Center Theatre Group 2018/19 Annual Report

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2018/2019 ANNUAL REPORT

CONTENTS

03

A LETTER FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT

04

OUR MISSION & VALUES

06

OUR 2018/2019 SEASON

12

OUR ARTISTS

13

A LETTER FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

16

IMPACT REPORT: ANDREW W. MELLON FOUNDATION & ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT

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OUR AUDIENCES

22

IMPACT REPORT: THEATRE ACCESS & NEW FREE TICKET PROGRAM

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IMPACT REPORT: REACHING A NEW AUDIENCE VIA PODCAST

24

OUR COMMUNITY

28

IMPACT REPORT: NEXT GENERATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES

30

OUR FINANCIALS

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OUR SUPPORTERS & ADVOCATES The company of Come From Away. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

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I am so proud to be a part of Center Theatre Group’s leadership during this pivotal time.”

After the historic 2018/2019 Season, I can confidently say we are standing firm in our beliefs and intend to capture the momentum and continue to grow the company and our artistic programs.

We exist in a challenging market and it is our imperative to provide the highest quality work to the breadth of the greater Los Angeles community. We will continue to work hard to build on our founding legacy and expand our groundbreaking programs.

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Michael Ritchie, we continued to stand up and invest in our artists, who created timely, bold, and diverse stories that connected us all in a time we needed it most. From the universality of School Girls at the Kirk Douglas Theatre to superb storytelling in Paula Vogel’s Indecent, we shared stories that transformed us all.

With our audiences, we worked to prioritize our access efforts to ensure our theatres were filled with individuals from all generations, backgrounds, and social circumstances.

We employed thoughtful outreach efforts to minimize any barrier—financial or otherwise— in making our houses reflective of the city we live in. From a new free ticket program to digital engagement efforts—we worked to make our stories accessible for all.

Under the strategic vision of Leslie K. Johnson, the work carried out with our community continued to inspire us and strengthen our case that theatre and storytelling is a central part of our cultural fabric and a priority for all Angelenos. With the enthusiasm surrounding the August Wilson Monologue Competition and Disney Musicals in Schools programs, the growth of our workforce development initiatives, and the creative and bilingual work in Boyle Heights libraries, we undeniably deepened our connection to our community.

In addition to our programming success, I can happily report that we have successfully shifted our financial position since the undesirable outcome of our prior season, ending this year with a surplus in our net theatre operations.

OUR MISSION & VALUES

“THE GROWTH WE’VE SEEN THIS PAST YEAR PROMISES A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR THIS GREAT INSTITUTION AND THE COMMUNITY IT SERVES.

EACH YEAR, WE TAKE A MOMENT TO REFLECT ON OUR PROGRAMMING TO ENSURE PROGRESS IN DELIVERING ON OUR MISSION OF SERVING THE DIVERSE CITY OF LOS ANGELES. We examine the work in our theatres and in boardrooms, rehearsal studios, school classrooms, and community spaces across the city. We remind ourselves of our core belief that theatre is a cultural force with the capacity to transform lives. And we ask ourselves—are we standing up for what we believe in?

Due largely to the record-breaking sales from Dear Evan Hansen and Ain’t Too Proud at the Ahmanson, paired with the remarkable results and addition of a new annual fundraising gala, our financial report is strong.

Despite these successes, we knew it was going to be a year of transition as well. Early in the season, our Managing Director/CEO Stephen D. Rountree announced his retirement, and I formed a Search Committee of the Board to thoughtfully guide us through the process of finding our next chief executive. Now, following a nine-month international search, I am confident the future will be bright under our new Managing Director/CEO, Meghan Pressman, who joined us from Washington, D.C.’s Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company in July 2019.

With Meghan’s deep roots in theatre, and her solid business training and fundraising experience, we are confident that she is the perfect individual to lead Center Theatre Group and its impact on our patrons, donors, and other stakeholders both throughout the greater Los Angeles area and also across the field nationally. I can’t wait to see where she and Artistic Director Michael Ritchie take us next.

Finally, I’d like to recognize you, our loyal supporters, for making this remarkable year possible at Center Theatre Group. Your support allows us to stand up for what we believe in: the art of storytelling and the power it has to transform lives and bring a community together.

Thank you for joining us this year.

Kiki Ramos Gindler President, Board of Directors

High school students rehearse a dance inspired by Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella as part of our “In Our Shoes” collaboration with Bourne’s company, New Adventures.

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To serve the diverse audiences of Los Angeles by producing and presenting theatre of the highest caliber, by nurturing new artists, by attracting new audiences, and by developing youth outreach and arts education programs.

AT CENTER THEATRE GROUP, WE TELL STORIES WITH AND FOR OUR ARTISTS, OUR AUDIENCES, AND OUR COMMUNITY.

WE BELIEVE THAT THE ART OF THEATRE IS A CULTURAL FORCE WITH THE CAPACITY TO TRANSFORM THE LIVES OF INDIVIDUALS AND SOCIETY AT LARGE.

OUR COMMUNITY

OUR ARTISTS We cultivate and invest in a diverse group of artists—local, national, and international—to create new works that tell bold, important new stories through commissions, workshops, readings, and other development programs.

OUR AUDIENCES We bring together audiences from all generations, backgrounds, and circumstance to experience the power of storytelling and theatre to change lives through innovative access initiatives.

An audience of high schoolers from across Southern California enters the Mark Taper Forum for a Student Matinee performance of Lackawanna Blues.

OUR MISSION & VALUES

We connect with community members and leaders throughout our city to strengthen the cultural fabric of Los Angeles and engage the next generation in the arts through community and education programs and workforce development initiatives.

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AHMANSON THEATRE

2018/2019 SEASON AIN’T TOO PROUD— THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS book by Dominique Morisseau music and lyrics from

The Legendary Motown Catalog

choreographed by Sergio Trujillo directed by Des McAnuff

Aug 21 – Sep 30, 2018 DEAR EVAN HANSEN book by Steven Levenson music and lyrics by

Benj Pasek and Justin Paul directed by Michael Greif Oct 17 – Nov 25, 2018

7 PRODUCTIONS 251 PERFORMANCES 358,153 AUDIENCE MEMBERS

COME FROM AWAY book, music, and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein musical staging by Kelly Devine directed by Christopher Ashley Nov 28, 2018 – Jan 6, 2019 New Adventures / Matthew Bourne’s

CINDERELLA directed & choreographed by Matthew Bourne music by Prokofiev Feb 5 – Mar 10, 2019

The Lincoln Center Theater Production of

FALSETTOS

music and lyrics by William Finn book by William Finn and James Lapine directed by James Lapine choreographed by Spencer Liff Apr 16 – May 19, 2019

INDECENT

by Paula Vogel directed by Rebecca Taichman Jun 5 – Jul 7, 2019 A Co-Production with Huntington Theatre Company

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG

by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields tour directed by Matt DiCarlo Jul 9 – Aug 11, 2019

Ashley Shaw and Andrew Monaghan in Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella. Photo by Johan Persson.

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SWEAT

by Lynn Nottage

directed by Lisa Peterson

Aug 29 – Oct 7, 2018 VALLEY OF THE HEART written and directed by

Luis Valdez Oct 30 – Dec 9, 2018

MARK TAPER FORUM

2018/2019 SEASON

Presented in Association with El Teatro Campesino

LINDA VISTA

by Tracy Letts

5 PRODUCTIONS 228 PERFORMANCES 107,323 AUDIENCE MEMBERS

directed by Dexter Bullard

Jan 9 – Feb 17, 2019 LACKAWANNA BLUES

written, performed, and directed by

Ruben Santiago-Hudson

original music composed by

Bill Sims Jr.

additional music composed by

Chris Thomas King Mar 5 – Apr 21, 2019 HAPPY DAYS

by Samuel Beckett directed by James Bundy with Dianne Wiest May 15 – Jun 30, 2019

(L–R) Chris Thomas King (background) and Ruben Santiago-Hudson in Lackawanna Blues. Photo by Craig Schwartz.

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KIRK DOUGLAS THEATRE

2018/2019 SEASON SCHOOL GIRLS; OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY

by Jocelyn Bioh directed by Rebecca Taichman Sep 2–30, 2018 QUACK

by Eliza Clark directed by Neel Keller

World Premiere Oct 21 – Nov 18, 2018 BLOCK PARTY Celebrating Los Angeles Theatre

6 PRODUCTIONS 128 PERFORMANCES 26,229 AUDIENCE MEMBERS

Theatre Of NOTE

FOR THE LOVE OF (OR, THE ROLLER DERBY PLAY)

by Gina Femia directed and choreographed by

Rhonda Kohl Mar 7–17, 2019

Skylight Theatre Company

ROTTERDAM

by Jon Brittain directed by Michael A. Shepperd Mar 28 – Apr 7, 2019 Antaeus Theatre Company

NATIVE SON

by Nambi E. Kelley

based on the novel by Richard Wright directed by Andi Chapman

Apr 18–28, 2019 DANA H.

by Lucas Hnath adapted from interviews with dana higginbotham conducted by steve cosson directed by Les Waters

World Premiere May 26 – Jun 23, 2019 Produced in Association with Goodman Theatre

Deirdre O’Connell in Dana H. Photo by Craig Schwartz.

