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DAVID GEFFEN TO
FROM
THE GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE
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Your transformative gift 16 years ago launched the Geffen Playhouse and created a world-class treasure for the people of Los Angeles. Gil Cates poured his heart and soul into the Geffen for 16 years. Angelenos quickly fell in love with it, giving to date more than
$114 million to keep the Geffen alive and to give the joy of live theater to those who don’t have the means to pay for it. At least 600,000
children and adults have had their first experience of live theater through the Geffen. In total, more than 2.5 million Angelenos have enjoyed
plays and other cultural events here. More than 24
new plays have come to life at the Geffen, over a dozen of which have moved on to Broadway
and/or on to productions around the world.
More than 530 artists consider the Geffen Playhouse their artistic home, including legends of theater, music, dance and more. They clearly treasure the Geffen:
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“The Geffen Playhouse is a gem. It is a very special theater because they do new works, and because they do such wonderful outreach to children throughout Los Angeles, and to the elderly. The Geffen makes it possible for thousands to come to the theater who have never before seen a play. The Geffen is extraordinary.
”
Julie Andrews
“I have had countless great nights here as a patron of the Geffen Playhouse. This is my chops!
Theater like this is what inspired me when I was in high school. That you can come see such quality theater here in Los Angeles is magnificent. I always dreamed of having access to a theater like this for all of my life, and I do, right here in Los Angeles.
Tom Hanks
”
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Clockwise from top: Rita Wilson accepts our Distinction in Theater Award at Backstage at the Geffen 2010. The show poster from Rita’s starring role at the Geffen in DINNER WITH FRIENDS. Rita shines in LOVE LOSS AND WHAT I WORE (performing with Tracee Ellis Ross). Rita and Nora Ephron. Rita telling a story at last year’s Backstage at the Geffen.
“
I treasure the Geffen Playhouse. I fell in love with the Geffen after performing in a play
called DINNER WITH FRIENDS. Every year, we are part of Backstage at the Geffen,
and recently I helped bring Delia & Nora Ephron’s LOVE, LOSS AND WHAT I WORE to the Geffen. I proudly support the Geffen’s Education Programs as well, knowing how important the arts are to our youth and at the same time how much has been taken away, and continues to be slashed from our schools. Los
without the Geffen Playhouse.
Rita Wilson
”
Angeles wouldn’t be the same
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George Stevens, Jr., Laurence Fishburne, Thurgood Marshall’s widow, Cecilia Suyat Marshall, and Gil Cates at the Kennedy Center Opening Night of the Geffen Playhouse production of THURGOOD.
“
My relationship with the Geffen Playhouse began as a member of the audience. I quickly became a fan of the innovative programming the Geffen does and I have enjoyed such a wide variety of fine theater at the Geffen. My relationship with the Geffen expanded when I wrote a play. The play is THURGOOD and I had the good fortune of having my play presented at the Geffen. It was a delightful experience for me because the team at the Geffen consists of smart, dedicated and creative people with a great love for what’s best in theater. THURGOOD had a wonderful run at the Geffen and I enjoyed being there and watching the audience respond. I know that this is a feeling I share with a great number of playwrights who will always need the Geffen as a home for their plays in Los Angeles.
The Geffen Playhouse is especially important because it brings a cultural dimension to Los Angeles that is unique and invaluable. The Geffen Playhouse is a treasure. ” George Stevens, Jr.
Playwright, Producer of the Kennedy Center Honors, Founder of the American Film Institute,
Co-Chair, President Obama’s Committee on Arts & Humanities January 5, 2012
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An Artistic Home to Many of the Most Acclaimed and Sought-After Playwrights of Our Time
Jane Anderson Jane Anderson
Neil LaBute
Donald Margulies
David Lindsay-Abaire
David Mamet
Kristoffer Diaz
Lynn Nottage
David Rambo
Beth Henley
Geoffrey Nauffts
Tracy Letts
Joanna Murray-Smith
Bill Cain
Nora Ephron
Beau Willimon
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Playwright Donald Margulies, far right, is pictured with Gil Cates and the cast of TIME STANDS STILL at its World Premiere at the Geffen Playhouse. The play moved on to Broadway and was nominated for a Tony for Best Play.
