At Best Startup California we track over 300,000 Californian startups and over 1,500,000 people who hold key positions in these companies. We use this directory of startups to highlight top employees, founders and organisations we think deserve more appreciation than they are currently getting.
We’ve ranked the top 101 Theatre companies in California, United States. The companies, startups and institutions listed in this article are all exceptional companies, well worth a follow. We have included links to their websites, socials and CrunchBase (if you’re interested in their financials).
We selected the organisations listed in this article based on:
- Track record
- Executive leadership
- Market share
- Innovation
- ESG rating
Our Data – We source our data from OSINT (open source intelligence) and public directories such as Crunchbase, SemRush and many more. The data from these sources should be treated with a degree of caution and verified yourself.
Top Theatre Companies & Startups (California, United States)
Vendini
Vendini provides dependable and easy-to-use ticketing, marketing and fundraising solutions to organizations of all sizes.
Founder(s): Mark Tacchi
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Industries: Concerts, Events, Mobile, Nightclubs, Point of Sale, Theatre, Ticketing
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WME
William Morris Endeavor (WME) is primarily a talent agency representing artists across every entertainment sector.
Founder(s): Ariel Emanuel
Location: Beverly Hills, California, United States
Industries: Advertising, Digital Entertainment, Film, Music, Theatre
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Dealflicks
Dealflicks provides movie tickets and concessions for discounted prices, helping theaters fill their empty seats.
Founder(s): Jenny Ma, Kevin Hong, Sean Wycliffe, Zachary Cancio
Location: Oakland, California, United States
Industries: E-Commerce, Internet, Media and Entertainment, Theatre, Ticketing
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Theatreworks
Theatre Works is a creative centre and venue in the heart of St. Kilda, Melbourne and it aims to support, present and promote innovations.
Founder(s): Robert Kelley
Location: Redwood City, California, United States
Industries: Education, Non Profit, Performing Arts, Theatre
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San Diego Opera
San Diego Opera, ranked by OPERA AMERICA as one of the top 10 opera companies in the United States
Founder(s): Walter Herbert
Location: San Diego, California, United States
Industries: Non Profit, Theatre
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Universal Pictures
Universal Pictures creates and distributes theatrical and non-theatrical filmed entertainment for a growing global marketplace.
Founder(s): Tatiana Vecchi
Location: Universal City, California, United States
Industries: Film, Theatre
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WorldStage
WorldStage is an event management firm that offers various entertainment technology solutions.
Founder(s):
Location: Tustin, California, United States
Industries: Broadcasting, Event Management, Events, Media and Entertainment, Theatre, Video
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StageAgent
An eLearning platform for Theatre Arts that provides teachers & students with a one-stop shop to learn about plays and the theatre industry.
Founder(s): Jason Engleman
Location: Redwood City, California, United States
Industries: Education, Performing Arts, Social Media, Theatre
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FanSnap
FanSnap is a live event ticket search engine providing ticket marketplaces and broker ticket sites.
Founder(s): Andy Payne, Mark Towfiq, Mike Janes, Rishi Garg
Location: San Mateo, California, United States
Industries: Celebrity, Concerts, E-Commerce, Online Portals, Photography, Search Engine, Sports, Theatre, Ticketing, Vertical Search
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Kaleidescape
Kaleidescape Strato delivers better video quality than most commercial theaters.
Founder(s): Cheena Srinivasan
Location: Sunnyvale, California, United States
Industries: Software, Theatre
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THX
THX delivers products and technologies that enables filmmakers, movie studios, and theatres.
Founder(s): George Lucas
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Industries: Consumer Electronics, Theatre, Video Games
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PRIMA Cinema
Prima Cinema offers movies in the home on their day and date of theatrical release.
Founder(s): Albert Chow
Location: Carlsbad, California, United States
Industries: Film, Theatre
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Audyssey Laboratories
Audyssey research audio technologies that correct acoustical problems to improve the sound quality of any device or listening environment.
