Our Mailing address is:
Lodestone Theatre Ensemble
P.O. Box 1072
Studio City, CA 91614
Contact numbers and email:
(323) 993-7245 telephone
[email protected]
MISSION STATEMENT: To develop, create, promote and present edgy, compelling and impassioned works that bridge communities through truthful and entertaining artistry.
GOALS and intro to Programs: As an Asian Pacific American theatre company, Lodestone Theatre Ensemble is committed to providing a forum for Asian Pacific American Artists involved in all aspects of the theatre arts including acting, directing, writing, producing and technical support. We seek to challenge the mass media's limited perceptions of Asian Pacific Americans through the creation of original theatrical productions as well as a fresh retelling of established works…thus contributing to a wider multicultural vision of America.
To these goals, the company provides workshops and readings for emerging playwrights and other artists as well as presenting world premiere mainstage productions. Lodestone is also involved in community development programs, such as the Theatre for Teens and the Youth Outreach program where members of the company share their expertise with at-risk youth groups through the production and presentation of a show.
HISTORY: The idea for what would become the Lodestone Theatre Ensemble was first realized in 1995 following the Los Angeles riots that ripped apart ethnic communities and continued racial stereotyping that has dominated mass media. Under the leadership of veteran actor Soon-Tek Oh, the Society of Heritage Performers (SHP) was founded as a Korean American theater ensemble.
In 1999, SHP evolved into the Lodestone Theatre Ensemble as an independent 501c3. Lodestone was founded by Alexandra Bokyun Chun, Philip W. Chung, Chil Kong and Tim Lounibos, with a focus on embracing a broader pan-Asian Pacific American identity within a multicultural society. Since 1999, Lodestone has presented over 75 mainstage productions, special events and Yellow Box readings/workshops of both new and established works. In addition, a youth teen theatre program was established to work with disadvantaged youths throughout the Los Angeles County in partnership with Asian Pacific Health Care Venture, the Korean Youth Cultural Center, Asian Youth Center, among others.
Lodestone Theatre Ensemble is proudly sponsored by:
Artistic Directors:
Philip W. Chung
Chil Kong
Board of Directors:
HOWARD HSIEH
TED KIM
MICHELLE KO
CHIL KONG
TIM LOUNIBOS
QUAN PHUNG
JULIAN CHANG ZOLKIN