“ The Geffen Playhouse is my Los Angeles home.
I began my association with the
theater in 1999 with COLLECTED STORIES (directed by Gil, beautifully), which won the L.A. Ovation Award for the best play production of that season. In subsequent years I returned to
the Geffen for the Los Angeles premieres of my Pulitzer winner, DINNER WITH FRIENDS, and SHIPWRECKED! AN ENTERTAINMENT.
Most recently I was encamped at the Geffen for the world premiere of TIME STANDS STILL,
a Geffen Playhouse commission, that went on to have a successful life on Broadway, where it received a Tony Award nomination for Best Play. proud to report that TIME
I am
STANDS STILL is one of the most produced
plays in the United States during the 2011-12 season.
If all goes according to plan, I will be back at the Geffen, with a new play, in November, 2012. Gil commissioned me to write a holiday play that would attract family audiences, and perhaps introduce a new generation to the unparalleled thrill of live theater. The resulting play,
”
CONEY ISLAND CHRISTMAS, which my friend asked me to write, is now dedicated to Gil Cates, with love and gratitude.
Donald Margulies
Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony-nominated Playwright January 6, 2012
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Playwright Jane Anderson, top left. Our World Premiere production of Anderson’s THE QUALITY OF LIFE, a play we commissioned, starred Dennis Boutsikaris and Laurie Metcalf. Polly Draper and Gabriel Sunday starred in our World Premiere production of THE ESCORT, another critically acclaimed play we commissioned and developed with the playwright. The movie NORMAL was made after our World Premiere production of Anderson’s LOOKING FOR NORMAL.
“ of mine that no other theater would touch.
The Geffen Playhouse became my theatrical home a decade ago.
They took on a play
It was LOOKING FOR NORMAL,
about a married man from the Midwest who wants to have a sex change. They brought in
Laurie Metcalf and Beau Bridges to star in the play. They gave me the kind of dramaturgical
support that every playwright hopes for — smart and honest and unobtrusive. They gave me a beautiful production and then marketed the hell out of it. The Geffen brought in HBO to
take a look at the show. This led to a film version that I wrote and directed and which got its share of Golden Globe and Emmy nods. I mention this last part not to brag about my career, but to illustrate how well the artistic staff at the Geffen understands that many
playwrights who live in Los Angeles are also, by necessity, film and television writers. They
don’t hold it against us. They support it in fact, because they know that screen and stage are both equally legit and that one form can feed the other. But because screen has always
offered us writers a steady paycheck, it’s hard if not impossible for us to take a year off to
open up a vein and start writing a play. The Geffen’s commissions have kept me writing for the stage, which has always been my first love. And it’s not just the financial incentive that keeps me going, it’s knowing that I have this beautiful theater waiting for me, that I have a
space to fill. I’m on my third commission now and will be facing that vast, blank page with
”
the usual terror. But the pages will get filled. Not only with words, but with gratitude that there’s an institution out there that still believes in me as a playwright.
Jane Anderson
Emmy and Writers Guild-Award winning playwright, screenwriter, director January 9, 2012
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Playwright Neil LaBute, bottom left. Kirsten Vangsness and Scott Wolf starred in our production of LaBute’s FAT PIG. Ed Harris starred in our production of
WRECKS. Mark Feuerstein and Justina Machado starred in our production of SOME GIRLS. Most recently, we produced THE BREAK OF NOON.
“
I feel really lucky to have had the opportunity to work at the Geffen Playhouse for the
last few years. Both my writing and directing have grown as a result of the productions
of my plays there and the people involved with each of them. I’ve come to really feel at home in that wonderful building and both Gil and Randy were so wise and honest with me every step of the way through many productions.
To me, the Geffen represents everything that a major playhouse in
America should be: brave, thoughtful and dedicated to its audience without pandering to it.
Neil LaBute
”
Tony-nominated playwright; director of film and theater January 5, 2012
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Bottom left: Beau Willimon, playwright. Top: Actors Chris Pine and Chris Noth star in our production of Beau Willimon’s FARRAGUT NORTH.