Founder(s): Chris Kyriakakis, Phil Hilmes, Sunil Bharitkar
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Industries: Audio, Automotive, Electronics, Hardware, Software, Theatre
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Spotlight Cinema Networks
Spotlight Cinema Networks is the industry leader in reaching a audience of affluent, educated adults within a cinema environment.
Founder(s):
Location: Santa Monica, California, United States
Industries: Theatre
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Threatbutt
Viking grade threat intelligence to any enterprise
Founder(s):
Location: Menlo Park, California, United States
Industries: Animal Feed, Cyber Security, Homeland Security, Network Security, SaaS, Security, Theatre
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Movies.com
Movies.com is an online database that allows individuals to get the latest updates about movies.
Founder(s):
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Industries: Database, Film, Theatre
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MasterImage 3D
MasterImage 3D develops stereoscopic 3D systems for theaters and mobile devices.
Founder(s): Younghoon Lee
Location: Sherman Oaks, California, United States
Industries: 3D Technology, Hardware, Mobile, Software, Theatre
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American Cinematheque
American Cinematheque is a non-profit cultural organization that owns egyptian and aero theatres.
Founder(s):
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Industries: Film, Media and Entertainment, Non Profit, Theatre
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Artisan Entertainment
Artisan Entertainment produces and distributes theatrical motion pictures, children’s films, and interest programs.
Founder(s):
Location: Van Nuys, California, United States
Industries: Media and Entertainment, Theatre, Video
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MTC
MTC is a non-profit organization that fixates on the development and production of the performing arts and theatre sector with services.
Founder(s):
Location: Mill Valley, California, United States
Industries: Non Profit, Performing Arts, Theatre
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Elation Professional
Elation Professional provides LED lighting, video & atmospheric effect products designed for theaters, concerts, & exhibitions.
Founder(s):
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Industries: Concerts, Events, Lighting, Theatre, Video
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CineVizion
CineVizion is a part of the entertainment industry that provides screening and theatre services including 3D, DTSX & Dolby atmos facilities.
Founder(s):
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Industries: Audio, Media and Entertainment, Theatre
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Debbie Allen Dance Academy
Debbie Allen Dance Academy is a non-profit organization that provides training in dance and theater arts to young people.
Founder(s):
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Industries: Performing Arts, Theatre, Training
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Central Coast Audio Visual
Central Coast Audio Visual provides commercial audio & video, video conferencing, network cabling, and audio systems services.
Founder(s):
Location: Carpinteria, California, United States
Industries: Commercial, Theatre, Video Conferencing
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CineGoGo
Filmmaker Social Network
Founder(s):
Location: San Mateo, California, United States
Industries: Film, Jewelry, Music, Theatre, Video
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The Movement Talent Agency
The Movement Talent Agency is a talent agency that offers opportunities to directors, dancers, sports people, theater and stunt performers.
Founder(s):
Location: North Hollywood, California, United States
Industries: Performing Arts, Social Network, Sports, Staffing Agency, Theatre
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Un-Scripted Theater Company
Un-Scripted Theater Company is a theater company that specializes in theatrical improvisation & production of shows, musicals & comedies.
Founder(s):
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Industries: Communities, Events, Performing Arts, Theatre
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Center Theatre Group
Center Theatre Group believes theatre creates an extraordinary connection between artists and audiences.
Founder(s): Meghan Pressman
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Industries: Performing Arts, Theatre
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Golden Thread
Golden Thread , is the first American theatre company devoted to plays from or about the Middle East, defined broadly & inclusively.
Founder(s):
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Industries: Digital Media, Film, Film Production, Media and Entertainment, Performing Arts, Social Media, Theatre
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Sacramento Theatre Company
Sacramento Theatre Company is a professional theatre with theatre arts education.
