Dutton's Brentwood Experiments With Disney/CalArts Theatre

Ed Conklin, manager of Dutton's Brentwood Bookstore, calls the new Dutton's in downtown Los Angeles an "experiment." That's appropriate as all 300 square feet (give or take) of the new Dutton's is located in a theater renowned for offering experimental entertainment: the Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theatre (REDCAT). "[REDCAT] is a space for alternative theater, music … and there's an art gallery there as well," said Conklin. "It's avant garde and a brilliant umbrella for non-mainstream and offbeat endeavors."

While the new Dutton's store -- which opened November 18 and is located in a small open area near the café in the theater -- may or may not qualify as offbeat, the location is certainly innovative. Conklin reported that the new store was the brainchild of REDCAT's president, Steven Lavine, a regular at Dutton's Brentwood. He approached the store about opening a small location within his theater. "He had seen [a similar set-up] at another theater and thought it would be a nice addition," he explained.

Conklin noted that the store is stocked with a "curated selection of books." Dutton's at REDCAT offers titles to tie in with whatever event might be occurring at the theater, as well as other titles Dutton's wishes to promote. "Obviously, we'll try to complement [events at REDCAT]," Conklin said, and added that the store will also carry a variety of titles in categories such as philosophy, social theory, art, film, music, dance, and literary mysteries. REDCAT has provided a staff member to handle book sales, and, in return for the space, the theater will receive a percentage of book sales.

Overall, Conklin is excited about being a part of REDCAT, he said. "For us this is a good opportunity to promote the bookstore. We also are doing this for the love of books -- getting books out there and being able to spotlight various titles that might not otherwise come across." -- David Grogan