Above: The cast celebrates Opening Night with the playwright (centered), Gil Cates (far right), Randy Arney (far left) and the director, Doug Hughes, (second from left).
“ the very few of its size committed to bold and one of The Geffen is one of the most prestigious nonprofit theaters in the country, and
challenging new work. Their production of my play FARRAGUT NORTH was among the most rewarding theatrical experiences in my career. Its sold-out run was largely a result of the Geffen’s passionate belief in the play and determination to see it
succeed. They back up their intrepid spirit with an artistic, development, marketing and production team unparalleled on the West Coast.
They have helped to keep
theater relevant in a city that is largely dominated by film and TV, and
their influence now extends across the nation, to Broadway and beyond.
Most importantly, the Geffen doesn’t provide writers with just a stage — it provides them with a home. Whenever I walk into the Geffen Playhouse, I feel like I’m visiting family. That sense of belonging is
rare in the theater these days, and it’s a testament to the
”
Geffen’s warmth, generosity and vision that they build lasting relationships with everyone who they invite to work there.
Beau Willimon
Playwright, Academy-Award Nominee for Best Adapted Screenplay (IDES OF MARCH from FARRAGUT NORTH) January 9, 2012
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Credit: Chris Bennion
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Playwright Lynn Nottage (bottom left). Quincy Tyler Bernstine and Condola Rashad in the Geffen Playhouse production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play RUINED, written by Lynn Nottage and directed by Kate Whoriskey.
“ Seeing RUINED at the Geffen Playhouse was one of my best times in a theater. EVER.
Brought my 15-year old twin daughters and know I could not have given them a greater gift.
Kate Whoriskey’s direction took away
whatever breath I had left from Lynn Nottage’s words. So brilliant. This on top of THURGOOD some months ago. I am deeply indebted.
Norman Lear
”
January 16, 2012
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From Flea to Sidney Poitier, the Geffen Playhouse attracts world-class artists as audience members
Jane Flea Anderson
Anthony Kiedis
Natalie Portman
Julia Roberts
Samuel L. Jackson
George Clooney
Barbra Streisand
Leonardo DiCaprio
Gary Oldman
Kevin Spacey
Betty White
Sidney Poitier congratulates Laurence Fishburne after seeing his performance in Thur good at the Geffen
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Treasured by the world-class actors who take time out from film or television careers to make commitments to our stage and to our audiences:
ALL MY SONS (2006)
FEMALE OF THE SPECIES (2010)
Annette Bening
Laurie Metcalf & Dennis Boutsikaris
Mary Steenburgen Maria Mileaf
Ed Harris Maria Mileaf
Beau MariaBridges Mileaf
Neil Patrick Harris
BOSTON MARRIAGE (2006)
Martin Short
FOUR DOGS A BONE (1995) Maria& Mileaf
James Wolk
NEXT FALL (2011) Maria Mileaf
WRECKS (2009)
Chris Pine
FARRAGUT MariaNORTH Mileaf(2009)
John Goodman
CAT ONMaria A HOT TIN ROOF (2005) Mileaf
THE QUALITY OF LIFE (2007)
LOOKING FOR NORMAL (2001)
Frank Langella
THE FATHER (1998)
Demian Bichir
BY THE WATERS BABYLON (2008) MariaOF Mileaf
Laurence Fishburne THURGOOD (2010)
David Hyde Pierce Maria Mileaf
SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS (2001)
Chris Noth
FARRAGUT MariaNORTH Mileaf (2009)
Roma Downey
AMaria PICASSO (2007) Mileaf
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Top: Annette Bening in our production of HEDDA GABLER. Receiving our Distinction in Theater Award in 2008. Bottom: Presenting at Backstage at the Geffen. Starring in FEMALE OF THE SPECIES. At Gil’s 75th Birthday.
“ I’ve had a Hell of a lot of fun at the Geffen Playhouse for a lot of years. Gil's great enthusiasm for theater drew me there. More than any other person in show
business, Gil Cates inspired a lot of people from movies and film to get them involved in nonprofit theater. He would call me all of the time, so excited about a new play. I am so thankful for all of the professional work we did together.