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COLLABORATION IS THE BEST WAY TO GET OUR ARTISTS THE SUPPORT THEY NEED TO CREATE.”

OUR ARTISTS

“I truly believe that a rising tide lifts all boats, and that in today’s climate,

THIS WAS A TERRIFIC SEASON FOR STORYTELLERS—BOTH THE ARTISTS ON OUR MAINSTAGES AND THE CREATORS WE SUPPORT THROUGH OUR ARTIST INITIATIVES AND PARTNERSHIPS, BOTH LOCALLY AND NATIONALLY. It starts with our priority to invest in a diverse group of artists who create stories that are inclusive and help us grow.

To that end, we kicked off our season with works by three powerful female playwrights—all theatre artists of color, and all onstage simultaneously: Dominique Morisseau, book writer of the Broadway hit Ain’t Too Proud—The Life and Times of The Temptations at the Ahmanson; Lynn Nottage, writer of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Sweat at the Taper; and Jocelyn Bioh, writer of the wickedly funny School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play at the Douglas. Morisseau is a member of our L.A. Writers’ Workshop community. Nottage is currently writing a new work we’ve co-commissioned with Second Stage Theater in New York as part of our Edgerton Foundation Playwrights Initiative. And we recently assisted in developing a new work with Bioh, The Ladykiller’s Love Story.

I’m also proud of our partnerships with theatres around the country that played a part in this season’s productions traveling to New York after showing on our stages. We worked with the Goodman Theatre on the World premiere of Lucas Hnath’s Dana H. at the Douglas, which will play at the Vineyard Theatre this winter in New York. Our partnership with Steppenwolf Theatre Company brought Tracy Letts’ Linda Vista to the Taper before it headed to Second Stage’s Helen Hayes Theater on Broadway. Plus, the crowd-pleasing Ain’t Too Proud at the Ahmanson is now taking New York audiences by storm at the Imperial Theatre on Broadway.

Not overlooked is our work closer to home. Our team continued to nurture local partnerships and our commitment to the intimate theatre community of Los Angeles with the third season of Block Party, presenting works from Theatre of NOTE, Skylight Theatre Company, and Antaeus Theatre Company. This program continues to connect us and celebrate the art and artists that help make this city such a vibrant theatre town.

This year also marked the conclusion of a partnership that goes far beyond the work onstage and in our rehearsal rooms: we said goodbye to Associate Artistic Director Diane Rodriguez. Diane’s 24 years at Center Theatre Group culminated this last season with the completion of a decade-long new work development project funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The organization and I were fortunate to have a boundless artist like Diane on staff. It has been with her continued sense of exploration that we’ve been able to create many bold new works that have played across Los Angeles and around the world.

Finally, this past season we dimmed our lights for one very special supporter who believed so passionately in the work of innovative and adventurous theatre artists, Dorothy Sherwood—known to friends and to us as Dee. In 1996, Dee established the Sherwood Award in memory of her late husband, Dick; this year, we renamed the award in honor of them both. Dee and Dick were patrons of the arts with a special appreciation for the energy and talent of artists at catalytic moments in their careers. Partially endowed by the Sherwood Family, the award has funded 21 artists who push the boundaries of theatre. Dee inspired us to ask, “What are we doing for the artists?” as opposed to, “What are they doing for us?”

As a result, we’ve been able to provide crucial support for artists who continue to change the Los Angeles theatre landscape and push forward the art.

To all our generous supporters, your gift empowers our artistry and creative partnerships. Thank you for your commitment to our work.

Michael Ritchie Artistic Director

(L–R) Grantham Coleman, Peter Mendoza (background), Portia (front), and Mary Mara in Sweat. Photo by Craig Schwartz.

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“I’m trying to tell the most truthful story I can tell in the most entertaining way and be a true human being.”

—Ruben Santiago-Hudson Writer, Performer, and Director, Lackawanna Blues

Scripts read

Broadway transfer

14

Award nominations

WORKSHOPS

10 AWARDS

OUR ARTISTS

L.A. ARTISTS EMPLOYED

WORLD PREMIERES

1 3 28

NEW YORK TRANSFERS

100s

2

28

ARTISTS EMPLOYED

Total artistic projects

427 257

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INVESTING IN OUR ARTISTS: MEASURING IMPACT

BY THE NUMBERS

Commissioned artists

(L–R) Ian Barford in Linda Vista. MaameYaa Boafo in School Girls. Photos by Craig Schwartz.

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DOUGLAS

DOUGLAS

Geoff Sobelle, Trey Lyford, and Steve Cuiffo’s Elephant Room

Guillermo Calderon’s Neva (with English translation

by Andrea Thome)

2010

DOUGLAS

Rude Mechs’ I’ve Never Been So Happy

WHY THE PARTNERSHIP?

OUR GOALS

In 2009, Center Theatre Group was generously awarded a significant grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to join a field-wide exploration on innovation in making new work outside the traditional regional theatre format, and inspired by the work smaller and grassroots theatres had been doing. Our research and development partnership was focused on “hyper-collaborative” theatre—work that is not the sole vision of a playwright but rather a group of artists. Inspired by this unique approach to creating new work, Associate Artistic Director Diane Rodriguez led this effort to research, commission, and produce new work in new ways in order to provide artists more resources to make and show work, and to feed the field with insights on embracing different systems along with a different kind of artist and audience.

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To increase access for hyper-collaborative artists to the resources that regional theatres provide.

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To contribute to the evolution and vibrancy of developing new work.

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To support organizational stability by attracting and nurturing a more adventurous audience.

OUR IMPACT Partnering with other theatres in the development process helped us move more projects to completion, while giving artists the benefit of our dramaturgical expertise. The benefits of the model became more important than whether Center Theatre Group was the sole commissioner of a particular piece and, after a decade, we have a new context of ownership for developing work that has exciting potential beyond our organization.

The artists and projects coming up through these models proved to be a source of inspiration and momentum for our overall artistic development efforts. This project successfully enabled us to forge relationships with new artists—many of whom were women, Los Angeles-based, and/or people of color—and broaden the type of work we develop and produce.

We are grateful to the generosity and investment of the Mellon Foundation for supporting this research and a decade of development work that has changed the way we approach producing and creating theatre.

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

DOUGLAS

REDCAT

TAPER

Daniel Alexander Jones’ Radiate

Gob Squad’s Western Society

Rimini Protokoll’s Remote L.A.

RADAR L.A. FESTIVAL

DOUGLAS

Rodrigo García’s You Should Have Stayed Home, Morons/ ¡Haberos quedado en casa, capullos! (with English translation by Andrea Thome)

Young Jean Lee’s Straight White Men

85 35 37

TOTAL ARTISTS

ARTISTS OF COLOR

WOMEN

33 30 20 TOTAL PROJECTS

TOTAL COMMISSIONS

TOTAL PROJECTS PRODUCED

8

62%

5

Center Theatre Group Productions

2

RADAR L.A. Presentations

Young Jean Lee’s Straight White Men

Deborah Stein and Suli Holum’s The Wholehearted

Danai Gurira’s The Convert 2009

SECOND STAGE’S HAYES THEATER ON BROADWAY

DOUGLAS

ALMARI ARTS ALLIANCE, ZIMBABWE

IMPACT REPORT:

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation & artistic development

Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen’s How to Be a Rock Critic

DOUGLAS

Percentage of Commission Productions

Co-Presentations in Los Angeles

5

Productions Outside Center Theatre Group

2018

2019

CAP UCLA

Lars Jan and Early Morning Opera’s The White Album REDCAT

BERKELEY REP

Gob Squad’s Creation (Pictures for Dorian)

Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare’s The Good Book

OUR WORK IN 2018/2019: CASE STUDY IN ENSEMBLE GENERATED WORK In fall 2018, Gob Squad’s Creation (Pictures for Dorian) had its US premiere at the Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater, co-presented

by Center Theatre Group and REDCAT. The piece explored aging, beauty, power, and transformation.

This piece was developed in and inspired by Los Angeles. Gob Squad’s development process is highly participatory, and the ensemble’s residencies and local community interviews were extensive. We gathered six multigenerational and ethnically diverse community participants ranging from 20–78 years old to join Gob Squad for a one-week developmental workshop. With them, the company explored the three different phases of one’s life—youth, middle age, and old age—through movement and various physical exercises.

