Theaters in Los Angeles

In the heart of the NoHo District, home to some of the best independent theaters in Los Angeles; this theater is named for bushy mustached character actor and improv teacher Avery Schreiber. He is best known for his recurring roles in iconic 70's television series such as The Rockford Files, Chico and the Man, and My Mother the Car. The Schreiber Theater stages improv comedy revues and offers a wide array of acting/comedy classes. www.averyschreibertheatre.com

One of the most historic theaters in Los Angeles, located in the newly energized NoHo Arts District, the El Portal hosts comedy and dramas, musicals, stand-up comics, Broadway tryouts, even podcasts. www.elportaltheatre.com

For twelve seasons, the Deaf West Theater has been one of the most unique theaters in Los Angeles, putting on American Sign Language (ASL) and spoken English plays. The Deaf West has won more production awards than any other deaf theater in the nation, for their ambitious productions including "Oliver" and "Big River". They also host American Sign Language Story Time, an interactive theatrical experience for deaf youngsters, plus they sponsor in-school theatrical workshops around L.A. And where else can you catch an American Sign Language improv show? www.deafwest.org

The NoHo Arts Center is an ensemble of actors, writers, directors and set designers who put on comedy and drama plus musicals in this comfortable, 99-seat venue. One of the smaller theaters in Los Angeles, semi-famous for their "24 Hours of Madness". Resident playwrights crank out six funny short plays on random themes, then put them on in a 24 hour period. Even if every other word sucks, you have to admire their daring. The theater's director is also Pastor of the NoHo Arts Center for New Thought, a spiritual community that holds services in the theater. www.thenohoartscenter.com

An theatrical mash-up in the heart of NoHo, the Raven is a multi-media venue that hosts plays, plus video events and showcases. The Raven is one of the most eclectic theaters in Los Angeles; a recent sampling of their shows includes a Celtic jazz singer, a film about a zombie-battling cop and Arthur Miller plays. www.TheRavenPlayhouse.com

Small, comfortable, ungrungy theater in the actor-friendly NoHo arts district. In addition to the usual comedy and drama fare, the Secret Rose Theater also hosts talent shows. www.secretrose.com

Recently renovated (no more leaking roof to plague actors during the big scene from "Death of a Salesman"), the Whitmore-Lindley puts on original plays, classics and well as musicals, drawing its cast and directors from the ever growing North Hollywood talent pool. Named after Tony and Emmy-winning actor James Whitmore and his wife Audra Lindley, the theater is also available for rent to put on your own show or hold acting classes. www.whitmorelindleytheatrecenter.com