Ed Fuentes

XRT's cabaret space serves as a platform for panel discussions.

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — X Repertory Theatre (XRT) hosted a panel Wednesday night that had producers Topher Grace (That 70’s Show) and Gordon Kaywin talk about their new production company, Sargent Hall Productions. Their message encouraged those with a dream to think big.

XRT's Arts District home, nicknamed Location X, was designed to further the company's goal of becoming L.A.'s premiere teaching theatre. Founded by Aaron Ganz and Marc Jablon, the 10,000 square foot warehouse, once used for storage, has already been noted for its architectural daring.

Designed by Venice based firm Sander Architects, the main stage will be within a 64 by 64 foot arena that will use flexible walls to allow directors to shape their production in varied configurations. "It's a playground for any director to come in," says Ganz.

One of two rehearsal studios are completed, and it sits like a theater laboratory light box. Panels are supported and highlighted by cardboard colonnades, an industrial version of Roman theater pillars. It overlooks the loading dock that will also be used as a concrete cabaret space.

"Actors and directors walk in and instantly begin thinking of what can be done in here," said Ganz.

The panel, the first in a speaker series, was held to introduce the official June 1st opening of XRT's theater training. The repertory company will instruct actors––with classes named Studio XRT Intensive, The Actor's Gym, The Digital Stage, and Improv X–– in scene study, voice and speech, movement and writing.

This new Arts District theater company continues a Downtown trend of actors, directors and writers working on the desire to test theatrical theory, rather than commercializing actors as product.

X Repertory Theatre / 1581 Industrial St. / Arts District/ 213-536-4331