The result of this unique partnership and development process was theatrical work that supported a global dialogue catalyzed by reflections on Los Angeles lives and perspectives.

OUR ARTISTS

(L–R) Gob Squad’s Creation (Pictures for Dorian). Photo courtesy of Gob Squad.

Young Jean Lee in rehearsal for Straight White Men. Photo by Craig Schwartz.

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“WE OFFER THE MOST DIVERSE AND BROAD SLATE OF ENTERTAINMENT IN THE COUNTRY, which is an incredible opportunity for us to welcome everyone into our three houses.”

The cast of Valley of the Heart. Photo by Craig Schwartz.

WE CALLED THE 2018/2019 SEASON “OUR BIGGEST SEASON EVER”—AND THAT TURNED OUT TO BE TRUE IN SO MANY WAYS. With the sensational shows of the Ahmanson season from Ain’t Too Proud—The Life and Times of The Temptations and Dear Evan Hansen to The Play That Goes Wrong, along with the moving dialogues seen at the Taper and the Douglas, including Tracy Letts’ Linda Vista, Ruben Santiago-Hudson’s Lackawanna Blues, and our most buzzed-about new work, Lucas Hnath’s World premiere of Dana H., we continued to provide an entry point into live theatre like no other company can. During the 2018/2019 Season, we welcomed over 89,000 brand new audience members to engage and respond to the work on our stages…a record!

This success comes alongside the priority inherent in our mission of bringing more audiences from all over our city to experience the power of live theatre—no matter their background or circumstances. We believe our outreach and engagement efforts are not over until the house is reflective of the community we live in; and we still have a long way to go.

This past year, we took big steps toward achieving this by introducing a new access initiative that breaks down the economic barrier to attending our theatres while encouraging and investing in the next generation of audience members.

We were thrilled to launch FreePlay, an ambitious new program that distributes free tickets to theatregoers ages 25 and under to first previews at the Taper and Douglas and select Ahmanson shows. It was tremendously successful, and we’re excited to be expanding this access in the 2019/2020 Season and beyond.

OUR AUDIENCES

OUR AUDIENCE

In addition to FreePlay, we saw The Crew—our Ahmanson subscription for young professionals—and the Backstage Club—our Ahmanson subscription for students and families— reach new heights this season.

We continue to look for new and exciting ways to engage our audiences in order to connect with more of our community.

One of the ways we turned the dial on engagement this past year was digitally, through our new podcast, “30 to Curtain”—sharing an inside look for our theatre lovers and lifetime learners. Tune in if you haven’t already!

Finally, I’ll say thank you for joining us in the audience last season. I can’t wait to share another year laughing and crying alongside all of you.

Deborah Warren Director of Marketing

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“I come to feel inspired, to be moved, to escape.”

—Nayara Alexis FreePlay Audience Member

Increase in Facebook engagement

NEW SUBSCRIBERS

First time audience members

51%

8,000 89K

Tickets sold under $30

1.16M WEBSITE VISITORS

544K

193

Audience Talks across our theatres, leading discussions with

8,900 patrons

TICKETS SOLD OUR AUDIENCES

116K

67K

Likes on Instagram, nearly double from previous year

1.3M

MEASURING OUR IMPACT:

YOUTUBE VIEWS

(L-R) Matthew Bourne gives a Stage Talk after a performance of Cinderella.

Fans at the stage door after the first preview of Dear Evan Hansen.

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IMPACT REPORT:

IMPACT REPORT:

Theatre access and a new

Reaching a new audience via podcast

free ticket program WHY DIGITAL AUDIENCES? New online channels paired with the evolution of smartphones have enhanced how patrons choose to access and engage with artistic content.

WHY ACCESS AND FREE TICKETS? Ticket prices are one of many obstacles to diversity and inclusion in arts programming.

In 2019, 51% of US households listened to podcasts, an increase from 44% the prior year. Of these listeners, 67% are under the age of 44.

In a recent survey, we found the primary barrier for young people in Los Angeles to attending theatre is the lack of adult family members’ participation, with affordability being a core roadblock.

(L–R) Luis Valdez and Michael Ritchie. Photo by Maya Meyers Photography.

OUR GOAL

OUR WORK IN 2018/2019

OUR GOAL

To build a new generation of theatregoers and advocates to be a part of the art, the conversation, and change that starts onstage and to ensure the future of live theatre.

In addition to regular access and young audience engagement programming, this season we launched FreePlay, which invites Angelenos 25 and under to attend our first preview performances at the Mark Taper Forum and Kirk Douglas Theatre, plus select performances at the Ahmanson Theatre, for free.

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To deepen our existing audience members’ engagement and understanding of our work.

In 2018/2019 we launched “30 to Curtain,” Center Theatre Group’s first podcast, hosted by Artistic Director Michael Ritchie.

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To increase our audience members’ access points in order to customize their experience with live theatre and storytelling.

The approximately 30-minute episodes aim to bring our audiences direct, intimate access to the amazing talents we work with every day across our theatres.

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To reach audiences who are unable to attend our physical theatres and increase brand awareness beyond a local level.

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To nurture the interests and engagement of young audience members to develop new ways to grow our patron base.

Our debut episode featuring playwright Dominique Morisseau was recorded just after the announcement that Ain’t Too Proud (which played the Ahmanson in 2018) was heading to Broadway and a few weeks before the playwright was named a MacArthur “Genius.” Subsequent episodes of our first season featured Luis Valdez, Sir Matthew Bourne, James Lapine, and others.

We have expanded our lowest ticket price to be available for almost every single performance.

Since its launch in the 2016/17 Season, The Backstage Club continues to reach new heights, and bring more intergenerational audiences and families.

The Crew, a discounted package for young professionals under 40, sold out for the second year in a row.

OUR IMPACT IN 2018/2019 We initially expected to provide access to 1,700 young audience members this season, but successfully increased this free ticket distribution to over 2,250.

Participants came from 23 states and covered 64% of Los Angeles County zip codes.

We were able to reach more audiences by extending this program to four productions at the Ahmanson.

OUR FUTURE We are planning for a 50% increase in this access point in the 2019/2020 Season, with an expected distribution of 3,200 free tickets.

In our inaugural year, this digital platform was accessed 8,417 times.

OUR FUTURE In fall 2020, our podcast was selected to join the new Broadway Podcast Network co-founded by Dori Berinstein and Alan Seales. This expands our goals by widening our reach to theatre lovers across the country.

Our first two guests of the new season were A Play Is a Poem director and Atlantic Theater Company Artistic Director Neil Pepe and On Beckett creator and performer Bill Irwin.

OUR AUDIENCES

OUR PROGRESS

OUR WORK AND IMPACT IN 2018/2019

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over the past year has been immensely gratifying.”

OUR COMMUNITY

“CREATING MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR LEARNING AND ENGAGEMENT IN OUR COMMUNITY

IT WAS A YEAR FULL OF DISCOVERY AND INSPIRATION AS WE USED THE POWER OF THEATRE AND STORYTELLING TO ENCOURAGE COMMUNITY MEMBERS OF ALL AGES TO EMBRACE THEIR CREATIVITY AND FIND THEIR VOICES TO TELL THEIR OWN STORIES. This year’s engagement work, and the successes we achieved, are due in large part to the support of our loyal patrons, and for that—I’m truly grateful.

Our Student Matinee, August Wilson, and Disney Musicals in Schools Programs continued to be flagship, model initiatives that educate students and build the capacity of educators to bring theatre into classrooms across Los Angeles County.

Key successes include reaching over 7,500 students for our Student Matinees, seeing two of our August Wilson Monologue Competition alumni performing in major New York productions in conversation with this year’s national finalists, and securing an additional commitment from Disney Theatrical Group to increase the impact on our schools.

With the launch of two new innovative programs, we continue to prioritize and nurture our next generation of theatre artists, makers, and administrators as part of our overall workforce development initiative. First, our new Apprenticeship Program offered opportunities for individuals to get hands-on training in technical production and creative theatrical careers—a gap previously identified by looking at our own hiring needs through a research project and in partnership with local institutions of higher learning.

Additionally, we launched a new Teen Theatregoers Program, inviting high school students to see live theatre, while on a mentorship track, with the aim of exploring what it means to be an audience member and developing their taste and ability to engage in conversations around the shows and stories onstage.

But our community investment doesn’t end with young people and emerging professionals. In its fifth year, our free Library Play Readings series in the heart of our Boyle Heights community continues to bring together audiences of all ages to experience bilingual performances, including the celebrated work of L.A. native Luis Alfaro, reaching over 800 community members in their own backyard. Moreover, this year we expanded our reach and offered a new range of workshops at venues across Los Angeles that gathered community members to experiment with playwriting and other activities inspired by theatre.

All of this work supports our core belief that the art of theatre is a cultural force with the capacity to transform the lives of individuals and society at large.

