Explore Creatives & Performing Arts in Los Angeles, CA celebrating cultural heritage through artistic expression. Our directory features organizations and venues that honor artistic traditions while bringing innovative perspectives to the community.
Overflow A Cappella is a vibrant student organization at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA, united by faith, friendship, and a shared love of a cappella music. Founded on the principle of glorifying God through vocal artistry, this Christian a cappella group creates a welcoming community where students from diverse backgrounds come together to worship, perform, and support one another. The ensemble believes that music is a powerful gift from God and strives to foster musical talents while translating their faith into meaningful performances and genuine relationships.
The heart of Overflow A Cappella lies in its tight-knit community of believers who view their organization as a place to "love and be loved out of the overflow of Christ's love." Members find more than just a singing group—they discover a spiritual family that encourages personal growth, musical development, and deeper connections with fellow students. The group's mission extends beyond performances to include meaningful interactions with the broader University of Southern California and Los Angeles communities.
With dedicated leadership across all voice sections and specialized roles, Overflow A Cappella maintains both musical integrity and pastoral care for its members. The organization welcomes new singers each semester through open auditions, inviting USC students to join their ranks. Guided by their theme verse from Psalm 119:171, "May my lips overflow with praise," this Christian a cappella group continues to create transformative experiences through music, worship, and authentic community in Los Angeles.
Women of Cinematic Arts is a vibrant student organization at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA, dedicated to supporting and elevating women pursuing careers in film and television. As a community of passionate filmmakers, WCA recognizes the unique challenges and opportunities facing women in the entertainment industry and creates a nurturing environment where members can thrive creatively and professionally.
At its core, WCA believes in the power of women's voices in cinema and works to amplify them within the USC community and beyond. The organization welcomes women with diverse interests and talents—whether they envision themselves as directors calling the shots on set, producers managing complex productions, writers crafting compelling stories, or showrunners leading creative teams. This inclusive approach ensures that every member finds their place and discovers their unique contribution to filmmaking.
Based in Los Angeles, CA, WCA members benefit from proximity to the entertainment industry's epicenter, where they can build relationships with peers, mentors, and industry professionals who share their passion for cinema. The organization fosters deep connections among its members, creating a supportive sisterhood that extends throughout their careers. These relationships often become lifelong collaborations and friendships that sustain members long after graduation.
WCA stands out for its commitment to holistic member support, offering not just professional development but genuine community. The organization understands that success in filmmaking requires both technical skill and emotional support, and it provides both. By bringing together talented women who are determined to tell their stories and shape the future of cinema, WCA creates a movement of change within the USC School of Cinematic Arts and the broader entertainment industry landscape.
Dorothy's Friends Theatre Company represents a vibrant student-led theatrical collective at the University of Southern California, rooted in Los Angeles, CA's rich cultural landscape. As a student organization, the company exists to build community among artists and theater enthusiasts while creating space for authentic queer narratives to flourish on stage. The ensemble is guided by a commitment to producing stories that empower, inspire, and celebrate the diversity of queer experiences and perspectives.
Serving the Los Angeles community from the USC campus, Dorothy's Friends Theatre Company has cultivated a welcoming environment where students can develop meaningful friendships alongside their artistic pursuits. The organization's name itself reflects this core mission—bringing together a community of friends united by passion for theater and social justice. Through their productions, fundraising events, and social gatherings, members forge lasting connections while contributing to a more inclusive cultural landscape in Los Angeles.
The company's recent initiatives demonstrate their commitment to both artistic excellence and community care. From hosting disco-themed fundraisers that benefit multiple student organizations to launching new board members focused on equity and accessibility, Dorothy's Friends Theatre Company prioritizes creating theatrical experiences that are welcoming to all. Their upcoming programming, including queer-themed cabarets and community-building events, reflects an organization dedicated to celebrating queer joy and solidarity. For those in Los Angeles interested in joining a supportive theatrical community, Dorothy's Friends Theatre Company offers an opportunity to participate in meaningful artistic work alongside passionate peers.