How is it possible that the Geffen is still standing without him? It is a measure of a great leader that he left an institution so well prepared to carry on. Somehow he instilled in
everyone there that one-of-a-kind and critical mixture of pragmatism and idealism that keeps nonprofit theater alive.”
The Geffen Playhouse is a beacon of light in our community.
”
I am so grateful for it.
Annette Bening February 7, 2012
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Ed Harris starred in our production of WRECKS.
“I had done the show in other venues but really
The Geffen Playhouse was a wonderful home for Neil LaBute’s play WRECKS.
felt the environment at the Geffen enriched my performance to where every night felt special. The staff is incredibly dedicated to making actors feel welcomed and safe and the facility
a haven for concentrated work. I’m eagerly
”
anticipating a similar experience with our run of THE JACKSONIAN.
Ed Harris January 9, 2012
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Edi Gathegi starred in our production of SUPERIOR DONUTS, directed by Randy Arney.
one of the “most artistically fulfilling moments in my career. The opportunity to work at the Geffen Playhouse will remain
The experience was near perfect from the open-armed reception by the entire
Geffen staff and production crew to the passionate patrons who remain loyal to
�
the work the theater brings to the Los Angeles community. I eagerly await another opportunity to collaborate with such a wonderful home.
Edi Gathegi January 30, 2012
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Chris Noth starred in our production of FARRAGUT NORTH.
“I never thought I could spend much time in Los Angeles until I worked at The Geffen Playhouse.
When I had the good fortune of acting in a play there, I knew that I had found a
theater that would nourish all my ideals of why I always come back to stage work.
The Geffen Playhouse is vital to the City of Los Angeles. It is home to the artist.
”
Chris Noth January 19, 2012
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“
Above, our show poster for PEARL. Debbie Allen also starred in HARRIET’S RETURN (top right two photos). Pictured with her daughter, Vivian Nixon, in our production of PEARL.
I’ve had the privilege and pleasure to have worked at the Geffen Playhouse twice: once
in a tour de force performance as Harriet Tubman in HARRIET’S RETURN and again in an adaptation of Snow White called PEARL. As a theater goer, the reason I love the
Geffen is the scope and diversity of theatrical presentations that is a key to any theater’s success. To be able to see THURGOOD, THE FEMALE OF THE SPECIES and
MATTHEW MODINE SAVE THE ALPACAS all in a single season speaks volumes
about the audience that the Geffen serves. I join the Geffen’s efforts to keep real theater alive and well in the Greater Los Angeles Area.
Debbie Allen
”
January 23, 2012
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Top: Daniel Beaty in THROUGH THE NIGHT and in EMERGENCY at the Geffen Playhouse. Above: Daniel Beaty and director Charles Randolph-Wright at the Opening Night of EMERGENCY.
“
The Geffen Playhouse has been a core and vital institution for me as an
Artist. The Artistic Leadership and entire staff have provided me with a
platform to take risks and grow as an Artist. With both my productions of EMERGENCY and THROUGH THE NIGHT, I was able to have the
highest level of artistic and technical support as well as wonderful audience to perceive the work. Particularly as a young African-American writer and
”
performer, it is an extraordinary experience to have an artistic home of the caliber of the Geffen Playhouse.
Daniel Beaty January 16, 2012
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Kathleen Turner on our stage for RED HOT PATRIOT: THE KICK-ASS WIT OF MOLLY IVINS
“
I was very excited when the Geffen Playhouse wanted to produce RED HOT PATRIOT. This theater is wonderful — first
class in its production values,
artistic integrity and leadership. Still, it retains an intimacy and warmth that
makes it accessible and comfortable.
I know how fragile nonprofit theaters are. Even those doing outstanding work are challenged everyday to find the funds to keep theater arts alive and well.
I am proud and pleased to have the opportunity to be part of the Geffen Playhouse
”
and to help support this organization. I have had a wonderful experience here and trust that others will have the same.
