Slauson Rec
Los Angeles, CA | November 2018

Founded in 2018 by Shia LaBeouf and Bobby Soto, The Slauson Rec Theater Company was created to bring accessible, purpose-driven theater to South Central Los Angeles one of the most historically underserved communities in the U.S. The school invited anyone with a story to tell, regardless of background or experience, to participate in transformative theater-making. As Shia stated: “The first thing they cut from schools in neighborhoods like this are the arts programs... so what I hope to do with this theater school is give this community an outlet to express themselves and in that, hopefully change the world.”

I joined Slauson Rec as a student and actor, participating in intensive workshops and devised performances that demanded vulnerability, improvisation, and a deep commitment to truth-telling. Through this experience, I explored the boundaries between lived experience and theatrical expression, contributing to performances that were raw, human, and socially charged. My time as a student fundamentally shaped me both as an artist and as a person teaching me the value of presence, accountability, and collective creation.

Recognizing my commitment, I was appointed Creative Lead and Administrative Assistant by Shia, where I supported nearly every facet of the company’s operations. This included assisting with creative development, choreography, publicity strategy, brand partnerships, and talent coordination. I also served as Production Manager on key projects like Sacred Spectacle and 5711 Avalon, coordinating logistics and supporting high-profile performers.

Key Contributions:

• Managed production logistics and backstage operations for Sacred Spectacle, a high-profile benefit concert featuring artists like Jaden Smith, YG, Vic Mensa, Baby Keem, and David Blaine.

• Coordinated transportation, rehearsals, and staging for over a dozen performers while helping raise funds to support rehearsal space, equipment, and student access.

• Oversaw on-site coordination and team management for 5711 Avalon, an innovative live-recorded, drive-in style theater performance created in response to COVID-19.

• Worked closely with senior creatives to execute performance timelines, support actor needs, and uphold safety protocols across outdoor staging environments.

• Built and maintained relationships with brand partners, choreographers, and high-profile guests while ensuring alignment with Slauson Rec’s mission and values.

• Played an integral role in the development of original ensemble-based works through collaboration, improvisation, and physical storytelling rooted in community narratives.

• Gained deep, hands-on experience at the intersection of art, activism, and grassroots organizing—emerging with a lifelong commitment to purpose-driven creative work.