At the heart of the University of Southern California's vibrant student life in Los Angeles, CA, creSCendo Music Club stands as a testament to the power of musical community and shared artistic vision. This student-led organization brings together passionate musicians who believe in the transformative potential of collaborative music-making and peer mentorship. creSCendo Music Club embodies the spirit of creativity and inclusivity that defines the USC campus experience.
As a student organization rooted in the Los Angeles area, creSCendo Music Club celebrates the diverse musical interests and talents of its membership. The club creates meaningful opportunities for students to connect beyond the classroom, forming lasting friendships and artistic partnerships through their shared love of music. Members find a welcoming space where their individual voices are valued and their contributions to the ensemble are celebrated.
The organization's mission centers on building community through music while providing students with hands-on experience in performance, collaboration, and artistic expression. Whether members are seasoned musicians or enthusiastic newcomers, USC creSCendo Music Club welcomes all who wish to be part of something greater than themselves. Operating within the University of Southern California community in Los Angeles, the club serves as a reminder that music has the power to unite, inspire, and transform lives, creating a legacy of artistic excellence and human connection among its members and the broader USC community.
Traditional Chinese Dance at USC stands as a vibrant student organization at the University of Southern California, bringing the rich heritage of Chinese dance to the Los Angeles, CA campus community. Founded on principles of cultural celebration and artistic expression, TCDance creates welcoming spaces where students from diverse backgrounds can engage with traditional Chinese dance forms. The organization believes that dance is a universal language that connects people across cultures, and welcomes all students—regardless of prior experience—to participate in this meaningful artistic journey.
As a proud member organization of USC's Asian Pacific American Student Assembly (APASA), TCDance plays an important role in fostering cultural awareness and celebrating Asian Pacific American heritage within the university. The organization has cultivated a strong tradition of excellence, anchored by their highly anticipated spring performance at Bovard Auditorium, which has become a signature cultural event on USC's calendar. This annual showcase represents not just a performance, but a celebration of the hard work, dedication, and artistic passion of every dancer involved.
The heart of TCDance lies in its community of dancers who come together to learn, grow, and share their love for traditional Chinese dance. Students have the opportunity to join this close-knit community each fall semester, connecting with peers who value cultural expression and artistic development. Based in Los Angeles, CA, Traditional Chinese Dance at USC embodies a commitment to preserving cultural traditions while creating meaningful connections among students who seek to express themselves through the elegant and powerful art of Chinese dance.
Established in 1972, Grupo Folklorico de USC represents a foundational commitment to supporting Latinx students at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA. Operating as a key component of La CASA, the student organization has evolved into a vital community space dedicated to empowerment, cultural celebration, and student success. The organization serves as a gathering place where undergraduate and graduate students can connect with their cultural identity while building lasting relationships within a supportive, invested, and vibrant community.
The mission of Grupo Folklorico de USC centers on five Pillars of Success: Community Building and Cultural Engagement, Cultural Awareness, Leadership Development, Social Consciousness, and Student Wellbeing. This comprehensive approach ensures that students receive holistic support encompassing academic excellence, professional growth, and personal healing. The organization actively works to educate the broader USC campus about the diverse cultures represented within the Latinx community, fostering understanding and recognition of the diaspora experiences of its members.
Located at USC's Student Union in Los Angeles, Grupo Folklorico de USC welcomes all students regardless of background to learn, participate, and engage with the community. The organization's dedicated staff and student Culture Ambassadors create enriching, thought-provoking programming that builds bridges across campus communities. By promoting intersectional advocacy and celebrating the voices of Latinx students, Grupo Folklorico de USC continues its legacy of providing spaces where students feel valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their academic, social, and professional aspirations.
Trojan Bhangra represents the cultural heartbeat of South Asian students at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA. As a student-led organization, the group brings together individuals passionate about preserving and celebrating Bhangra, a traditional Punjabi dance form that carries deep cultural significance and artistic expression. Based in Los Angeles, the organization creates an inclusive community where students can connect with their heritage while building lasting friendships through shared artistic passion.
The organization embodies USC's commitment to cultural diversity and student engagement throughout the Los Angeles community. Trojan Bhangra provides a supportive space for students to explore their cultural identity, develop performance confidence, and participate meaningfully in campus life. Through collaborative performances and community events, members experience the joy of cultural expression while contributing to the broader tapestry of student organizations at the university.
