Meanwhile, speaking of Elysian Park, an amphitheater that has been closed for decades -- closed so long I didn't know it existed; it was more than forgotten -- is not only reopening but there is a Thanksgiving performance planned.

According to a Los Angeles Theatre Academy press release dated Nov. 6:

After decades of being closed, the amphitheatre at the Elysian Therapeutic Recreation Center (ETRC) re-opens. Michael Kendall, the new Director for the ETRC and Alejandra Flores, Founder of the Los Angeles Theatre Academy (LATA) are working together to make this dream come true by presenting the first short play "A Thanksgiving Story" with over 40 kids on stage.

The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks' Therapeutic Recreation Section provides quality programs for persons with disabilities. The Los Angeles Theatre Academy is a non profit organization offering multilingual educational services such as acting, music, choreography, directing, design, production, writing and more to kids and adults of all economic and ethnic backgrounds.

"The children are finally going to have a professional stage where they can create their own plays and perform for audiences all year long. The stage not only gives them the opportunity to act, but expands their creative outlet through all the disciplines that the professional teachers at Los Angeles Theatre Academy offer", says founder Alejandra Flores. Elysian Therapeutic Recreation Center is offering the perfect space for Los Angeles Theatre Academy to accomplish this mission. With this partnership, children of all ages will have the unique opportunity to achieve a greater self-esteem and create fun and intelligent stage plays.

The Greater Elysian Echo Park neighborhood council worked with Alejandra Flores of LATA to revive the venue.

WHEN: Tuesday, November 25 at
10:00 AM
WHERE: Elysian Therapeutic Recreation Center's
Amphitheatre
WHO: The Los Angeles Theatre Academy's First Class
2008
ADDRESS: 929 Academy Rd. Los Angeles, Ca 90012
WHAT: "A
Thanksgiving Story" (a 10 min stage play)