We had the good fortune of connecting with Ellen Geer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ellen, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After many years in repertory theatre around the country, the family all came back to Topanga Canyon. Our home during the years my father was blacklisted. We made our money in TV and film, and spent our weekends developing Theatricum, which now houses a professional repertory theatre and many education programs that serve the Los Angeles and outlaying areas. We wanted to pass on our many techniques we had acquired one needs to do the classics. We wanted to encourage Americana programs and Shakespeare for LA schools. We wanted to give classical theatre toLA audiences, and have a place for actors to work in professional theatre. 50 years later our flame is still alive.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Left home at 15, worked in theatre and many burgeoning repertory companies. Stratford Shakespeare, ACT, APA, summer stocks around the country. Got my union card. Had a family. Arrived in LA to earn a living. Worked in TV and film. Helped develop Theatricum to pass on theatre techniques and heal with the family from the McCarthy era. Paying actors and educators about theatre has been a passion. These are the stories of life for audiences and students to reflect on, learn from. Helped me…and can help even the hardened cynic. The digital world of today can be dangerously isolating. The worst feeling. Theatre is more important then ever.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since the fire we have a road closure on one side. One finds the beauty of Topanga fulfilling. When friends come, I wouldn’t make an itinerary. One presses the phone and they can find and make choices!!!
Museums, the type of food they like…the entertainment they desire…The digital world chooses their itinerary much better than I could.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Mom and Dad who helped us stand up straight and act like hell, and left us this extraordinary gift of land to serve LA. They are the founders, and struggled through a shame of HUAC and taught us how to move forward during dark times that questioned freedoms for humanity.
The original Managing Director, MaryAnne Dolcemascolo. Without her, after our parents death, our unskilled nature with business, we would not have moved forward.
My sister Melora Marshall, leading actress and partner for many years. My entire family, now 4 generations here at Theatricum and on the stage, and the incredible staff and educators who serve Los Angeles with field trips and classroom enrichment.
Warren Christiansen who has given us financial support, the Mark Taper Forum teaching us the rules from our inception…..all the foundations that keep our educational programs alive. Deep gratitude.
Our community that embraces us. Our actor/educators who give us their art. We arr blessed.

Website: https://www.theatricum.com

Image Credits
Lucy please fill this out. I would like the picture of Pop and I in the Tempest. And any theatre pic to show the beauty.. and Aaron and Wills. Thank you!!

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.