Kathleen Turner January 31, 2012
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A growing reputation as one of “the places” to develop and see new work We were the first to believe in, help develop, and bring to life Carrie
Fisher’s
WISHFUL DRINKING.
The sold-out, highly acclaimed production
transferred to Broadway,
was picked up by theaters around the U.S., and became a world-wide special on HBO.
Alan Alda had his choice of theaters across the country who were vying to produce the world premiere of his play RADIANCE about Marie Curie.
He came first to the Geffen Playhouse. We developed and produced
his new play this past Fall, with Daniel Sullivan directing, and welcomed sold-out crowds each night.
We commissioned Pulitzer Prize winner Donald Margulies to write a new play for the American Stage. The play he wrote and developed with our support
over two years was produced here in 2009. TIME STANDS STILL immediately moved on to Broadway and was nominated for a Tony for Best Play (2010).
Margulies had such an excellent experience with our
artistic team that he is currently working on a new commission for the Geffen — a musical that we will produce in 2012 called CONEY ISLAND CHRISTMAS. The Geffen is also highly
respected for the work it does in help-
ing new plays develop beyond their first productions.
Several
playwrights and directors have approached us with new plays that they would like to further develop with us (after working on the World Premiere Productions at other theaters). We worked on the second production of Bill Cain’s EQUIVOCATION
which won several major awards and caught the eye of the Manhattan Theatre Club,
transferring directly there after our production. Playwright Beau Willimon asked us to help further develop and experiment with his new play FARRAGUT NORTH after it was produced at theaters on the East Coast. Our production caught the eye of Hollywood, and became the movie, “The Ides of March.”
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Bill Haber at the opening night of THURGOOD, starring Laurence Fishburne and directed by Leonard Foglia.
“
Television as the family hearth has gone the way of community Sing-A-Longs and Sock Hops. Times are-a-changing. Each and every day we are assaulted with What’s New, What’s Hot, What’s Not.
But the Warmth and Welcome of The Geffen Playhouse burns as fiercely as ever. Sitting in the embrace of that environment in Westwood is to Go Home Again.
I know. I’ve produced in every Broadway theater, and nothing welcomes with more outstretched arms than The Geffen.
Bill Haber
”
Broadway Producer January 28, 2012
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Through our partnership with Daryl Roth, we produced Nora and Delia Ephron’s new play, LOVE, LOSS AND WHAT I WORE, at the Geffen for over eight months of sold-out shows and revolving casts.
“
I had known Gil Cates over many years, and was so happy to have recently had LOVE, LOSS, AND WHAT I WORE presented at the Geffen Playhouse. Working with Gil made the experience such a pleasure. He had that wonderful combination of enthusiasm, passion and vision . . . a true gentleman of the theater.
When a show is produced by the Geffen Playhouse, you know that it is in good hands, and that the playwright will be served with the highest level of professionalism and artistry.
I know that
under Randy Arney and Ken Novice’s leadership, the Geffen Playhouse will
”
continue to be one of Los Angeles’ most acclaimed theaters.
Daryl Roth
Broadway Producer of over 70 plays, including Tracy Letts’ AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY (Tony Award) and David Auburn’s PROOF (Tony Award)
February 7, 2012
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We worked with Lynne Meadow to tranfer our World Premiere production of Neil Simon’s play, ROSE & WALSH to the Manhattan Theatre Club (where the title of the play changed to ROSE’S DILEMMA). We also worked closely with the Manhattan Theatre Club to transfer our World Premiere Production of Donald Margulies’ TIME STANDS STILL to their Broadway house.
“ The Geffen Playhouse has been a theater that I have trusted,
Gil Cates was a major artistic leader and created an extraordinary organization.
admired, and respected since its inception. The caliber and quality
of their work is top notch and I always look forward to hearing what they are producing next.
It was Gil Cates and the Geffen Playhouse who first produced Donald Margulies’
TIME STANDS STILL and we were honored to give the show its Broadway debut which garnered two Tony nominations.
Similarly, I’m thrilled to know that David Lindsay-Abaire’s Tony nominated play,
GOOD PEOPLE, which had its world premiere on Broadway at MTC, is receiving its California premiere at the Geffen.
