LOS ANGELES – This is the role Michaela Bulkley spent years rehearsing for. No, she won’t be taking the stage, her performance will be seen behind the curtain.

She is the youngest producer of the Ovation Awards, which celebrates local Los Angeles theater. The LA Stage Alliance offers support and guidance to the more than 300 local theater companies, which culminates in the annual ceremony.

“Los Angeles has extraordinary theater and this is the place you can come find it. That’s what the Ovation Awards are here to do. To say like, ‘hey we have awesome art and it's winning a ton of really cool awards and theater professionals are saying its great you should come see it,’” said Bulkley.

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Conference calls and emails now fill her days as planning the show has become her full-time priority. A small team has been preparing for this one night since March and it is all hands-on deck, from moving boxes, to picking songs, and everything in between, but this is something Bulkley has always wanted.

“Producing the Ovation Awards has been such a life affirming dream come true to be able to take all this really niche information that I learned and really build this love letter about how much LA theater means to the community,” said Bulkley.

As the team moves into rehearsals, Bulkley’s role continues to expand. She will oversee dance and band practice, as well as coordinate lighting, decorations and of course keep track of the physical awards.

“This is my favorite part of the whole year,” said Bulkley.

The LA Stage Alliance wants to give Los Angeles theater a night they will always remember, but also uses the awards to expand their reach and let the greater community know what local creators are doing.

Bulkley hopes when winners walk away with their Ovation Award in hand, they feel proud and honored to be an artist in L.A.

“I want them to feel appreciated and inspired and supported for and from LA Stage Alliance,” said Bulkley.

She is doing her small part to carve out a space for the Los Angeles theater community to receive their standing ovation.

The Ovation Awards will be at the Ace Hotel on January 13. To see the list of nominees click here.