FordLab Program Highlights

• The opportunity for your program to be presented in a historic, 1,090-seat performing arts facility

• Access to all in-house lighting and sound equipment

• Producing in partnership with the LA Phil

• Production mentorship

• General marketing support to reach important sales milestones

• Customer service and box office support

• Financial stipend toward production costs depending on need and partnership type

• Subsidized operations/house staff by the LA Phil

• A supportive community of peers and mentors from diverse backgrounds

• Inclusion in a broad marketing campaign targeting Los Angeles County residents and visitors

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“As a FordLab producer I am grateful for every opportunity the FordLab has given me. When I began in 2018, I had no knowledge of the production/theater world. Thanks to the FordLab program I’ve been given all the resources to empower myself. Now I see myself as a mentor for other producers.” 
– Roberto Carlos, Creative Director, Boleros De Noche

“Even though I've been on producing teams for many years, as a first-time fully independent producer I'm learning a new landscape in terms of details and process that producers like me aren't usually exposed to. I'm grateful to The Ford for understanding this and seeing the importance of my growth—and more importantly, the importance of seeing more of my community on stage and in the seats.” 
– Kat Carrido Bonds, Producing Director, AKB Media

The FordLab Opportunity

Each summer, nearly 40,000 Angelenos attend The Ford’s eclectic summer season of music, dance, film, and spoken word events. The season celebrates the region by reflecting onstage the cultural and artistic diversity of the people of Los Angeles County. FordLab is an incubator and accelerator six-month intensive program for a range of productions with a competitive application process. Reflective of Los Angeles County’s Cultural Equity and Inclusion Initiative’s values in the areas of music, dance, film, and spoken word, the selection process seeks to increase inclusivity and access, and enable producers to effectively stage work in a major venue.

In this program, you can expect to gain new skills in production, sales, and marketing and promotion, and to show advancement within a performing arts organization for producers who are ready to take their productions to the next level, culminating in your participation in The Ford’s summer season.

About The Ford

The Ford, a 1,090-seat outdoor amphitheater in Hollywood’s Cahuenga Pass, is stewarded by the LA Phil in partnership with the County of Los Angeles.

Recognizing that active participation by all communities in Los Angeles County’s cultural life is integral to building a society where all people have a voice, the FordLab program embraces the guiding principles that:

• The creative and cultural expression of all people of the region is of equal value

• Programming that illuminates the complex diversity of the region sparks curiosity and dialogue and opens pathways to greater understanding of Los Angeles’ many communities

• Access to top-of-the-line amenities is crucial for under-resourced and growth-ready artists and producers to realize their work and raise their visibility

• Skill building and peer-to-peer learning opportunities for artists and producers strengthen the region’s artistic infrastructure

• Welcoming environments encourage participation, innovation, and collaboration

Application Information

Questions? Email fordlab@laphil.org

Program Deadlines

June 1, 2026: Letter of Intent Form Opens
June 17, 2026, 5PM PT: FordLab 101 – Program Informational Session online
July 20-24, 2026: Office Hours online (Link to sign up with be available on July 1, 2026)
July 31, 2026, 11:59PM PT: Letter of Intent form due
August 28, 2026: Invitations to submit full applications are sent 
September 9, 2026, 5PM PT: FordLab Application Workshop online
October 23, 2026, 11:59PM PT: Full applications due

Submit a Letter of Intent

Letters of Intent (LOI)

The first tier of this process is the Letter of Intent Form (LOI). The Ford will consider Letters of Intent that reflect The Ford’s commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and bring people together for transformative arts experiences that inspire, empower, and ignite cultural exchange. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full application. Please return to this page for the most up-to-date guidelines and deadlines. Information subject to change.

LOI Form Guidelines

The Letter of Intent Form will be a questionnaire. The questionnaire must be submitted through the live Form Assembly link, which will be made available on this program webpage. Any other inquiries to other channels will not be considered.

• Before beginning, make sure you've reviewed the program eligibility and FAQs. If you have any questions or are unsure of eligibility, please email fordlab@laphil.org.

• Only fully completed applications will be considered.

• You may start your application and save it to resume later via the button at the top of the form.

LOI Form Questions

The Letter of Intent Form includes nine sections. Applicants will be asked to describe their organization, proposed event, and why The Ford is the right fit. Additional questions cover budget, production history, goals, and work samples. Responses are evaluated on artistic quality, feasibility, and audience engagement. You can open the application to view all questions in full before submitting.

Section 1: Applicant Contact Information
Section 2: Project Description
Section 3: Projected Budget
Section 4: Why The Ford?
Section 5: Project Goals
Section 6: Production History
Section 7: Work Samples
Section 8: References
Section 9: Demographic Information

LOI Assessment

Proposed projects will be assessed by a selected review panel using the following criteria:

• Artistic quality and proposal detail

• Applicant’s background/experience producing performing arts events

• An existing supportive core audience

• Adaptability to The Ford’s stage, technical capabilities, and audience capacity

• Alignment with the FordLab program’s guiding principles

• Professional and creative goals

• Fiscal feasibility

• For returning producers:

  • Goals that challenge and push creative and professional boundaries

  • Participation and engagement in previous program enrollment