Resident Theater: Why It’s So Difficult

Re “A Birthday Wish for the Music Center” by Dan Sullivan, Sept. 17:

For Sullivan to blame the tepid condition of classical theater and the lack of a resident company on the absence of trained actors is naive and incorrect. There are hundreds of actors in this metropolis that have been classically trained at schools in this country and abroad. These actors are yearning for a place to do quality work for a livable wage.

I have heard arguments from producers that because of the large amounts of money offered by film and TV it is virtually impossible to keep a resident company together. I would ask that purveyors of this notion look to South Coast Repertory (which is in Orange County, by the way). SCR has made a commitment to its company of actors. The result is seen in the body of work that company has developed over the last 25 years, not to mention the Tony Award it recently received.

What is truly needed is an artistic director, a board of trustees and the financial input to support the expression of such a concept. After that, they need to believe enough in the L.A. audience to risk casting someone other than a “face” in lead roles.

ELIZABETH FAULKNER

Studio City