REBRANDING AND UNIFYING
LOS ANGELES'
BROADWAY DISTRICT
BUILDING A BETTER PATH TO YOUR THEATRES
OUR MISSION
Motivated by Bringing Back Broadway, our group builds upon Jose Huizar’s mission to commercialize historic theatres in the district for a new generation. During our research of Broadway theatres in Los Angeles, our group noticed an alarming lack of online presence. With a deeper exposure to research and with the help of educated individuals, our group did discover online platforms; however, most were not up to date or attractive. With no readily available information, prospective customers and spectators are excluded if they have no inside knowledge of the theatre industry. In turn, Broadway theatres lose valuable exposure. With the prominence of social media and digital technology in 2020, an online presence is key to bringing awareness to the beautiful theatres in Broadway. Unify Broadway provides a solution by creating a space online where information on theatres is readily available for locals, tourists, and potential renters. By centralizing contact information and events occurring in Broadway theatres, our group aims to increase public interaction with these historic spaces and create a new avenue for the revitalization of these theatres.
OUR VISION
What does Unify Broadway look like?
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A cohesive webpage that contains comprehensive information on all the theatres in the area (upcoming events, theatre interior plus exterior, seating capacity, etc.)
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An efficient system for organizations to reach out to venues to inquire about booking
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Opening venues to potential renters and collective events
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Local Theatre Groups
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Student Organizations
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Film Festivals
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Integrate shopping and local businesses in the area
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Our goal is to share the grandeur and history of the Broadway district for generations to come. By providing a cohesive, one-stop-shop, theatres have the potential to be rented or booked by local theatre groups and college students productions. As a result, these spaces will be continually shared and appreciated.
The Broadway district can become a new home for film festivals in Los Angeles. Neighboring restaurants, shops, and other establishments present opportunities to form partnerships with and identify potential sponsors among local businesses. Along with the Hollywood industry and numerous prestigious film programs at nearby universities, the Broadway district can usher in a new wave of community-oriented film festivals.
BROADWAY'S HISTORY
The Broadway Theatre District in Los Angeles officially developed between 1900 and 1910. In 1910, the street awakened with life with the grand opening of the Arcade Theatre and Orpheum Theatre. A pivotal moment to convert Broadway into a street filled with abundant entertainment. Thirty-three theatres, from 1903 to 1931, have manifested on the street. Unfortunately, not every theatre survived the passing of time to the present, with interest waning and a lack of financial viability. As a result, many were demolished. Popularity lasted approximately seventy years. Beginning in the 1980s, efforts to preserve and restore began to surface. The Los Angeles Conservancy and Bringing Back Broadway are two efforts to revitalize the district. Surviving theatres include Million Dollar Theatre, Roxie Theatre, Arcade Theatre, Los Angeles Theatre, Palace Theatre, State Theatre, Globe Theatre, Tower Theatre, Rialto Theatre, Orpheum Theatre, and The Theatre at Ace Hotel. Of the list above, five are retail spaces—though revitalized, they are not used for their original purpose. Others are closed to the general public and only available for private rentals.
ABOUT OUR TEAM
GET TO KNOW OUR TEAM MEMBERS
JESSICA
HALL
A fourth-year student majoring in Anthropology, with a minor in Digital Humanities. She contributed to the research of theatres, and research on student org group partnerships.
KAITLYN SMITH
A fourth-year student majoring in Cognitive Science, with a minor in Digital Humanities. She contributed to development of the film festival concept and creating the map and calendar.
JANANI JAYESH
A fourth-year student majoring in Political Science with a minor in Digital Humanities. She contributed to research on the theatres, group documentation, and website management on the theatre pages.
JASDY PERILLO
A third-year student majoring in Communication Studies, with a minor in Digital Humanities. She compiled research on the historic Broadway theatres and contributed to the development of the film festival concept.
KIMBERLY JIMENEZ
A fourth-year student majoring in English, with a minor in Digital Humanities. She contributed to research of theatres on Broadway, researched history of the district, and website design and layout.