Founder(s):
Location: Sacramento, California, United States
Industries: Non Profit, Performing Arts, Theatre
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SightCine
SightCine Inc. is based in Los Angeles and specializes in digital overlay projection technology. Our initial product is an innovative
Founder(s):
Location: Beverly Hills, California, United States
Industries: Digital Entertainment, Film, Theatre
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Cal Performances
Cal Performances is the performing arts presenting, producing, and commissioning organization at the University of California, Berkeley.
Founder(s):
Location: Berkeley, California, United States
Industries: Education, Events, Performing Arts, Theatre
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Artistically Social
Social network and online market place for artists and anyone who enjoys creativity.
Founder(s): Aaron Quirke, Michael Valdez, Michael Valdez
Location: San Diego, California, United States
Industries: Art, E-Commerce, Fashion, Film, Marketplace, Music, Photography, Theatre
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UltraStar Cinemas
UltraStar Cinemas is a movie chain with theaters.
Founder(s):
Location: San Marcos, California, United States
Industries: Film, Media and Entertainment, Theatre
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Cornerstone Theatre Company
Cornerstone Theatre Company is a non-profit community that makes performance art theatrical plays.
Founder(s):
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Industries: Non Profit, Performing Arts, Theatre
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Pasadena Playhouse
The Pasadena Playhouse is a place where people have gathered for 100 years to experience bold and important theater.
Founder(s):
Location: Pasadena, California, United States
Industries: Digital Entertainment, Performing Arts, Theatre
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Orinda Theatre Square
Orinda Theatre Square is a community centre that includes restaurants, retail & lifestyle fashion, dining, movies and professional services.
Founder(s):
Location: Orinda, California, United States
Industries: Events, Professional Services, Shopping Mall, Theatre
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San Diego Repertory Theatre
San Diego Repertory Theatre is a non-profit performing arts company that produces and hosts contemporary plays and mini-concerts.
Founder(s):
Location: San Diego, California, United States
Industries: Concerts, Media and Entertainment, Non Profit, Performing Arts, Theatre
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The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company
The Unusual Suspects aims to mentor, educate, and enrich underserved youth through the creation of collaborative, original theatre.
Founder(s):
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Industries: Charity, Education, Performing Arts, Theatre
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Fox Theater Pomona
Fox Theater Pomona is a premium venue for concerts, corporate events, weddings, film festivals, parties, and location shoots.
Founder(s):
Location: Pomona, California, United States
Industries: Concerts, Music Venues, Rental, Theatre
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Theatre Bay Area
Theatre Bay Area is a member association that promotes the theatre community to perform arts and events by conducting auditions & training.
Founder(s):
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Industries: Association, Events, Non Profit, Performing Arts, Theatre
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Laguna Playhouse
Laguna Playhouse is a theatre that features musicals, comedies, dramas and dance also promotes arts, sports and similar events.
Founder(s):
Location: Laguna Beach, California, United States
Industries: Art, Media and Entertainment, Performing Arts, Theatre
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Circle X Theatre
Circle X Theatre is a non-profit organization of artists that organizes and produces theatrical plays.
Founder(s):
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Industries: Non Profit, Performing Arts, Theatre
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Cal Shakes
Cal Shakes is a non profit performing arts platform that deals with performing arts services that includes music & live shows.
Founder(s):
Location: Berkeley, California, United States
Industries: Education, Music, Performing Arts, Theatre
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Carlsbad Performing Arts Academy
Carlsbad Performing Arts Academy is Carlsbad’s performing arts studio offering classes in dance, theatre, and music.
Founder(s):
Location: Carlsbad, California, United States
Industries: Music, Performing Arts, Theatre
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Wolf Theatre Services
Wolf Theater Services provides clients with the finest quality of fabrics.
Founder(s):
Location: Anaheim, California, United States
Industries: Theatre
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Hammer Theatre Center
Hammer Theatre Center is an entertainment firm that offers arts, sports and similar events with facilities.
Founder(s):
Location: San Jose, California, United States
Industries: Art, Media and Entertainment, Theatre
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La Jolla Playhouse
La Jolla Playhouse is a nonprofit organization that focuses on creating new work in regional theatre.