Again, thank you for your part in making the Los Angeles community a better place through theatre.

Leslie K. Johnson Former Director of Social Strategy, Innovation & Impact

Undergraduate and graduate students at our Going Pro Career Fair, which is designed to prepare them to make the leap into professional theatre.

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“Communities throughout Los Angeles have been blessed to have Center Theatre Group bringing relevant, meaningful, and diverse theatre to our community for over 50 years!

These are the type of worldclass art institutions that are based in our County and create amazing works right here in our backyard.”

—Hilda L. Solis Los Angeles County Board Supervisor, First District

hours of educational experiences

400

SCHOOLS

High school and college students at our two career fairs

32,180

STUDENTS AND EDUCATORS

68

TEACHING ARTISTS

46 14

Panelists for

Community Conversations OUR COMMUNITY

2,300

Workshops, play readings, in school workshops, and events totaling over

301

36

70 Local theatre organizations and community partners

886

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THIS YEAR WE WELCOMED, WORKED WITH, HOSTED, AND BROUGHT TOGETHER...

Entertainment professionals offered mentoring, workshops, and free career development services

Total play readings, half in Spanish and half in English

(L-R) A Disney Musicals in Schools rehearsal. The Library Play Reading team who brought a new work by Luis Alfaro (third from left) to Boyle Heights.

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(L-R) Costume Shop Manager Brent M. Bruin at a workshop at East Los Angeles College.

Students at the Going Pro Career Fair received free headshots in addition to participating in workshops and receiving networking and mentoring assistance.

IMPACT REPORT:

Next generation & workforce development initiatives WHY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT? Los Angeles needs a pipeline of strong, diverse, and prepared arts leaders and creators to lead the way for the next generation of theatregoers. In partnership with local higher education institutions, we are filling existing gaps and providing needed support, knowledge, and resources.

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To create pathways to employment with Center Theatre Group and other regional theatres for diverse Southern California students.

To provide access to mentors, sharing the best of what Center Theatre Group professionals have learned through years of experience with the next generation of theatre and civic leaders.

OUR WORK IN 2018/2019: PARTNERSHIP WITH EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE In 2017, we asked East Los Angeles College (ELAC) to formalize a partnership by becoming our official higher education partner. ELAC has a highly diverse campus, with 97% of students self-identifying as people of color, and is located in East Los Angeles, one of our company’s priority areas for community partnerships.

ELAC emphasizes career readiness and is unambiguous with students about the realities of working in the arts.

This year, we hosted a Workforce Readiness Symposium on ELAC’s campus, with educators represented from more than 30 colleges and universities. These representatives broke out into “working groups” based on 11 theatre industry focus areas.

A lighting design workshop at East Los Angeles College.

Photo by Ericka Kreutz Photography.

The process culminated in the creation of a list answering the question, “What workforce skills/ training/support does a person need to step directly into a career in theatre?” These lists are intended to be used by educators, students, and field practitioners to inform the training opportunities provided to the next generation of theatre artists and managers in their respective focus area. It represents one group’s thoughts on how best to prepare students to enter this competitive field.

OUR IMPACT ■

Hosted a Workforce Readiness Symposium, led by Next Generation Initiatives Director Camille Schenkkan, for roughly 100 representatives of the Southern California higher education community to discuss how we can work together to better support students’ transition from college to theatre careers.

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Engaged in research around career training received by Southern California undergraduate and graduate-level students in theatre programs, and disseminated the results.

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Community Partnerships Director Jesus Reyes worked directly with ELAC faculty member James Buglewicz, head of the Theatre in the Community certificate program, on a joint two-semester project that culminated in the creation of a new play, Visions of Boyle Heights.

OUR WORK IN 2018/2019: PILOTING A NEW APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM This year we introduced a new educational Apprenticeship Program designed for people with no background in professional theatre to receive training in technical production and artistic careers.

We developed this program following a scan of other opportunities in the field in the areas of theatre production, technical theatre, and artistic careers such as directing and playwriting. Most opportunities in these areas were reserved for graduate students or required some professional experience, and many were unpaid. We saw a need for a paid program that provided an initial entry point into these career pathways.

Unlike the Internship Program, which follows a traditional semester model, Apprenticeships are aligned with production schedules.

Typically, Apprenticeships begin in the middle of the rehearsal process, and culminate on opening night. This year’s Apprenticeships lasted between two and eight weeks, dictated by the needs of the production and supervisors’ schedules.

We hosted three Technical Apprentices and one Artistic Apprentice on Quack, by Eliza Clark, in the fall, and two of each on Dana H., by Lucas Hnath, in the spring. Both shows took place at the Kirk Douglas Theatre.

OUR COMMUNITY

OUR GOALS

29

2019 TOTAL (In 000s)

56% Increase

2018 TOTAL (In 000s)

OPERATING REVENUE AND SUPPORT

REVENUE

Net ticket and subscription revenue $ 40,329 $ 20,742

OTHER REVENUE

10,000

Total revenue

$ 47,836

Total support

$ 15,393

$ 14,003

Total operating revenue and support

$ 63,229

$ 46,188

FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES

Program expenses 37,041 30,298

Administration 6,257 6,169

Ticketing, Marketing, and Advertising 13,371 11,498

Fundraising 3,569 3,162

Total functional expenses $ 60,238 $ 51,127

CHANGES IN NET ASSETS 2,991 (4,939)

NET ASSETS, beginning of year 59,275 64,214

NET ASSETS, end of year

$ 62,266

10% Increase

7% Increase

$ 32,185

CONTRIBUTED REVENUE AND SUPPORT

Foundations, corporations, and individuals 13,541 13,103

Federal, state, and local government grants 210 129

Music Center Foundation distribution 447 588

Music Center Unified Fund distribution 183 200

Special events (net) 1,012 (17)

FY18 FY19

30,000

20,000

4,825

(In 000s)

40,000

Other performance revenue 527 3,447

Dividends and interest 213 110 Royalties 7 15

Net realized and unrealized gains 1,591 3,046 5,169

REVENUE

50,000

OUR FINANCIALS

AUDITED FINANCIALS YEARS ENDED JUNE 30

0

Ticket and Subscription Revenue

Contributed Revenue and Support

Other Revenue

6%

FY18

22%

($4,939) NET

EXPENSES 10%

62%

FY19 $2,991 NET

$ 59,275

Program Expenses Administration Ticketing, Marketing, and Advertising Fundraising

0

10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000

Revenue Expense

31

who helped make the 2018/2019 Season a success.

HONORARY CHAIRMAN Lew R. Wasserman† CHAIRMAN William H. Ahmanson PRESIDENT Kiki Ramos Gindler EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Brindell Roberts Gottlieb VICE PRESIDENT William R. Lindsay SECRETARY Amy R. Forbes TREASURER David Quigg

BOARD MEMBERS Harry Abrams Pamela Beck Thom Beers Miles Benickes Gail Berman-Masters Jana Bezdek Betsy Borns Diana Buckhantz Dannielle Campos Ramirez Christine Cronin-Hurst Susanne Daniels Cástulo de la Rocha Bradford W. Edgerton, MD Gary Frischling Rebecca George Patricia Glaser Manuela Cerri Goren Robert Greenblatt Jason Grode Aliza Karney Guren Stanley Iezman Paul James

EMERITUS Harold Applebaum Ronald J. Arnault Judith Beckmen Ava Fries Susan Grode

Phyllis Hennigan Stephen F. Hinchliffe, Jr. Richard Kagan O. Kit Lokey Walter Mirisch Diane Morton Edward B. Nahmias PAST PRESIDENTS Lew R. Wasserman† Marshall Berges† Armand S. Deutsch† Walter Mirisch Henry C. Rogers† Richard E. Sherwood† J. David Haft† Lawrence J. Ramer† Stephen F. Hinchliffe, Jr. Phyllis Hennigan Richard Kagan Martin Massman† William H. Ahmanson List as of June 30, 2019 deceased

†

SUBSCRIBERS

40K+

8

8K+ The curtain call at the Center Theatre Group 2019 Gala: A Grand Night. Photo by Ryan Miller/Capture Imaging.

