Whether you see students taking pictures by the Golden Eagle statue, or pulling late nights inside the library, Cal State LA has its share of iconic spots. Yet, one landmark blends art, culture, and community, while holding some of the most powerful artistic moments on campus: The Luckman Theatre, plus the Harriet and Charles Luckman Fine Arts Complex.
For more than three decades, The Luckman has been a space for artistic exploration, blending professional performing arts with opportunities for student engagement. Unlike other campus venues reserved for student productions, The Luckman hosts globally recognized performances, exhibitions, and events that celebrate a variety of creative forms. The range of genres stretch from jazz and classical music to contemporary dance and mariachi.
Behind all this is the leadership of Nicholas A. Mestas, the current Executive Director of the Luckman Fine Arts Complex and Theatre, who continues to uphold the theatre’s legacy of artistic expression and community engagement.
“The Luckman is very fortunate to be located where we are,” Mestas said. “We’re the only venue of this size and caliber in the area. It’s important that it reflects the communities that it serves.”
Growing up nearby in Pasadena and taking art classes in East LA, Mestas understands firsthand how culturally rich LA county is. The campus mirrors its surrounding neighborhoods, which include Mexican-American and Latin American populations, Armenian families, Chinese and Vietnamese-speaking communities, and more, all within walking distance.
The Luckman opened its doors in 1994 as the first major multipurpose professional arts center constructed in the CSU system. The theatre was designed to be more than just a performance space. With a 1,152-seat main house, a wide stage, and state-of-the-art acoustics, the theatre is equipped to host everything from full-scale concerts to film screenings to other events.
Programming, Mestas explains, must both reflect the surrounding communities and expose audiences to cultures beyond their own. He believes that art acts as a “first passport to the world,” introducing audiences to languages, sounds, and traditions beyond their own, as it also builds connection and empathy.
One of the most powerful moments Mestas described involved Ballet Folklorico de Mexico. “You’ll see three generations walking in: a grandma, a mom, and a kid. The mom and grandma are excited, and the kid is kind of like ‘Okay..’ but after the show, the kids are the most excited,” Mestas said.
He described how transformative it can be for children of immigrants to see their culture celebrated on a professional stage, in front of a diverse audience. “You look around and see people from all walks of life celebrating something from where your mom and grandma are from,” Mestas said. “There is a spark that changes in those kids. It makes it all worth it.” That full-circle experience of rediscovering culture through performance is something many students can relate to.
All this heartwarming success, however, doesn’t come without challenges. “We live in LA, so the market is competitive,” Mestas said. “Artists can go to the Hollywood Bowl or the Greek Theatre.” Additionally, the budget and staffing have proven to be an issue as well, as the Luckman operates with just seven full-time staff members. While Mestas says that all staff members wear ‘a lot of hats,’ he also notes that the group is ‘very lucky to have such an amazing team.’
Still, the Luckman has risen above any challenges, and hosted major artists like Chaka Khan, Julieta Venegas, Patti LaBelle, and Lila Downs, through years of relationship building. Another milestone in the progress of the venue is The Luckman Sessions, a free, in-house-produced digital series. It features intimate performances and interviews with artists from around the world. With over 20 million views across 57 countries, the series has expanded Cal State LA’s global reach. Luckman also integrates programming into classrooms, especially through the Luckman Gallery, which has hosted hundreds of class visits, and in the past, artists have stayed longer for masterclasses and lectures.
For students interested in the arts, Mestas’ advice is simple: get involved. “Go see things,” Mestas said. “Seeing art on your phone is not the same as going.” He encourages students to explore free programs across Los Angeles. This ranges from visiting museums to taking part in workshops, or even applying to work as paid ushers at the Luckman Theatre.
As for what he hopes audiences will take away when visiting the Luckman, Mestas returned to one core idea. He believes that exposure to the arts is transformative, and is a vital part of education. “Discover yourself in the arts. An education that excludes the arts in an impoverished one. It gives hope and builds a sense of community.”