I look forward to continuing MTC’s
relationship with the Geffen for years to come.
Lynne Meadow
”
Visionary and artistic leader of Manhattan Theatre Club since 1972 Winner, Lucille Lortel Award for Lifetime Achievement
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All-star r eading of the radio version of “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE”
A Major Year-Round Cultural Center for Los Angeles
World-Class Concerts
Sergio Mendes in concert at the Geffen Playhouse this past Spring, along with his fabulous dancers, performed for sold-out audiences
Opera singer Nathan Pacheco performed a Holiday Concert for our supporters.
Symposiums
Readings
Angela Lansbury does a reading at the Geffen Playhouse
Supporters have the opportunity to see an advance screening of The Ides of March — the play that was developed from our production of Farragut North — and to participate in a Talk Back with the writers, producers and cast members about how the play was turned into a movie.
Cabarets
Alan Cummings performs a cabaret-style show to sold-out audiences.
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Becoming a lot more creative and successful in generating Significant Annual New Revenue Streams from Music, Magic & More
Upcoming special events include a night of songs starring Peter Gallagher to benefit the Geffen and the Actors Fund.
Rita Wilson will perform songs from her new album on our main stage this June as a fundraiser for the Geffen Playhouse.
Conen O’Brien will appear on March 9th for an evening of comedy to benefit the Geffen Playhouse.
Special holiday concerts and performances bring in new and young audiences and raise an average of $100,000 annually.
This year’s all-star readings of “It’s a Wonderful Life” for the holidays welcomed sold-out crowds and raised over $50,000.
Dick Van Dyke was a huge draw when we invited him to dance and sing on our mainstage.
Bringing in Ricky Jay for special performances of his magic shows generated over $200,000 in two years and brought in new audiences from around the world.
Our annual Poker Tournament, now in its third 35 year, generates $100,000.
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Making choices that are highly successful commercially as well as artistically
The Geffen Playhouse helped bring the new musical LOUIS & KEELY,
LIVE AT THE SAHARA to life, working with film director Taylor
Hackford. The musical was a smash hit — extending for over eight months and generating
$1,000,000+ in single ticket sales.
Our presentation of LOVE, LOSS AND WHAT I WORE was also a big hit. It was so loved by Los Angeles audiences that it was extended for several months and it also
single ticket sales.
generated over $1,000,000 in
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Hosting events to support and further the work of the most outstanding non-profit organizations in Los Angeles and around the Globe:
MEL BROOKS speaks on our main stage during a one-night only event called “A Conversation With Mel Brooks” — a beneefit for the LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY that the Geffen Playhouse hosted.
To raise funds for scholarships for AfricanAmerican youth, the Geffen hosted a benefit for the THURGOOD MARSHALL COLLEGE FUND conjunction with our sold-out production of THURGOOD.
Around our production of RUINED, we hosted fundraisers for organizations working to end the violence in The Congo, including JEWISH WORLD WATCH, Ben Afflecks’ EASTERN CONGO INITIATIVE, and INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CORPS.
Additional nonprofit organizations the Geffen Playhouse has recently welcomed for events to further their mission and programs:
We have helped many other arts organizations including The Shakespeare Center by hosting their “Simply Shakespeare” benefit starring Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Martin Short, Shirley Jones, Kelsey Grammer, Peter Graves, Alanis Morrisette, and more.
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Outstanding working relationships with the most acclaimed and sought-after directors in the world:
Jo Bonney
Daniel Sullivan
Leonard Foglia
David Esbjornson
Doug Hughes
David Mamet
Taylor Hackford
John Doyle
Maria Mileaf
Charles Randolph-Wright
Joe Mantello
Neil LaBute
Randy Arney
Robert Falls
John Rando
Pam MacKinnon
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Daniel Sullivan directed Annette Bening in our production of HEDDA GABLER (above, left). He also directed our world premiere of TIME STANDS STILL, the play that immediately transferred to Broadway, and he most recently directed our world premiere production of Alan Alda’s new play, RADIANCE, (pictured, right).