Jody Lippman Louise Moriarty Jo Muse Kari L. Nakama Dan Palmer Michael Ritchie Monica Horan Rosenthal Laura Rosenwald Bruce L. Ross Carmen Schaye Donna Schweers Elliott Sernel Glenn A. Sonnenberg Sandra Stern Marshall Trenckmann Matthew Walden

OUR SUPPORTERS & ADVOCATES

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR LOYAL SUPPORTERS AND PATRONS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

133

New board members

FULL-TIME STAFF

2,831 Individual donations

First time donors

90

PART-TIME STAFF

33

ANNUAL DONORS $1,000,000+ Anonymous

$250,000+ Kirk & Anne Douglas ^ Laura & James Rosenwald & Orinoco Foundation

$100,000+ Anonymous Kiki & David Gindler ^ Patricia Glaser & Sam Mudie Aliza Karney Guren & Marc Guren^ Ann & Stephen F. Hinchliffe, Jr

$50,000+ Diana Buckhantz & Vladimir & Araxia Buckhantz Foundation Christine Cronin-Hurst & Mark Hurst Amy Forbes & Andrew Murr Eric & Nancy Garen Robert Greenblatt Stanley Iezman & Nancy Stark Louise Moriarty & Patrick Stack

Donna Schweers & Tom Geiser ^ Elliott Sernel ^ Mr. & Mrs. Jack Simon J R Stein Family Foundation ^ The Michael Shaw Jacobs Fund ^

$25,000+ Anonymous Melissa & Bob Alvarado Pamela & Dennis Beck Thomas Beers Joni & Miles Benickes^ Gail Berman & Bill Masters Jana & Trevor Bezdek Joan & Rob Blackman Lynn Booth and Kent Kresa Betsy Borns & Jonathan Shapiro^ Marcy Carsey

Helen & Morgan Chu Cindy & Gary Frischling Manuela & James Goren In Memory of Morris A. Hazan Joan Hotchkis Marvin Jubas & Janet Wald Jubas Vicki King Jody & David Lippman Renee & Meyer Luskin ^ Doris Luster Ruth Flinkman-Marandy & Ben Marandy Lynn & Dreux McNairy Marsha J. Naify Kari L. Nakama^ Olivia & Anthony Neece Bill Resnick & Michael Stubbs Michael Ritchie & Kate Burton^

Ernesto & Richard Rocco-Davies^ Melissa and Alex Romain Joyce & Deane Ross Ben Sherwood & Karen Kehela Rosemary Simmons Jane Rissman & Richard Sondheimer Ms. Marie H. Song Glenn & Andrea Sonnenberg^ Eugene & Marilyn Stein^ Eva & Marc Stern Sandra Stern Stone Family Sunshine Stone Karen & William Timberlake Peter & Iona Tompkins Matt & Dana Walden

$15,000+ Anonymous (2) Gay & Harry Abrams/ Abrams Artists Agency Laura & Harvey Alpert Betsy & Harold Applebaum Karen & Jonathan Axel ^ Judith & Thomas Beckmen Annette Blum^ Jonna Bollenbacher Linda & Maynard Brittan Traub-Brittan Family Trust Marla Campagna^ Mara & Joseph Carieri ^ Susan & Stephen Chandler Connie Elliot Rhonda C. Evans Lynda & Al Fadel Lisa Field

Judith R. Forman & Richard N. Weiner Rebecca George Jason Grode & Maryl Georgi Annie Gross Mr. & Mrs. James L. Hunter Freya & Mark Ivener Mr. & Mrs. Gerald W. Kehle Kelton Fund/Lenny & David Kelton Harvey & Ellen Knell Foundation^ Mrs. Gayle Leventhal Pamela & Mark Litvack ^ Harry & Arlette Lumer Kelly Sutherlin McLeod & Steven B. McLeod Family Foundation Ben Mui & Carrie Hartman Sheila Muller Jerri & Dr. Steven Nagelberg Christine Marie Ofiesh & Arthur L. Zussman

Laura & Selwyn Oskowitz Laura & David Quigg^ Bruce & Randy Ellen Ross Nina & Steven Sheldon Phyllis J. & Steven F. Spierer The Sugimoto Family Foundation Donna & John Sussman Brad & George Takei Anne C. Taubman Terence Tchen & Emily Breckenridge Paulette Toumazos & Michael Lorenz Elinor & Rubin Turner Robin & Gary Ungar Peter & Susan Van Haften Walmilly Foundation Suzanne V. Wilson

Allen Blue & Kira Snyder Mari & Randall Tamura Dr. & Mrs. Daniel Wallace^ Doug & Ellen Weitman^

Dr. Robert Braun & Dr. Joan Friedman Janice R. Brittain Diane & Dorothy Brooks Foundation Dr. Leon & Rochelle Brooks Mr. Jay Brooks Stu Brower Linda Brown Neil H. & Karen Hochman Brown^ Anne Bruner & James Bremner ^ Norman Buckley, In Memory of Davyd Whaley Dr. & Mrs. Ronald Busuttil Kathleen & Milton Campbell Carol & Ken Carlson Catherine & Anthony Chanin^ In Memory of Linda Rivera-Venezia Rita Chenoweth Arthur & Katheryn Chinski The Honorable Judith C. Chirlin^ Ruth Choi Becky & Mike Clements Bill Cohn & Dan Miller Nadege & Jay Conger Roberta A. Conroy Donald & Zoe Cosgrove Corinna Cotsen & Lee Rosenbaum Seth Cover & Mycotoo Kevin Crombie Richard Jr. & Darlene Crook Trisha Curry Louise & Jeffrey Davis Cathy DeRoy & Mrs. George DeRoy

Dr. Allison Diamant Mike & Jamie DiFiori ^ Julia Donoghue Dorskind Family Foundation Nick Dudzak ^ Robin C. Dumas^ Greg H. Dunn ^ Dr. & Mrs. William Duxler Ms. Anita H. Dymant & Mr. Richard Drooyan Richard J. Burdge Jr. & Lee Smalley Edmon Michael A. Enomoto Earl & Karen Enzer David & Joyce Evans Alan & Barbara Faiola Jim Bright & Lucy Farber Larry Field Robyn Field & Anthony O’Carroll The Finston Family In Honor of Our Beloved Fay & Milton Friedman Fran Flanagan Pat Fleming The Franke Family Trust Joanne Freed & Richard C. Mendelson Ellen Fujikawa^ Howard & Suzanne Furst^ Jay & Donna Gallagher Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Garrett Mr. & Mrs. Homer Garten Freddi & Marvin Gelfand Michael & Karen Gilbert Stephen Glick & Sylvia Turk

Mr. & Mrs. Efrain Gonzalez ^ Edith Gould Donald W. Grant Marsha Grant James D. & Margaret A. Gray ^ Dr. Stuart & Adrienne Green^ Lenore S. & Bernard A. Greenberg Fund Marcy Gross Claudia & Tom Grzywacz Vera & Paul Guerin Lorrie & Richard Gurewitz Roberta L. Haft Linda & Michael Haines^ Mr. Jeffrey L. Hall & Mr. Kevin A. Yoder Cynthia & Solomon Hamburg Harris Family Foundation^ Sam Harris^ Johnny Ruth Harrison, M.D.^ Mark & Julie Harrison Chet & Sheila Hasday ^ Michael Lurey & Laurie Hasencamp^ Al & Sandy Haveson^ Tanna Handley Havlick ^ James & Christi Hays^ Michelle & Dr. Alan Heilpern Gail & Murray Heltzer Zvia Hempling^ Dr. Stephen D. Henry & Rudy Oclaray Don Herman Donna L. Herman Karen Hillenburg

Acknowledges a loyal supporter who has pledged their commitment beyond the 2018/2019 Season by making a multi-year investment in our operating fund.

$10,000+ Anonymous (2) Dr. Geraldine Alden James Asperger & Christine Adams G.W. Bailey ^ Howard Banchik The Alice Ghostley Foundation Greg Basser & Kiera O’Neill^ Shelley & Rick Bayer ^ Yvonne & Derek Bell Hon. Mary Lou Byrne & Gary W. Kearney ^ The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Elizabeth Dailey Jack E. & Rachel Gindi Fund Roslyn & Abner Goldstine The Jim Hicks Family Foundation Marion & Tod Hindin^ Gail & Stanley Hollander Jennifer L. Jackman^ Ellen & Jerry Jacobson Gary Kading Debra & Robert Kasirer Joan Kroll & In Memory of Irving Kroll Michael & Sandy Leahy ^ Gail J. Levine Edward Lewis Marlene & Sandy Louchheim The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Janice & Bruce Miller ^ Gail Neiman

Chris & Dick Newman/C & R Newman Family Foundation Gregory Pickert & Beth Price Natalie Roberts & David Roberts z”l Joan & Arnold Seidel Mrs. Dorothy R. Sherwood Tracy A. Stone^ Sandra Tufts Seymour Waterman & Family Sheila & Wally Weisman Jerrie D. Whitfield & Richard W. Motika Ralph M. & Molly Wolveck Jennifer Crittenden & William Wrubel

$8,000+ Russi Taylor Allwine Dr. O. Allen Alpay Liz & Lou Altman Linda Barnett Elissa Becker I. Mark & Marlene Bledstein^ Ms. Virgina Blywise Tracey Boldemann-Tatkin & Stan Tatkin^ Paula Brand^ Ms. Susan M. Brewer Robert Brook & Jackie Kosecoff Pamela Herman Broussard & J. Garfield Broussard Rose Marie Browning & Michael Fletcher John Jewett Byers^ In Memory of John W. Carner

