NoHo ACE, formally OATT, is a company of Actors, Writers, Directors and Designers with a common mission:
*To provide theatre that is affordable, entertaining and provocative and that explores the human condition and its many facets.*
*To establish educational programs and special events for the entertainment and enrichment of local residents and visitors to the NoHo Arts District.*
*To create new, innovative works of artistic expression with a commitment to experimentation and exploration.*
*To offer new perspectives on the classics, that are both relevant to a modern world and dynamic in execution.*
*To include the theatrical education of children as part of our ongoing outreach into the community.*
We are not only acting company, but rather, a fully integrated theatre company. Our members all participate in every area of production.
THE NOHO ARTS CENTER ENSEMBLE (NoHoACE – formerly OPEN AT THE TOP) was formed in 2004 by theatre veterans James J. Mellon and Kevin Bailey. NOHO ACE is the Center’s resident company and now numbers over 60 actors, directors and writers who passionately fulfill their vision statement, “Theatre for its own sake.” In its first season, OPEN AT THE TOP produced 2 World Premiere Musicals, THE GHOST & MRS. MUIR as well as the West Coast Premiere of the musical DORIAN, both parts of ANGELS IN AMERICA, the Los Angeles Premiere of Seth Greenland’s JERUSALEM, and 7 evenings of 24 HOURS OF MADNESS, whereby it produces six fifteen minute plays in 24 hours. Their second season brought the hit musical production of BARNUM, the critically acclaimed ELIZABETH REX and the World Premiere musical LIZARD. This past season OATT presented the World Premiere of FEED, a play written by OATT Founding Member Jim Lunsford and directed by Artistic Director James J. Mellon as well as presenting the West Coast Premiere of the New York hit musical revue, BUSH IS BAD, THE MUSICAL. In their first three years, OPEN AT THE TOP has received 17 Ovation Award nominations; 3 LADCC Award nominations; 2 Garland Awards and 10 Garland nominations; 2 LA WEEKLY Award nominations; 6 ADA Awards and 12 ADA Award nominations.