Founder(s):
Location: La Jolla, California, United States
Industries: Non Profit, Performing Arts, Theatre
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I Need A Miracle Tickets
I Need A Miracle Tickets is a company that offers ticketing services for the events like sports, concerts, stage, and theater.
Founder(s):
Location: Long Beach, California, United States
Industries: Concerts, Events, Reservations, Sports, Theatre, Ticketing
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Laemmle Theaters
Laemmle Theaters operates theatres, distributes motion pictures, provides on-screen advertising & auditorium rentals.
Founder(s):
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Industries: Advertising, Film, Media and Entertainment, Theatre
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Grosh Backdrops and Drapery
Grosh Backdrops and Backdrop provides rental services of custom backdrops with respect to the show & theme along with projections & drapery.
Founder(s):
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Industries: Events, Media and Entertainment, Theatre
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Mondavi Center
Mondavi Center offers performance art education and training services.
Founder(s):
Location: Davis, California, United States
Industries: Performing Arts, Theatre, Training
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Regency Theatres
Regency Theatres is a media and entertainment company
Founder(s):
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Industries: Film, Media and Entertainment, Theatre
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Baron Brown Studio
Baron Brown Studio offers acting lessons, classes, techniques and private coaching in California.
Founder(s):
Location: Santa Monica, California, United States
Industries: Education, Theatre, Training
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US Performing Arts Camps
US Performing Arts Camps provides training in the performing arts and digital media for pre-college students.
Founder(s): Craig Patterson
Location: Novato, California, United States
Industries: Media and Entertainment, Performing Arts, Theatre
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AHC
AHC specializes in the search and selection of unique faces and non-IT professionals for media and entertainment production.
Founder(s): Alyson Horn
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Industries: Advertising, Media and Entertainment, Theatre, Video
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Opera San José
Opera San José is engaged in performance art theatre, events, film presentations and conferences.
Founder(s):
Location: San Jose, California, United States
Industries: Music Venues, Non Profit, Theatre
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Broadway Sacramento
BWS is Northern California’s premier producer and presenter of musical theatre and the largest nonprofit musical theatre in California.
Founder(s):
Location: Sacramento, California, United States
Industries: Music, Non Profit, Performing Arts, Theatre
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Ruskin Group Theatre Company
The Ruskin Group Theatre is a non-profit theatre company that mission is to produce unforgettable theatre with world-class artists.
Founder(s):
Location: Santa Monica, California, United States
Industries: Music, Recreation, Theatre
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Picturehouse
Picturehouse is a film production company that provides film making and distribution services.
Founder(s):
Location: Woodland Hills, California, United States
Industries: Digital Media, Film Production, Professional Services, Theatre
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Transcendence Theatre Company
Transcendence Theatre Company is a non-profit company that offers performing arts, arts education and community engagement services.
Founder(s): Amy Miller
Location: Sonoma, California, United States
Industries: Non Profit, Performing Arts, Theatre
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Stage Rights
Stage Rights is a theatrical publishing company specializing in plays, musicals, and theater for youth.
Founder(s):
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Industries: Film, Media and Entertainment, Theatre
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San Diego Theatres
San Diego Theatres is a non-profit firm that operates performing art theaters.
Founder(s):
Location: San Diego, California, United States
Industries: Non Profit, Performing Arts, Theatre
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Simple DCP
Simple DCP is a Video production company that provides theatrical exhibition, broadcasting, and digital cinema packages.
Founder(s):
Location: Santa Monica, California, United States
Industries: Broadcasting, Film Production, Theatre, Video
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South Coast Repertory
South Coast Repertory offers unique live theatre experiences on two state-of-the-art stages.
Founder(s):
Location: Costa Mesa, California, United States
Industries: Non Profit, Performing Arts, Theatre
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Ghost Commander
Ghost Commander is a hybrid theater/gaming experience that lets users impact narrative structure.