Clumeck Stern Schenkelberg & Getzoff^ Dr. Lawrence & Jane Z. Cohen Diana Rogovin Davidow Nancy & Donald de Brier Anne M. Dougherty & David B. Dobrikin^ Bob Ducsay Joanna Exacoustos Dennis L. Field & H. Douglas Galt Rocky & Deborah Gentner ^ Marylyn Ginsburg & Chuck Klaus Lori Glickman Eleanor Gorman Ms. Dana Guerin^ Dr. Lisa Guerin & Mr. Tim Ryan^ Michael Hanel & Steven Linder Steve & Toya Harrison Dr. & Mrs. Randy W. Hawkins Phil Hettema Marcia S. Jones Dr. & Mrs. Jack Kavanaugh Cari & Marty Kavinoky In Memory of Mille Kern Janice A. Kido In Memory of Lynn Kinikin Vicki & Seth Kogan^ Norman & Leslie Koplof Sheila Krasnoff Phyllis Kupferstein & Donald O. Farkas David & Tam Lachoff Anne & Michael Landsburg Dr. & Mrs. Martin S. Lasky Craig Lawson & Terry Peters

David & Janet Lazier Barbara & Andrew Leigh Janell & Randall Lewis Steven Llanusa & Glenn Miya, M.D. Debra Gastler & Andrew Malloy Emily & Phillips Marshall^ Janis B. McEldowney^ Margot & Mitch Milias Ron & Lee Miller Andy & Laura Mintzer Joan I. Moe Mildred M. & Earl Moon Toni Hollander-Morse & Lon Morse Robert & Sally Neely Michael R. Oppenheim^ Tye Ouzounian & Karyn Wong^ Jack & Jane Pollock Patty & Mike Post Michael Powell & Dr. Sheila Phillips Cheryl & Joel Prell Paula F. Reach Kay & Bob Rehme Willard & Sharon Reisz Melissa Louise Rhone Rick Richman William & Sue Roen Craig E. Rogers^ Dana Saladen & Linda Walters Honey Sanders Peter & Susan Schwab Carol (Jackie) & Charles H. Schwartz

$4,000+ Anonymous (8) Amy & Bob Abramson Florence C. Agcawili Andrew Aichlmayr Ignacio Alfaro Susan Alschuler Robert C. Anderson Suzanne & Bill Attig Cheryl & Elliott Balbert Jill Banks Barad^ Angela Bardowell Mark & Jody Barnhill^ Dr. Norma Barretta Lois Barth & Michael Schubach Barbara Bauer & Lawrence Cox Susan Baumgarten^ Susan & Adam Berger Elliot, Roberta, Dayna, & Alison Berkowitz Drs. Jack & Barbara Berman Jeffrey & Susan Berman Diane Birnbaumer and James Thompson Leah Bishop & Gary Yale^ Carole Black Karlyn & Chuck Boppell Wayland and JoAnn Bourne Desobry E. Bowens in Memory of Alice Desobry Bowens^

OUR SUPPORTERS & ADVOCATES

^

Jerry & Terri Kohl The Labowe Family Foundation In Support of New Theatre Artists Deena & Edward Nahmias Sue Tsao The Louis & Harold Price Foundation^

35

Alicia Hirsch & Jesse Russo Karen Hirshan/ Hirshan Family Foundation Ofer B. Ho^ Sam Ho, M.D. Ellen & Tom Hoberman Jim & Gloria Hopper ^ Mr. William H. Hurt Joan R. Isaacs Roslyn & Warren Jacobson Lawrence J. Jaffe, M.D. Judy K. Jeanson Audrey & Edgar Jessup Gordon Johnson & Barbara Schnell Michael Galindo & Mary Quon Jung^ Mark A. Kadzielski Judith & Russell Kantor Linda R. Kaplan^ Michael Keir Dr. Louanne Kennedy Jackie A. Kern Sharon Kerson Michael & Deborah Klein Genni Klein Karen & Bob Knapp Thea & Neal Koss Joanne C. Kozberg Darell & Elizabeth Krasnoff Sandra Krause & William Fitzgerald Castro Krinel The Kwon Family Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Jack D. Lantz Sharon Lapid Karen & Tim Lavrouhin Ron & Pat Lebel Christine Lee ^ Drs. Anu & Ali Leemann^ James & Karen Lefever Bob Leibowitz, M.D. Curtis Lelash Constance Leonard Dinny & David Lesser Ronald Levenson & Marcia Gold Levenson Michael Levin & Andy Abowitz ^ Marla E. Levine Mr. & Mrs. Mark S. Louchheim ^ Sandra & Kenneth Malamed Jeff Mandel Dorian & Paul Markovits M. Michele Martin Mr. Theodore K. Martinez Susan D. Martynec

Ms. Jacqueline H. Matlock James A. Zapp & Elizabeth A. McGlynn Gordon & Dale McWilliams Carla Meyer & Charles Arnold Joan & Philip Miller Gretchen & Marshall Milligan Lawrence A. Mirisch Cindy Miscikowski Joanne & Joel Mogy Mary Lou Mooney Toni & Tom Morgan In Loving Memory of Harvey S. Morse Loula Moschonas & James Edgerton^ Wendy A. Moss^ Ron Myrick Arline M. Nakanishi Isabel Friend Newman Patty & John Nickoll Cindy & Ken Norian^ Bob & Renee Nunn Judy Nussenblatt Norman & Margrit Oberstein Valerie Oishi Janie & Allan Orenstein Mary Rose & Edward Ortega Jennifer N. Owens-Ornellas & Jay T. Ornellas John Paley Elsie & Peter Paterno Helen Pekny ^ Mr. Stephen Pescetti Ms. Linda S. Peterson Maggi Phillips & Mario Gerla^ The Polinger-Cohen Foundation Irv & Gina Posalski ^ Shelley Powsner & Stephen Skrovan Mr. & Mrs. Albert Praw ^ Drs. Laurence & Isabell Purdy Gail & Gary Rachelefsky James H. Radin John Rallis & Mary Lynn Bergman-Rallis Lee Ramer Rollin A. Ransom & Chris Lacroix Michele & Dudley Rauch Michael Reisz & Jeff Rago Dr. Peggy Renner & Dr. Robert Nelson^ Rona Cele Resnick Susan Reutimann Kirk & Cathy Reynolds^ Irene & Eytan Ribner

Dr. Harry E. Rice MD Stuart & Laurie Rice In Loving Memory of Adam Rice^ Suellen Richmond^ Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Ring Barbara Roberts Dr. Heather J. Roberts June Caldwell & Jaye Rogovin Joseph Rosales Lois Rosen Ellen & Mike Rosenberg^ Barbara & Peter Rosenthal Robyn & Steven Ross^ Leonard J. & JoAnn Roth Janet Salter in Memory of Maxwell Hillary Salter June Sanders Sattler ^ Beatrice (Tina) Castillo & Gail Sandford^ Drs. Joan & Harry Saperstein Stephen J. Sass & Dr. Steven Hochstadt Wes Schaefer & Cathy King-Schaefer Linda & Clifford Schaffer Marlene & Roger Schaffner John R. Sealy, M.D.^ Serendipity Productions Christine Shaner ^ Linda M. Sherman Gloria Sherwood Howard & Stephanie Sherwood^ Ms. Shannon Shih Charlene & Mike Sievers Debra J. Silvera-Sheehan Bruce & Nancy Silverman Bui & Herbert Simon Shani Smolens Christine Helppie-Soldate Sue & Steve Soldoff Jacque & Herb Spivak Merrilee B. St. John Susan R. Stockel Judy Stone Michael Stone In Loving Memory of Anna Strahlman^ Ellen & Steve Sugerman Mr. & Mrs. Mitchell Sussman^ I.H. Sutnick Robin & David Swartz Laney & Thomas Techentin Michelle Tesoro^ Eileen T’Kaye & David Bischoff ^ Arthur Melville, Ph.D. & Marsha Utain, M.S.

