Open Fist Theatre Company

The Open Fist Theatre is both a 501(c)(3) non-profit theatre company. Originally operating a 99-seat theatre facility in Theatre Row Hollywood located at 6209 Santa Monica Blvd, it is now in residence at the Atwater Village Theatre. The name of the Open Fist Theatre Company comes from two principles: the notion of an open spirit and the fist - a sign of determination and force.[1]

The OFTC was founded in 1990 by Ziad Hamzeh (Artistic Director), Michael Denney (Actor/Playwright/Teacher), Tim Pulice (Actor), Brian Muir (Actor) and Kathleen Dunn (Actor/Teacher), all of whom were graduates of the Theater Program of California State University, Fullerton. As of January 2020,[2] Martha Demson has been the company's artistic director for 20 years, taking on the role in 2000.[3][4] Originally the company was based at 1625 North La Brea [1] in a rehearsal hall once owned by Bob Hope. In 2005 this facility was destroyed to accommodate Hollywood redevelopment and the company moved to 6209 Santa Monica Boulevard - a facility originally operated by the Actors Gang.[5] The Open Fist is notable for its support of both new works and new interpretations of theatre classics in productions typically featuring contemporary production values, ensemble acting, and imaginative direction and design.

It has been the site of numerous premiere productions of then-new plays, including Frank Zappa's rock opera Joe's Garage, The Room by Michael Franco, Love Water by Jacqueline Wright, Neil Labute's The New Testament, and Julie Hébert's St. Joan and the Dancing Sickness.

A yearly summer Director's Festival or First Look Festival also features membership-driven new work. The Open Fist has been nominated and received numerous LA Weekly, Ovation, Garland and other awards.