At its core, Trojan Bhangra is about building bridges between traditions and contemporary student life. The organization welcomes students from all backgrounds who appreciate Bhangra's infectious energy and cultural depth. Operating within USC's vibrant campus in Los Angeles, the group demonstrates how student organizations can honor cultural heritage while creating spaces of belonging, artistic growth, and community connection for all who participate.
USC Asian Pacific Cinema Association is a vibrant student organization at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA, dedicated to building community among students passionate about cinema and storytelling. The organization creates a welcoming space where undergraduate and graduate students can connect, collaborate, and grow together through their shared love of film and media.
At its core, APCA is driven by a mission to celebrate and elevate Asian American and Asian Pacific Islander (AAPI) voices in cinema. The organization recognizes the importance of diverse representation in film and works intentionally to foster meaningful conversations about AAPI culture and identity through the medium of cinema. By highlighting AAPI stories and perspectives, APCA contributes to more nuanced and authentic portrayals within the entertainment industry.
The organization fosters a genuine community of individuals who are passionate about Asian American and Asian Pacific Island cinema. Beyond professional development, APCA emphasizes the relational aspects of filmmaking—the connections formed between collaborators, the shared creative vision, and the mutual support that makes artistic projects possible. Members participate in social events, collaborative shoots, and cultural programming that strengthen bonds within the community.
APCA recognizes that meaningful cinema emerges from collaborative environments where diverse perspectives are valued and celebrated. The organization provides a supportive network for students navigating the film industry while maintaining a commitment to representation and cultural authenticity. Through events, festivals, and collaborative projects, APCA creates opportunities for students to not only advance their careers but also contribute to a more inclusive and representative film landscape in Los Angeles and beyond.
OutWrite Newsmagazine is a student-led organization based at the University of California - Los Angeles in Los Angeles, CA, dedicated to amplifying student voices and fostering meaningful dialogue within the campus community. Founded on principles of inclusivity and open communication, OutWrite brings together passionate students who share a commitment to storytelling and community engagement. The organization recognizes the power of media to connect people, inform decision-making, and create spaces where diverse perspectives are heard and valued. At its core, OutWrite Newsmagazine serves the UCLA community by creating platforms for students to share their experiences, insights, and stories. The organization operates with a deep understanding of the unique needs and interests of the student body at the University of California - Los Angeles. By bringing together writers, editors, and contributors from across campus, OutWrite builds bridges between different student groups and fosters a sense of shared community. The newsmagazine represents more than just a publication; it embodies the collaborative spirit and intellectual curiosity that define student life in Los Angeles. Members of OutWrite develop valuable skills in writing, editing, and publication management while contributing to something larger than themselves. The organization's commitment to student empowerment and community building makes it an essential part of the UCLA campus culture. OutWrite Newsmagazine demonstrates how student media can serve as a catalyst for connection, understanding, and positive change within the university community.
Since 1988, Tinig Choral at UCLA has served as a vibrant cultural hub for the Los Angeles Filipino-American community and UCLA student body. This student-initiated a cappella choir was founded on the principle of celebrating Filipino culture through music, and that mission remains at the heart of everything the organization does. Tinig Choral creates a welcoming musical family where members of all backgrounds, experience levels, and musical abilities can come together to connect through song and shared cultural appreciation.
What sets Tinig Choral apart is its inclusive, no-audition philosophy that prioritizes passion over perfection. The organization believes that your love for singing and enthusiasm are all you need to join, making it accessible to complete beginners and experienced vocalists alike. This approach has fostered a supportive community where singers grow together, learn from one another, and build lasting friendships centered on musical expression and cultural celebration.
Tinig Choral's impact extends throughout Los Angeles, having performed at numerous events hosted by Filipino organizations on campus and across the city. The group's 35-year legacy reflects a deep commitment to preserving and sharing Filipino culture while remaining open to artistic evolution and creative input from its members. Whether through traditional Filipino compositions or contemporary arrangements, Tinig Choral provides a meaningful space for UCLA students to explore their identity, develop confidence, and contribute to the rich cultural tapestry of the Los Angeles community.