Founder(s):
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Industries: Gaming, Theatre
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The Yost Theater
Yost Theater is a concert and events venue that hosts such functions as concerts, Ted Talks, social gatherings, school dances, and weddings.
Founder(s):
Location: Santa Ana, California, United States
Industries: Events, Music Venues, Rental, Theatre
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LA County Department of Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation manages a wide range of historical and cultural resources, including historic structures and buildings.
Founder(s):
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Industries: Communities, Elderly, Family, Golf, Media and Entertainment, Outdoors, Recreation, Theatre, Vocational Education
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Santa Monica Playhouse
Santa Monica Playhouse is a nonprofit organization that promotes arts, live theatre performance, and educational conservatory programs.
Founder(s):
Location: Santa Monica, California, United States
Industries: Art, Education, Non Profit, Theatre
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Chordanation
SaaS, Mobile App, Content Creation
Founder(s): Mark Hary
Location: Los Gatos, California, United States
Industries: Content Creators, Music, Theatre
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West Bay Opera
West Bay Opera company in Palo Alto, including information about the current Season ticket pricing is also available for 2-opera packets.
Founder(s):
Location: Palo Alto, California, United States
Industries: Performing Arts, Theatre, Training
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Capital Stage
Capital Stage is a professional nonprofit theatre company.
Founder(s):
Location: Sacramento, California, United States
Industries: Internet, Media and Entertainment, Non Profit, Theatre
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Castro Theatre
Castro Theatre is a San Francisco-based movie palace built by two theatre entrepreneurs, the Nasser brothers.
Founder(s):
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Industries: Theatre
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Fortress Seating
Fortress Seating is a manufacturing company that offers a wide range of customizable home theater seating, sofas, accessories, and lounges.
Founder(s):
Location: La Verne, California, United States
Industries: Furniture, Home Decor, Home Improvement, Manufacturing, Theatre
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Granada Theatre
The Granada Theatre is the central coast’s premier performing arts venue.
Founder(s):
Location: Santa Barbara, California, United States
Industries: Performing Arts, Theatre
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The Inkwell Theater
The Inkwell Theater is a nonprofit writer’s theater company that focuses on developing, supporting and cultivating new plays & playwrights.
Founder(s):
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Industries: Media and Entertainment, Performing Arts, Theatre
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Silicon Valley Shakespeare
Silicon Valley Shakespeare the classics through innovative, relevant theatrical experiences that illuminate and inspire modern audiences.
Founder(s):
Location: San Jose, California, United States
Industries: Enterprise, Government, Media and Entertainment, Non Profit, Theatre
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Schubert Systems Group
Schubert Systems Group is an entertainment company that deals with music and theatre services.
Founder(s):
Location: North Hollywood, California, United States
Industries: Events, Media and Entertainment, Music, Theatre
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Frantic Redhead Productions
Frantic Redhead Productions engages in the production of professional films, theatre and documentaries.
Founder(s):
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Industries: Film Production, Media and Entertainment, Theatre
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Encore Rentals
Encore Rentals is a full-service scenic design company that specializes in theatrical set rentals.
Founder(s):
Location: Torrance, California, United States
Industries: Media and Entertainment, Performing Arts, Rental, Theatre
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24th Street Theatre
24th Street Theatre aims to engage, educate & provoke young people and their families through excellent theatre and arts education.
Founder(s):
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Industries: Art, Theatre
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Lesher Center for the Arts
Lesher Center for the Arts is a performing art firm that offers performing arts & theatre services.
Founder(s):
Location: Walnut Creek, California, United States
Industries: Performing Arts, Theatre
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The Custom Made Theatre
The Custom Made Theatre is a venue that organizes events centered around plays and runs a 99-seat theater house for plays.
Founder(s):
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Industries: Performing Arts, Professional Services, Theatre
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The Actors’ Gang
The Actors’ Gang is a theatre-based education & training platform that deals in theatre services.
