Who we are

Who we are

Semele creates and produces theatrical work that explores compelling universal questions, celebrates creative risk-taking, and centers collaboration and community. The impact of a theatrical experience should resonate beyond the theater door. We embrace the friction between emotion and intellect, integrating design, rhythm, media, technology, and performance to present theatre that is emotionally engaging, thought-provoking, and ambitious in reach.

Compelling Universal Questions

Storytelling has the power to make a positive change in everyone.

Creative Risk-Taking

Nurturing daring creative choices to craft bold new forms of performance.

Collaboration and Community

We make theatre with and for a diverse and thriving community.

A BRIEF HISTORY

Semele is a Los Angeles-based theatre company, founded in 2001. We have produced over 60 productions and 20 new works festivals that have uplifted local artists and companies. Within Los Angeles, Semele is considered a leader, an innovator, and a unique and vital voice. From 2003 to 2021, Semele managed and curated programming in an intimate black box theatre in Silver Lake. Annually this venue housed three Semele productions, three co-productions, and three new works festivals (Company Creation Festival, Solo Creation Festival, and Quick Creation Festival). Through these programs, we supported the creative work of over 200 different theatre companies and independent artists working in solo, devised, and text-driven theatrical forms.

FEATURES

In 2004, American Theatre profiled Semele as one of the nation’s up-and-coming young theatre companies and published our work on the magazine’s cover. We have also been featured in the international theatre journal TheatreForum and numerous times in LA Weekly’s “Why Theatre Matters” issue

AWARDS

We have been awarded two LA Stage Alliance Ovation Awards (nine nominations), five LA Weekly Theatre Awards (eleven nominations), four Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards, a SAGE Award and an NAACP Theatre Award (four nominations), among others. In 2012, Cyclops: A Rock Opera, a production created by Psittacus Productions through our Company Creation Festival was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.

* Visit the production history page for a full list of past productions.

Solo Creation Fest @ Son of Semele changed my life. It’s the first place I put up a show that I wrote and now I’m a professional writer. I can’t tell you how grateful I am to this company for providing me the opportunity to explore, play and grow.
Lisa Sanaye Dring, Ma-Yi Theater Company Resident Playwright

A Community Resource

Son of Semele’s “4.48 Psychosis ” instantly became one of the highlights of my career. I don’t think it could’ve happened that way at any other company… 
Matt Richter, Lighting Designer

Join the party!

Join the party!

The theatre should be a place to recharge and ignite. Join us!

Spotlight Dance: Our Studio and Students’ Journey

Dance is a journey of self-growth. Our students have shone in the spotlight. Join us to celebrate their achievements and start your own journey.

Spotlight Dance: Our Studio and Students’ Journey

Dance is a journey of self-growth. Our students have shone in the spotlight. Join us to celebrate their achievements and start your own journey.

Discover the Art of Dance

Explore the Beauty of Movement

Whether you prefer ballet, jazz, or hip hop , we have a class for you.

Discover the Art of Dance

Unleash Your Creativity Through Dance

Whether you prefer ballet, jazz, or hip hop , we have a class for you.

Our Studio In Images

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