In addition to acting, Ricardo Montalbán sought to improve the portrayal of Latinos in film & TV.  In 1970, he helped found NOSOTROS, a Latino arts advocacy organization.  He believed that the live stage provided the optimal platform for educational & employment opportunities for aspiring artists.  In 1999, the Ricardo Montalbán Foundation was formed to advance his vision by purchasing the theatre property, thus providing a home to stage productions with Latino themes, performers, writers & directors. 

The Ricardo Montalbán Foundation & Theatre are dedicated to improving the image of Latinos through the entertainment industry, by providing educational & employment opportunities for artists dedicated to the Performing Arts & to produce, present & support meaningful & world-class presentations that emphasize artistic collaboration, diversity & interdisciplinary work with community participation.