Julia Voce Wendie Warwick & Ken Pierce Norman & Barbara Weiler ^ Susan & William Weintraub Jessica M. Weisel Luke & Colleen Welsh^ David Williamson Alan Wilson & Ina Coleman Denise J. Winner Mary J. Witt Edward Wolkowitz Family Jill Wondries Virginia & Greg Young Arnold H. & Tricia L. Zane George Zimmerman & Tatyana Gurvich^ $2,400+ Anonymous (15) David Abshier James & Marsha Alexander Merryl & David A. Alpert Mrs. Jacqueline Applebaum Amy Aquino & Drew McCoy Carol L. Archie & Edward L. Keenan^ Sandra Aronberg, M.D. & Charles Aronberg, M.D. Adrianna & Jay Balaban Corinne Baldassano John Ballinger & Rod Davis David Baltimore & Alice Huang Melanie & Gregory Barbee Christopher & Anadel Barbour Ginger G. Bauer Chris & Rose Bauss Dr. Martine Bauwens Marjorie Beale Beth Bennett & Larry McAdams Charles Berney & Family Mr. & Mrs. John Bettfreund Ms. Rhian Beutler Peter & Helen Bing Cheryl Bledin Michael Blend Michele Paley & Len Blonder Mr. Moe Blumin Yvonne Bogdanovich & Family Bill Bohnert Richard & Pat Bongeorno John Bowab Ms. Dianne Bozler Nancy Brandel The Saul Brandman Foundation Sandra & Robert Braun Marti Breier

Sandy & Mayer Brenner ^ Rick Buche & Vin Reilly Dr. Lisa Bukaty & Mr. Raymond M. Bukaty Beth Burnam Linda Stafford Burrows Edward J. Butorac & Paul R. Kaiser Christine Cahill Kelly Campbell Kevin Kashima & Kelly Cantley-Kashima Melinda Carmichael Thomas J. Carmichael Voiceworks Productions, Inc. Sandra L. Carter Don & Ellen Castleman Eric Chien Nicholas Chrisos Suzanne & John Clark Mary Coates Jean F. Cohen Joanne R. Cohen Lauren Firestone & Chris Cookson Hon. Candace Cooper (Ret) Corbell Family Dr. Frederic H. Corbin, M.D. Ted Cordes Judy Tishkoff & Keith Crasnick Margo Cross Mary Levin Cutler Steve & Linda Darling Eunice David Bill & Ellie D’Elia James & Lynne DeWitt Dr. & Mrs. Donald E. Dickerson The Dong Family Betty J. Dranow Jan Dresner Ms. Laurie Dubchansky Jessie J. Duffy Mr. & Mrs. Gene B. Duncan Jack & Cynthia Edelstein ^ Mr. Fred M. Edwards Jr. Jill & Bob Eisfelder Doug Endicott Kenneth Erlich & Louise Halevy It’s A Wrap Motion Pictures Joyce A. Esposito Ellen Eubanks Victoria I. Evers Johanna & Gene Felder Edwin & MaryAnn Feo Robert Finkel & Adelle Gross Darcy Fleck

Ruth Fleming-Stephens Marilynn S. Fong Laura E. Fox, M.D. & John D. Hofbauer, M.D. Sylvia Fredricks Carolyn Hope Fried Susan R. Friedman Rosalie Friis-Ross Howard J. Fulfrost Dr. Robert Gasway & Kristen Wong Lesley & Dr. Kenneth H. Geiger Kate & Dr. Stephen Geller Jeanne K. Gerson Jeri & Keith Gertzman Catherine Gessner Laura Gibson Patrick & Frank Gibson-McMinn Howard Gleicher Gary Jackson & Linda Globerman, M.D. Dr. Irene Goldenberg Tanya & David Goodman Dr. Sudha & Dr. Gopal Govindarajan Peggy A. Grant Terry Grossman Abbas & Lynda Hadjian Scott Hall & Rhonda Church Audrey & Paul Hanneman Diane & J.P. Harris Gene Hawkins Phyllis & J. Michael Hennigan Sharon & Joe Hernandez Winifred Hervey Dorothy Hoffman Rand Hoffman & Charlotte Robinson Dr. & Mrs. H. Allen Hooper Dozar Office Furnishings^ Dorothy K. Hull Dr. & Mrs. Robert Itami Susan & Larry Ivanjack Irwin & Meredith Jacobson In Memory of Wayne Jervis, Jr. Sean Johnson & Alex Ocampo Starr C. Johnson Roz & Jerry Joseph David & Martha Kadue Janet & Steve Kahane Kathleen Kane Regina & Richard G. Kaplan Sally Karbelnig Elyse & Stanley Katz Cynthia & Jerry Kay

Elodie Keene and Bruce Fortune Albert Kelly & Marjorie Stevens Kelly Joel Kelly & Hedda Jayson Judith G. Kelly Sarah E. Kiefer Jules Kievits & Lorraine Bagdasarian Dr. K. Alex Kim Irene & Marvin H. Kleinberg Gaylen Kobayashi ^ Bill Kobin & Frances Goodman Carol Krause Jale Kutay Lena, Mark, Jodi & Emily Labowe Earle & Sharon Lambert Katherine L’Amour Mr. & Mrs. Herbert A. Lampert Carol M. Lanning Joan & Chris Larkin Julie Lawrence Jo Ann Lee Ned Leiba Gordon Lemke & Brian Rodgers Richard & Vivian Levy Mae Lichtig Lisa Hinchliffe & Dave Link Patty Loch Alan & Helen Gordon Lowy Mary Anne Lucero Loris & Kory Lunsford Ron Lushing Marge & Bill MacLaughlin Ginny Mancini Carol & Douglas Mancino Janice E. Mangerino Mr. Matthew Marquez Mrs. Clifford Marshall Laura & Jim Maslon Amy & Harold Masor Margaret L. Mathews Daniel Mayeda & Susan Rosales Dr. Rosie M. Mayfield Colleen T. McCarthy Theresa L. McConville David & Kathleen McDonald Timothy & Connie McOsker David & Cara Melnick Robert L. Mendow Lorraine & Craig Meyer Carolyn Miller Carole Miller Lynn & Mani Miller Tina J. Miller Julien Minard^

Nicole L. Miner & Celia Ruskin Steven Modglin^ Sue & Monty Mohrman Francoise Schmutz & Antonio Morawski Diane Morton Mr. Jacques Nack Ngue Rob & Leslie Nagby Arline M. Nakanishi Richard Newcome Marianne & Michael Newman Kim Nicholas Marc I. Nishino, D.D.S. Russell Noel Michelle Nuttall^ Drs. William Magee and Casey O’Connell Dale & Ayako Okuno John Olea, M.D. Jose J. Palacios & Amanda Reyes Mr. & Mrs. Mark M. Panatier Carole Pelton Cynthia Ann Petty Carol Phillips & Bob Shapiro Barry & Jane McCullough William & Deborah Pitruzzelli Pauline & Drew Pomerance Barrett Porter Charlie & Kristi Proctor Tracy L. Ramont Courtney Rangen Lary Rappaport & Ellen Isaacs Harvey Reese & Jonathan B. Murray James & Melanie Renfroe Carlene Ringer Belinda Robins Suzanne & David Robinson Murphy & Ed Romano Bingo Roncelli Nathalie & Jim Rosen Rabbi & Mrs. Moshe Rothblum Ron & Sharon Ryan Jay & Linda Sandrich Carmen & Gordon Schaye Darlene Schultz Greg Scott Drs. T.V. Scott & Karen Hill Scott Jean L. Scroggy Ruth & Mitchell Shapiro Lynn Sharp James & Alexis Sheehy Loretta Hirsh Shine Steven E. Shulem Jan & Carl Siechert

OUR SUPPORTERS & ADVOCATES

$4,000+ CONTINUED

37

$2,400+ CONTINUED

Jill Stein David A. Steinberg Tom Stempel Bobbie Stern Lynn Bider & Daniel Stone Dr. Arthur H. Streeter Mr. Stan Sullins Jeff Sung Jack & Marlene Susser Dr. Allan & Roslyn Holt Swartz Craig Sweeny Nathan Swisher Judith N. Taylor Mary & Peter Tennyson Dr. Keith Terasaki Marla Thornton Susan & William Tinkley

Rob & Dinah Titcher Russell Todd Agency Elizabeth Topkis Barry Trachtenberg Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Traver Joyce Huyett Turner & Craig Turner ^ J Usaraga Ms. Andrea Valcourt Valerie Vanaman Carol Vernon & Robert Turbin Claire Vincent Mr. & Mrs. Robert D. Volk Elliott & Felise Wachtel Denise & Peter Walsh Cliff Warner Charles W. Weeks

Ms. Lynn E. Weisman Lauri Weiss Kathy Weisshaar Dr. Clyde Wesp Pat West Kim White Peterson Lori Williams & Stephen Schulte^ Valerie & Nathaniel E. Williams Leilani Jones Wilmore Dr. Libby F. Wilson Karen & Gary Winnick Michele A. Kerr Wolfe In Honor of Laura Woolls Madelon Yamamoto George Ziegler Myrna & Stanley Zimmerman

We also gratefully acknowledge the supporters who made contributions less than $2,400, providng essential support to our 2018/2019 Season.

Listings reflect donations made as of December 3, 2019.

