OUR MISSION STATEMENT
Supporting opportunities in the performing arts one stage at the time, by providing a home for theatrical productions with culturally diverse themes, performers, writers and directors, with a focus on promoting cultural understanding and accessibility for underserved communities.
FULFILLING RICARDO'S VISION
We are passionate about sustaining Ricardo Montalban's vision. He believed that theatrical arts elevate life itself, and should be widely accessible, especially to underserved individuals and groups. Through our work, we aim to improve the emotional health and wellbeing of all our community members, and we seek to associate with individuals and organizations that share our purpose.
THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
We collaborate with a diverse range of large and small organizations, including major players like Netflix, AEG, Live Nation, NBC / Telemundo, Nike, and the Nederlander Organization (owners of the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood), who use our venue to develop new theatrical properties. We also work closely with local non-profit organizations such as Harmony Project, A Time
For Dance, The Jerry Herman Awards, My Friends Place, Motion Plus Design, Hola Mexico Film
Festival, Los Angeles Jazz Society, American Corporation of the Arts, University of Guadalajara
Foundation, Television Academy, LA84, Nosotros, LALIFF, Hollywood Pride Festival, and many others.
THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS AND COMMUNITY EVENTS GALLERY
MEET THE MONTALBAN TEAM
Gilbert Smith
President
Joel Ramos
Director of Facilities
Lionel Garcia
Program Director
Ana Ramos
Box Office Associate
Denzel Ramos
Light Tech
Marwan Shahin
Graphic Artist
Mohanad Shahin
Graphic Artist
Peter Westwood
Associate Producer
Paul Schoessling
Associate Producer
Misty West
Lighting Director
Kai Gyllenskog
Assistant Manager
Lex Carbajal
Stage Manager
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Gilbert Smith:
President of The Montalbán Company, LLC. Gil treats his role with a “hands on" approach by directing both the operation and management on a daily basis, while producing entertainment content. All of Gil’s skills and past creative achievements were called into play when he created a team to save The Montalbán.
Robbie LaBelle:
Robbie was introduced to our theatre with his outreach work as Advertising Director at Nike Sportswear in 2008.
Robbie moved over as Senior Director, Global Brand Marketing at Beats by Dr. Dre. Robbie is a graduate of UCLA where he majored in Environmental Studies and Geography.
Visman Chow:
Real Estate Investor/Financial Consultant. Visman graduated from Cal State Los Angeles with a B.S. in Finance and Accounting. Visman has held positions at Union Bank, Commercial Lending, Universal Bank, Board of Directors and Chief Lending Officer. Visman is a Member of the Board of Directors for EFT Holdings, Inc and Heavenstone Holdings, Inc.
Rick Telles:
President Brass Ring Entertainment. Rick graduated from UCLA with a degree in Economics.
Rick's company has produced successful television reality series that include
USA Cannonball Run 2001, Next Action Star and Trainers.
Ricardo Ortiz Barreto
Actor/Community Activist: Ricardo came to Los Angeles in 1978 to become a film editor. He joined The Montalban family in 2014 and assisted with managerial operations and bookings. In June of 2021, he was offered a role in a feature film and continues to pursue a life in cinema. Ricardo’s community activities have centered around the LGBTQ community, and he has helped produce events to bring the community together.
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
Kelly Smith
Margaret Martin
Joe Witt
Deborah Glik
EMERGING ARTISTS AND YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
The Montalbán Theatre serves as a dynamic cultural hub for Hollywood and the greater Los Angeles community, offering programs that enrich, educate, and inspire.
Through the Ricardo Montalbán Foundation, we are dedicated to creating opportunities for emerging talent by supporting student programs that cultivate professional skills in music, photography, cinematography, dance, and live performance.
Our in-house initiatives provide hands-on experience in theatrical production, stage design, marketing, and overall theatre operations—empowering the next generation with a comprehensive understanding of arts management while fostering creativity, diversity, and community engagement.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
