Mission & Values
Antaeus is an actor-driven theater company that explores and produces timely and timeless works, grounded in our passion for the Classics.
We illuminate diverse human experiences through performance, training and outreach.
We believe in the transformative power of live theater.
The very best of what theater has to offer.
Footlights
-We Value
Some of the finest artists in the American theater call Antaeus their home. We believe in excellence and strive for greatness. We believe in taking creative risks and working above and beyond our comfort zones in order to create experiences that stimulate, inspire, and challenge our audiences.
We are a community built by artists who have chosen to contribute their vast array of talents to Antaeus. Our dedication to the larger group is our strength, and makes the whole greater than the sum of its parts.
Theater is a profoundly social act. Antaeus is a gathering place where actors and audiences can come together for a shared experience. We recognize it is important to engage our audiences on and off the stage. Using theater as a catalyst, we stimulate important conversations to nurture understanding and create empathy.
We are committed to creating a welcoming environment and deeper inclusion within our company. Antaeus strives for diversity through Company membership, Board membership, staff, inclusive casting, choice of artistic material, and through our community engagement. We are a space where all voices are heard.
We are committed to actively communicating by both listening and hearing without prejudice; we value each other’s opinions. We approach our conversations with empathy, generosity, and a collaborative spirit to build a lasting foundation that honors our commitments to each other and the company.
We have a thirst for knowledge and are committed to growing as artists. Grounded in classical text and training, we are an artistic home where professional actors can continue to work on their craft amongst their peers. We inspire the next generation of theater artists through performance, education, and outreach.
Antaeus builds trust through mutual respect and integrity in all of our interactions. We keep our word and honor our commitments to the company, the community, our audiences, and each other.
Antaeus is a leader in the professional arts community, which is reflected in the quality and vision of our artists, staff, and board members.
History
Antaeus Theatre Company began in 1991 as a project of the prestigious Center Theatre Group. Founding Co-Artistic Directors Dakin Matthews and Lillian Groag believed that a world-class classical ensemble could thrive in a city driven by the TV and film industry. They brought together a remarkable group of 30 members to embark on this ambitious project. The group met every Monday night to read, study, and rehearse great classical plays. Over three decades and through hundreds of readings, workshops, and productions, Antaeus has established an impressive reputation as a leader in the Los Angeles intimate theater community.
The company moved to North Hollywood in 1995, and in 1996 we incorporated as a non-profit organization. In 2002, Antaeus expanded its reach by establishing the Antaeus Academy, which provides classical training for professional artists from all backgrounds. We formalized our Arts Education outreach programs in 2003, allowing us to connect with those most in need of greater arts access in Los Angeles.
Over the years, Antaeus has experimented with several Artistic Director leadership models to best serve the evolving needs of our organization. In 2005, Co-Artistic Directors John Apicella and Jeanie Hackett focused on professionalizing the administrative and fundraising aspects of the organization to secure a permanent home. In 2009, Jeanie Hackett became the sole Artistic Director, during which time she produced our first full season in 2010 and planned our award-winning 2011 season.
As the Company continued to grow, we transitioned to a three-person Artistic Director model, with Bill Brochtrup, Rob Nagle, and John Sloan sharing the role to ensure a balanced and collaborative approach during this significant period of growth. In 2019, recognizing the need for more streamlined decision-making, we moved to a two-person Artistic Director model with Bill Brochtrup and Kitty Swink leading the Company. This period of experimentation allowed us to explore different leadership dynamics, ultimately guiding us back to the decision to have one full-time, paid Artistic Director. In 2024, we welcomed Nike Doukas as our sole Artistic Director, marking a new chapter in our commitment to artistic excellence and organizational stability.
In March 2017, after four years of fundraising and nearly one year of construction, we were thrilled to open the doors to our new permanent home in Downtown Glendale, the Kiki & David Gindler Performing Arts Center. In 2021, we further expanded our artistic mission with the launch of the NEXT Commissions, supporting the development of new plays based on classics, and the New Classics Initiative, which aims to foster a vibrant Los Angeles theater ecosystem.
Our current leadership team includes Producing Executive Director Ana Rose O’Halloran and Artistic Director Nike Doukas. As Antaeus continues to grow and mature, we remain committed to producing full seasons of plays, providing professional training and arts education programs, and utilizing our home to its fullest potential.
The Abuelas | Featuring: Seamus Dever, Luisina Quarleri, Denise Blasor | Photographer: Jenny Graham
The Caucasian Chalk Circle | Featuring: Ensemble of The Caucasian Chalk Circle | Photographer: Jenny Graham