ENDOWMENTS

PLANNED GIFTS

$500,000+

$50,000+

Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Renee & Meyer Luskin John S. Surabian, Jr. and in memory of Faith and Sharon Ann Surabian

Ellen & Michael S. Korney Dorothy & Richard Sherwood

$250,000+ The Michael Shaw Jacobs Fund The Norman and Sadie Lee Foundation

$100,000+ Betsy & Harold Applebaum Judith & Thomas Beckmen The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation Maynard & Linda Brittan— Traub-Brittan Family Trust Center Theatre Group Affiliates Kenneth Corday Regina Fadiman Barbara & Peter Fodor Ava & Charles Fries Brindell & Milton Gottlieb The Hearst Foundation, Inc. Vicki King Gloria Lothrop Richard G. & Virginia L. Martin Louise Taper

$25,000+ Abbott Brown Linda Brown Greve Foundation Dr. Tom Hickey Diane & Leon Morton

$10,000+ A and J Davidson Skipper Award Fund Levine Foundation Carolyn & Kit Lokey Betty & Sanford Sigoloff Shirley & Irving Ashkenas

W. Lee Bailey, M.D. Angela Bardowell Pamela & Dennis Beck Judith & Thomas Beckmen Allan & Joan Burns The Moira Byrne Foster Foundation Richard & Norma Camp Bill Cohn & Dan Miller Mary Levin Cutler Charles Dillingham & Susan D. Clines Kirk & Anne Douglas Amy Forbes & Andrew Murr Magda & Frederick Patricia Glaser & Sam Mudie Mr. & Mrs. Walter E. Grauman Susan Grode Deborah M. Hyde Mr. Kim L. Hunter Virginia Hayes Ann & Stephen F. Hinchliffe, Jr. The Doug Jones and John Sanger Theater Ticket Fund Richard & Julie Kagan Arlene M. Kageyama-Chikami Sarah & Andy Kane Dr. & Mrs. Jack Kavanaugh The Paul Kowal Charitable Foundation Darell L. Krasnoff

Sandra Krause & William Fitzgerald Joyce & Kent Kresa Steven Llanusa & Glenn Miya, M.D. Carol & Douglas Mancino Martin Massman Betty McMicken in honor of Jeanette Shammas Diane & Leon Morton Merle & Peter Mullin Bob & Renee Nunn Linda S. Peterson Sally & Frank Raab Edward L. Rada Nan Rae Laurie & Stuart Rice in Memory of Adam Bruce & Randy Ellen Ross Wes Schaefer & Cathy King-Schaefer The estate of Frank J. Sherwood Maggy Simon I.H. Sutnick Paulette Toumazos & Michael Lorenz Sue Tsao Carol Vernon & Robert Turbin Peter & Susan Van Haften R. Waingrow Dr. & Mrs. Daniel Wallace Susan & William Weintraub Margaret H. White

INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT $250,000+

$25,000+

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Annenberg Foundation^

The Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation Center Theatre Group Affiliates City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP Lockton Insurance Brokers, Inc. National Endowment for the Arts The Norman and Sadie Lee Foundation The Perkins Charitable Foundation The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation Theatre Forward U.S. Bank

$100,000+ Bank of America Delta Air Lines Edgerton Foundation Rosenthal Family Foundation^ The Shubert Foundation, Inc.

$50,000+ The Ahmanson Foundation California Arts Council^ Disney Theatrical Group Doris Duke Charitable Trust Dwight Stuart Youth Foundation The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust JP Morgan Chase & Co. Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture^ Wells Fargo

$15,000+ The City of Culver City Cultural Affairs Commission Culver City Unified School District The DigiTrust Group, LLC Dale S. and Shideh Miller The Kenneth T. & Eileen L. Norris Foundation

KPMG The Liberty Company Macy’s The Walt Disney Company Foundation

Lawrence P. Frank Foundation Malibu Family Wines National Alliance for Musical Theatre Union Bank

$10,000+

Chubb Citi Private Bank City National Bank Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation GI Energy Jones Day The Brookside Fund Lear Family Foundation Paramount Pictures Payden & Rygel Perry, Neidorf & Grassl, LLP Sascha Brastoff Foundation SoCalGas Sally J. Thomas & James A. Thomas USI Insurance Services

The Edward A. and Ai O. Shay Family Foundation The Fran and Ray Stark Foundation The Friars Charitable Foundation^ HBO Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) Joseph Drown Foundation Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP Muse Communications Patina Group Walt Disney Live Entertainment

$7,500+ American Business Bank The Culver City Education Foundation

$5,000+

$1,000+ Northern Trust Theatre Communications Group

SPONSORSHIP SUPPORT

OUR SUPPORTERS & ADVOCATES

In Memory of Ruth & Leon Sirkin Scott Sigman Louis & Mary Silver Foundation Karen & Gordon Silverstein Kurt & Keli Skarin^ Martin & Leah Sklar Stephen & Judith Slagle David & Irene Smith Leslie Smith Dedicated to Bug Roberta Smith^ Drs. Debra & Philip Sobol Mason A. Sommers & Rami Aizic Mr. Donald Spradlin James & Diane Staes Marilyn & Errol Stambler Carol Stein Sterling & James Sterling

39

2019 GALA DONORS GALA DINNER HOSTS Jana and Trevor Bezdek GALA PERFORMANCE CO-CHAIRS Matthew Walden Richard Weitz GALA CO-CHAIRS Karla and William H. Ahmanson Kiki and David Gindler Patricia Glaser and Sam Mudie Ellyn and William Lindsay Laura and Jamie Rosenwald

$100,000+

The Annenberg Foundation Stanley Iezman & Nancy Stark Eva & Marc Stern

Cindy & Gary Frischling Manuela & James Goren Jason Grode & Maryl Georgi Aliza Karney Guren & Marc Guren Jerry & Terri Kohl Pamela & Mark Litvack Jerri & Dr. Steven Nagelberg Bruce & Randy Ross Donna Schweers & Tom Geiser Elliott Sernel Elizabeth Goldhirsh-Yellin & Eric Yellin

$25,000+

$5,000+

The Ahmanson Foundation Jana & Trevor Bezdek Kiki & David Gindler Patricia Glaser & Sam Mudie Ellyn & William Lindsay Laura & Jamie Rosenwald

$50,000+

Christine Cronin-Hurst & Mark Hurst Jody and David Lippman Louise Moriarty & Patrick Stack

$10,000+ Anonymous Betsy & Harold Applebaum Pamela & Dennis Beck Judith & Thomas Beckmen Thomas Beers Debra & Norris Bishton Anne Bruner & James Bremner Diana Buckhantz & the Vladimir & Araxia Buckhantz Foundation Bernie Cummings & Ernie Johnston The Edgerton Foundation Ruth Flinkman-Marandy & Ben Marandy Amy Forbes & Andrew Murr Bob & Diana Friedman

Joni & Miles Benickes Annette Blum Jones Day Marla S. Campagna Chubb Michael Gendler & Jessica Teich Chona & Doug Hirsch Darell Krasnoff & Elizabeth Szatmari The Liberty Company Alan Mandell Diane Morton Phyllis J. & Steven F. Spierer Judie Stein Sunshine Stone Sue Tsao

$1,000+ Gay & Harry Abrams Howard Banchik Daniel Barcenas

Michael Blend Betsy Borns & Jonathan Shapiro Whitney Burrell & Daniel Murrillo Jennifer Chambers Jill Chozen Michael Cohen Timothy Curtis Connie Elliot Annette Ermshar Frederick Fisher Asha Genske Dr. Lisa Guerin & Tim Ryan Mark Huang Freya & Mark Ivener Karen Jacoby Sheila Krasnoff Victoria Lerner Suzann Levine MCJ Amelior Foundation Joanne & Joel Mogy Anna Redmond Kay & Bob Rehme Bob Riddle Marvin & Ricki Ring Melissa & Alex Romain Meg Rottman Thomas Safran The Sam & Peggy Grossman Foundation Carmen & Gordon Schaye Jane Rissman & Richard Sondheimer Alison & Andrew West

$1.3M $.23 RAISED

COST PER DOLLAR RAISED

Carmen Cusack performs at the Center Theatre Group 2019 Gala: A Grand Night. Photo by Ryan Miller/Capture Imaging.

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“I grew up seeing shows at Center Theatre Group, and it’s really where I fell in love with theatre.

NOW MORE THAN EVER I BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF THEATRE AND WHAT IT CAN DO FOR MY HOMETOWN.” —Ben Levi Ross Angeleno and Actor, Dear Evan Hansen

Cover photo: (L–R) Ephraim Sykes, Jeremy Pope, Jawan M. Jackson, James Harkness, and Derrick Baskin in Ain’t Too Proud. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

Above: (L-R) Ben Levi Ross, Aaron Lazar, Christiane Noll, and Maggie McKenna in Dear Evan Hansen. Photo by Matthew Murphy.