Griffith Park performing‑arts center groundbreaking marks long campaign by community and Independent Shakespeare Company

Councilmember Nitya Raman and Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks officials joined members of the Independent Shakespeare Company, park volunteers and community groups for a groundbreaking ceremony for a new performing‑arts stage in Griffith Park.

Why it matters: The project is the culmination of more than a decade of community advocacy and is designed to create an accessible cultural venue that the city says will support free performances, volunteerism and park activation.

At the event, Councilmember Nitya Raman said the project capped a “14‑year journey” to provide a more permanent and serviceable stage for family‑friendly performances in the park. Brenda Aguirre, assistant general manager overseeing special operations for Recreation and Parks, described the project as the product of tenacity and long volunteer engagement dating back to early conversations in 2011.

The Independent Shakespeare Company leaders recounted their 29 productions in Griffith Park, saying they performed for nearly 500,000 Angelenos and provided free theater to city residents. The company thanked past supporters, named local partners and recognized Tom LaBonge’s early role in supporting the program. Organizers said the stage will help sustain free, accessible arts programming and educational workshops that have accompanied performances.

City and park staff recognized planning and maintenance teams, independent producers and volunteer boards including Friends of Griffith Park and neighborhood associations. Officials asked residents to see the venue as a long‑term community resource and to support programming once the facility opens.

Ending: Officials and performers closed the event by turning the first sod and urging continued community volunteerism as construction proceeds.