FordLab Producers Program
Letters of intent for the 2027 program are now closed.
Building on three decades of partnership with LA’s creative community, this six-month intensive helps independent producers bring their work to The Ford’s historic 1,090-seat amphitheater.
Who is it for? Independent artists, presenters, and collectives.
What does it provide? Production mentorship, marketing support, and financial stipends.
Questions? Email fordlab@laphil.org
Bring your project to life at The Ford
FordLab combines hands-on producing experience with guidance from professionals who understand what it takes to bring live performance to an audience.
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Shape your idea
Refine your artistic vision, production plan, and path from concept to performance.
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Learn from professionals
Work with experienced producers and members of The Ford team throughout the process.
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Build your network
Connect with artists, collaborators, and fellow producers working across Los Angeles.
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Produce at The Ford
Gain practical experience developing work for one of Los Angeles' most distinctive outdoor stages.
What producers receive
Selected producers receive structured support as they develop their projects, strengthen their producing practice, and prepare work for presentation.
Financial support
Financial support varies by participation model. Producers may receive a stipend toward production, house, and security costs; retain approximately 80% of ticket sales; and receive additional fees. There are no upfront fees to participate.
Mentorship
Guidance from experienced producers, industry professionals, members of The Ford team, and fellow participants with varying levels of experience.
Project development
Support refining the artistic concept, production plan, budget, schedule, and audience experience.
Production support
Production assistance, resources, and guidance from The Ford and LA Phil teams to help producers plan and execute their events.
Marketing and audience development
Support positioning and promoting the project and connecting it with its intended audience.
Professional connections
Opportunities to build relationships with artists, producers, cultural leaders, and fellow participants.
Hands-on experience
A chance to strengthen producing skills by developing an original live performance project.
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.
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.
Who should apply
FordLab is for producers with an original live performance project they are ready to develop. Your project does not need to be fully developed before you apply, but you should be able to describe your idea, intended audience, and collaborators and be prepared to develop a practical plan and budget. Applicants must also meet the eligibility requirements and participate in all required program dates as stated in the application.
FordLab may be a strong fit if you want to:
- Reach new audiences and increase visibility for your work
- Explore a new artist, art form, or creative direction
- Strengthen your production values and producing skills
- Workshop a concept with feedback from industry professionals
- Prepare a project for future presentations or touring
Questions about eligibility? Contact fordlab@laphil.org.
Additional information
How is each producer’s participation structured?
Each producer’s participation is structured around the needs of their project and may range from a curatorial role to a shared risk-and-revenue model. The Ford works with selected producers to determine the structure and level of responsibility that best fit each project.
What are participants responsible for?
Participants lead the development of their events in partnership with The Ford and LA Phil. Responsibilities include booking artists, building audiences within their communities, collaborating with the LA Phil production team, and leading targeted marketing efforts with support from LA Phil Marketing. Project budgets should also account for applicable union fees.
What happens after I apply?
Applications will be reviewed after each deadline. Selected applicants will be contacted with information about interviews, next steps, or final selection.
Create at 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.
The Ford is a place where artists and audiences come together in an intimate outdoor setting. FordLab invites producers to imagine how their work can use the venue, respond to its setting, and create a memorable experience for audiences.
Application information
Step 1: Review program
Review the program details and confirm that you can participate in all required dates.
Step 2: Letter of Intent
Prepare your Letter of Intent and gather the supporting materials. Upon review, selected applicants will be invited to submit a complete application.
Step 3: Apply
Complete the online application and submit all materials by the deadline.
Application dates and deadlines
The 2027 application period is now closed. Please visit this page again for 2028 application dates and information.
Letters of Intent
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.
Guidelines
The Letter of Intent application 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.
Questions
The Letter of Intent application 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
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
The FordLab experience
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Program alumni
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2024
- ArtDontSleep – JazzIsDead
- Blue13 Dance Company
- DJ Sizzle Fantastic – Cumbiatón LA
- Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company
- Just Jazz & Fusicology
- Kat Carrido Bonds – AKB Media
- Roberto Carlos – Bolero Connection
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2023
- Boss Witch Productions
- DJ Sizzle Fantastic – Cumbiatón LA
- Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company
- Pacific Opera Project
- Roberto Carlos – Bolero Connection
- Solidarity for Sanctuary
- Suzi Garcia – Colibri Entertainment
- WORDTheatre
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2022
- Angel City Jazz Festival
- Kikínceañera
- Marissa Herrera – 4C Lab
- Miry’s List
- Outfest
- Pacífico Dance Company
- Roberto Carlos – Bolero Connection
- Rum & Humble
- Suzi Garcia – Colibri Entertainment
- The Music Circle
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2021
- American Cinematheque
- Angel City Jazz Festival
- Element Band
- Flypoet
- Long Beach Opera
- LXV Entertainment
- Mixed Feelings
- Outfest
- Pacific Opera Project
- Roberto Carlos – Bolero Connection
- Suzi Garcia – Colibri Entertainment
- Taiko Project