The 24 Hour Plays, a 31-year-old nonprofit dedicated to supporting creative communities through rapid-play productions, is set to establish a permanent home in Los Angeles for the first time. The organization’s mission involves bringing together early-career actors, directors, playwrights, and other theater professionals to write, rehearse, and perform original plays within a 24-hour window.

Launch Details and Celebrity Involvement

The initiative will officially kick off on February 28 at the newly constructed Huron Station Playhouse. The event will showcase four brand new short plays, each written, rehearsed, and performed within 24 hours. The lineup includes notable stars such as Jon Cryer, Tatiana Maslany, Pauline Chalamet, Justice Smith, Kiana Madeira, Kirsten Vangsness, Lovell Adams-Gray, Shannon Purser, Rich Sommer, and Coral Peña.

These performances will be directed by a diverse group of theater professionals, including Casey Stangl, Jaime Castañeda, Kate Sullivan, and Stefanie Black. The playwrights behind the new works include Steve Yockey, Sofya Levitsky-Weitz, Dave Harris, and Mark Wilding, each bringing their unique creative vision to the project.

Community Impact and Historical Context

Artistic director Mark Armstrong emphasized the significance of the move, stating that the growing enthusiasm from the Los Angeles community for The 24 Hour Plays prompted the decision to establish a permanent presence in the city. Armstrong highlighted the organization’s long-standing ties to Los Angeles, including events that helped raise spirits after the September 11 attacks and showed solidarity during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.

The 24 Hour Plays have a rich history in Los Angeles, having performed at venues such as the Los Angeles Theater Center, The Broad Stage, the United Artists Theatre at Ace, and The Bourbon Room. Armstrong expressed excitement about the organization’s new chapter in the city, noting the support from local leaders like Gaby Cohen, the board president for California.

Cohen, who is also a talent agent at Gersh, described the Los Angeles theater community as a vibrant hub and emphasized the importance of The 24 Hour Plays in bringing people together. She noted the organization’s role as a community builder, especially during the pandemic, and expressed hope for continued growth and support for emerging artists.

Professional Development and Future Plans

The proceeds from the event will support the nonprofit’s ongoing activities, including the expansion of The 24 Hour Plays Nationals, its flagship professional development program for early-career artists. According to Serena Berman, a co-producer and program director for the Nationals, the program has already served nearly 600 early-career artists since its inception in 2007.

Berman, an alumna of the program, described her experience as life-changing and expressed enthusiasm for expanding the initiative to include artists building careers in Los Angeles. She highlighted the increasing integration of theater and film communities on both coasts and the opportunity for growth in the West Coast market.

The 24 Hour Plays have long been recognized for their unique approach to theater, combining creativity, collaboration, and community engagement. The Los Angeles launch marks a significant milestone for the organization, as it seeks to solidify its presence on the West Coast and continue supporting the next generation of theater professionals.

The event on February 28 is expected to draw significant attention, not only for its star-studded lineup but also for its demonstration of the power of live theater to bring people together. As the organization expands its reach, it aims to continue supporting innovation and creativity in the performing arts industry.

With the new permanent base in Los Angeles, The 24 Hour Plays is ready to further its mission of supporting emerging artists and enriching the theater community. The kickoff event promises to be a memorable celebration of the organization’s legacy and its future aspirations.