TMB Seasonal Outdoor LABs

Green space, park access, and trees

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

We are seeking to address the issue area of Green Space, Park Access and Trees. We understand that our residents encourage the discovery and utilization of the beautiful natural green spaces in the Los Angeles parks. We recognize that the LA 2050 program looks to support creative interactions with these spaces, introducing residents to the green spaces and parks by providing stimulating, healthy and positive initiatives. As stated in a recent paper from the Institute of Kineseology, “Increasingly prolonged periods of physical inactivity are insidiously and aggressively taking over modern people’s lives…physical inactivity is becoming the first and worst enemy of health in today’s society.” TMB LABs encourage the use of these Green Space while contributing to the physical and mental well-being of our residents. And it is experienced through the stimulating, joyful, and creative methods of ensemble theatre actor training.

This grant supports the development and expansion of TMB LABS: public, outdoor, physical theatre ensemble training seasonal workshops. TMB has been active in the arts community for over 25 years, creating and presenting new works, touring, and holding actor training workshops for students and professionals. Our shows are highly physical, merging text, movement, song and dance to create original visceral live productions. During the pandemic, we looked for a safe way for our ensemble to continue training. Our artistic director, Tina Kronis, developed outdoor workshops held in the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area. These workshops were so fruitful and successful, we are now expanding the idea and developing the program for public participation. In previous trial TMB LABs, we offered scholarships to those in need. The high volume of requests for scholarships induces us to find additional funding to provide for those Los Angelinos in need. Such scholarships will be an integral part of this project supported by the grant. This project will expand our outdoor workshops program for public involvement, further its reach through marketing efforts, provide more need-based scholarships, and support the creation of a dance/theatre video performed by participants. TMB LABS are dedicated to sparking the imagination, stimulating physical expression, encouraging health and wellness, and enhancing one’s personal and communal expression through a group connection with LA greenspace.

Many LA County residents want to be outside. They want to enjoy the weather, to experience the region’s subtle seasonal shifts. They want to utilize the county’s parks and green spaces and are looking for safe and inviting ways to do this. TMB LABs offer just such an experience. Through direct encounter and participant feedback from early-stage outdoor workshops, we know the physical and emotional benefits gained working and playing outdoors. Working physically, creatively, and opening up our senses to nature improves our well-being. It is a welcome antidote to our digitally dominated lives. The county benefits from this unique and creative program. People are encouraged to be outside -- to focus on themselves, their fellow workshop participants, and the beauty of the green space. Direct connection with a welcoming and positive community of artists and others enhances the LA experience. The county improves because its people’s lives improve through TMB LABs.

This is an expansion of an existing initiative. Evidence that we are offering a valuable program may be measured by direct quotes from early participants, several of whom were scholarship recipients: “I found the LAB to be motivating, rejuvenating, and grounding. I can’t wait for the next one!” "The TMB lab is a must for those who are ready to explore deeper connections between the mind and body!" "This is a chance to participate with generous, creative artists." "Joyful. Genuine. Playful." Others expressed gratitude in discovering this particular green space in LA and profound appreciation to be with a community of people outdoors while being led through welcoming, playful, and rigorous ensemble training. The program’s success will be measured by reaching a greater portion of the public, by increasing number of participants in future TMB LABs, and the ability to offer more scholarships to those in need. We welcome the chance to expand the program and share it with others.