Meet Jordan Becker | Artistic Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jordan Becker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jordan, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
We started Black Rabbit Theatre Company with two distinct goals:

(1) as artists, we sought to create opportunities for ourselves to make challenging, high-quality work without having to wait around for someone else to give it to us; and

(2) as members of marginalized groups, we’re here to build communities for voices who are not as often heard, to tell stories that are not as often told.

Theatre has been a vehicle for the voiceless for millennia, and we’re here to further that purpose. Above everything, we prioritize accessibility of stories and genuine representation for our audience, and feel so fortunate to live in a place like LA where there are countless stories in every neighborhood.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
All three of us have been pursuing what we love since we were kids. As fulfilling as that is, it’s anything but easy. Success is an odd thing to measure, and growing creatively in a place like LA shows you a thousand different facets of what can happen along the way: what can go right, what can go wrong, the risks involved in sticking with it, the risks involved in changing your path…it’s daunting.

What we have found most reliable, and why we began this company as a team, is the ability to lean on each other. From the very beginning we decided to prioritize our own wellbeing over anything else, so that everything we do starts from a healthy and stable place. If one person needs help, we help them. If we’re all going through something in our personal lives, we take a break to heal instead of pushing through and burning ourselves out.

We’re extremely proud that we’ve always held to that principle, and we believe it shines through in our work. In a city and industry that travels at such a breakneck pace, we know that taking our time with what we do is an unconventional approach, and it’s one we believe in fiercely.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Jordan: A morning hike with a view of the city, and a picnic at Lake Hollywood Park. Sushi and watching the sunset in Santa Monica. At some point have to catch whatever’s at the Hollywood Bowl, because everyone should go there at least once. And obviously a night of salsa dancing. But other than that, have to keep it spontaneous because there’s always something happening somewhere, we’ll just ask around.

Andrea: If I had to show my best friend around Los Angeles for a week, I’d start with a visit to Pasadena City Hall to take in its architecture. Then we’d head to Boyle Heights to walk through the murals and admire the local artistry. I’d make sure we stop by the Academy Museum, grabbing a latte as we stroll past the golden statues, manifesting their promise. One day would be dedicated to Dodger Stadium, where I’d share a bit of history while we enjoy a hot dog. After that, we’d take a walk down Carroll Avenue to see the old Victorian houses with their paved driveways—once big enough for horse carriages. We’d take some time exploring Downtown, including a ride down Angel’s Flight. Finally, I’d drive them through DTLA near midnight, so we can watch the city lights glow, proud that I timed it all perfectly to avoid traffic.

Analisa: If my best friend were visiting LA for the week, we’d hit a Dodgers game at Dodger Stadium—World Series champs, garlic fries in hand. We’d grab In-N-Out (animal style), stroll through the historic and vibrant Olvera Street, and catch a live show under the stars at the Hollywood Bowl. Beach days, late-night tacos, and a rooftop sunset downtown would round it out. And despite the stereotypes, LA is full of the most creative, kind, and beautifully diverse people you’ll ever meet.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Black Rabbit would not exist without our families. For some of us, that’s our immediate relatives, our parents, our siblings, but it’s also those of our chosen families. The people we’ve met along our collective journeys who’ve had our backs, supported us, challenged us, embraced us, and cheered us on. Our friends, our teachers, our peers, our mentors. We exist because of our support systems.

Just as importantly, we wouldn’t be here without the people of LA. Our audience is the most cherished part of what we do, not just when they’re taking in our shows, but in how much they bring of themselves. The stories people share, the community that’s created, the openness and desire to take part in community theatre. That’s what makes us the most proud to be a part of.

Website: https://www.blackrabbittheatreco.org

Instagram: @blackrabbittheatreco

Other: Substack: https://blackrabbittheatreco.substack.com

Image Credits
Robert Rodriquez