Founder(s):
Location: Culver City, California, United States
Industries: Education, Theatre
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Lucky Penny Productions
Lucky Penny Productions is a performing arts & theatre production platform dealing with performance art theatre & live music.
Founder(s):
Location: Napa, California, United States
Industries: Art, Music, Performing Arts, Theatre
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BATS Improv
BATS Improv is a theatre company that provides performing arts, playful, and creative training services.
Founder(s):
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Industries: Non Profit, Performing Arts, Theatre, Training
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Breier Audio Video
BrierAudio is an audio video company that specializes in supplying speakers, projection videos, multiroom systems and other AV components.
Founder(s):
Location: San Diego, California, United States
Industries: Audio, Theatre, Wholesale
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Pruneyard Dine-In Cinemas
cinema theatre
Founder(s):
Location: Campbell, California, United States
Industries: Theatre
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El Teatro Campesino
El Teatro Campesino is a performance theater that organizes short skits, arts education, events and cultural programs for social change.
Founder(s): Luis Valdez
Location: San Juan Bautista, California, United States
Industries: Media and Entertainment, Performing Arts, Theatre
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Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival
Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival is a non-profit organization offering a platform for the development of women theatre artists.
Founder(s):
Location: North Hollywood, California, United States
Industries: Media and Entertainment, Performing Arts, Theatre
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Lamb’s Players Theatre
Lamb’s Players Theatre is a non-profit firm that focuses on performing arts and shows production and offers educational outreach programs.
Founder(s): Steve Terrell
Location: Coronado, California, United States
Industries: Media and Entertainment, Performing Arts, Theatre
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Kim Maxwell Studio
Kim Maxwell Studio is a non-profit organization that produces shows with theatre programs and designs to launch stories.
Founder(s): Kim Maxwell
Location: Ojai, California, United States
Industries: Art, Non Profit, Theatre
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Contra Costa Musical Theatre
Contra Costa Musical Theatre produces Broadway musicals.
Founder(s):
Location: Walnut Creek, California, United States
Industries: Communities, Music Venues, Non Profit, Performing Arts, Theatre
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Color And Light Theatre Ensemble
Color and Light Theatre Ensemble is a theatre initiative that believes that creativity is contagious and that theatre is meant to be shared.
Founder(s):
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Industries: Art, Theatre
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Grand Lake Theatre
Grand Lake Theater is located in the lakeshore district surrounded by a variety of dining options.
Founder(s):
Location: Oakland, California, United States
Industries: Film, Media and Entertainment, Theatre
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Strand Releasing
Strand Releasing is one of the leading U.S. distributors of foreign language, American independent, and documentary films in the U.S.
Founder(s):
Location: Culver City, California, United States
Industries: Broadcasting, Film, Film Distribution, Film Production, Theatre
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Hiddenlemons
Hiddenlemons develops, designs, directs, writes, and produces film, live production, and themed entertainment.
Founder(s):
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Industries: Film, Film Production, Media and Entertainment, Theatre
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DramaDogs
DramaDogs is a multidisciplinary and project-driven theater production company that celebrates the creative process.
Founder(s):
Location: Santa Barbara, California, United States
Industries: Art, Non Profit, Theatre
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Trinity Films Productions
Trinity has concluded production, started production with two short films, one being a murder mystery and the second is comedy.
Founder(s):
Location: Camarillo, California, United States
Industries: Film, Film Distribution, Film Production, Media and Entertainment, Theatre
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Off The Couch
Off The Couch provides live adventure games in which teams of players solve a series of puzzles using clues, hints, and strategy.
Founder(s):
Location: Santa Clara, California, United States
Industries: Media and Entertainment, Theatre
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The Shakespeare Academy
The Shakespeare Academy is a best scene, best actor, best actress at the san diego shakespeare society student festival in balboa park.
Founder(s):
Location: San Diego, California, United States
Industries: Art, Education, Theatre
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