empowerment for the disenfranchised. Since less than 25% of our operating costs are generated by ticket sales and since The Prison Project and our work at Homeboy have never received public funds, it is individual donors like you that allow us to develop and stage bold theatrical performances; continue to fill the arts gap among at-risk youth; and inspire positive social change among prisoners and parolees and through our life changing outreach programs.

Join us, and help us keep our doors open!