“ Whenever I think of theater in Los Angeles,
I think of the Geffen. In that happy little corner of Westwood, they have built a first rate organization that is the envy of theater companies around the country. Not only do I love walking into that beautiful building for rehearsals and performances because it’s one of the most enchanting spaces in the city,
”
but I also feel supremely well taken care of in every aspect of my work there. I’m happy to work at the Geffen whenever they’ll have me.
Daniel Sullivan
Tony Award-winning director January 23, 2012
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Jo Bonney directed our productions of FAT PIG and THE BREAK OF NOON, pictured above.
“ The Geffen Playhouse has become one of the most respected theaters in America and one of the
most exciting aspects of this is their growing commitment to new play development.
For several years now I have had the pleasure of working at The Geffen on plays that have already had one production. With the extra resources and time of a second production at The Geffen we are able to step up to the next level. This involves both
script changes and the physical production and is extremely important to the future
life of the play. I always welcomed the insights of Gil and Randy in this process. I’m also aware of plays that have premiered at the theater and then moved on to great
success in New York and other cities. This nurturing of new work is a gift to theater.
Jo Bonney
”
Obie Award-winning director January 23, 2012
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Bob Falls is currently directing our World Premiere production of THE JACKSONIAN
“
I’ve always admired from afar the great passion Gil Cates had to make great theater in Los Angeles. Working with Artistic Director Randy Arney, these two wonderful artist/managers have fulfilled that mission with their commitment to new work, exciting revivals, and outstanding classics.
The Geffen Playhouse is one of this country’s outstanding institutions and I am very proud to be a part of it.
Robert Falls
”
Winner, Tony Award for Best Director, DEATH OF A SALESMAN (1999)
Winner, Drama Desk Award for Best Director, LONG DAY’S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT (2003) Artistic Director, The Goodman Theatre (1986 to present)
Has directed more than 30 major productions and produced/co-produced more than 200 plays and 100 premieres on local, national and international stages February 8, 2012
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A cultural resource treasured by people of all ages and backgrounds
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“ Watching plays at the Geffen Playhouse
is a truly cool experience. After discovering my passion for acting, I’ve learned to really love live theater.
Nothing beats a quality play, and the Geffen consistently presents impressive shows featuring stellar casts and playwrights.
Common
”
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Four year-round programs that bring in growing young audiences:
Girls Night Out events attract hundreds of young women (and men) to post-show parties that include buffet dinners, hosted drinks, and a unique, unexpected activities that excite and delight our patrons.
The 4th Wall is a program for young entertainment industry professionals, offering special
access to each play through deeply-discounted tickets, a post-show after party, and an exclusive opportunity to meet Geffen artists at post-show receptions.
Lounge Fridays attract young audiences to enjoy
complimentary drinks and tastings by hot LA chefs before they see a play at the Geffen.
TGIF at the Geffen Playhouse
has a huge following of young professionals who love our post-show parties that include tastings from LA’s hottest restaurants and a complimentary hosted bar. 34
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Growing ties to and success with Broadway Producers & Theaters Following the success of our sold-out
West Coast Premiere of Lynn Nottage’s Pulitzer Prize winning play, RUINED,
we caught the attention of
acclaimed Broadway producer Elizabeth McCann and are now working
with her to develop the
West Coast Premiere production of
Nottage’s next play, BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK.
We worked very closely with Manhattan Class Company (MCC) to co-produce
Neil LaBute’s new play, THE BREAK OF NOON. Pictured left at the
Opening Night in New York are cast
member David Ducovny and his wife Tea Leoni.
Our World Premiere this past Spring of THE EXORCIST (a new play
adapted from the book by William
Peter Blatty) is a co-production with Broadway
producer Ben Sprecher. We brought in famed
director John Doyle to help build the World
Premiere production. 25
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National impact:
Laurence Fishburne in our production of THURGOOD.
The Geffen Playhouse’s production of THURGOOD was
taken to the Kennedy Center for a special run that was attended by President & Mrs. Obama, Supreme Court Justices, U.S. Senators, members of Congress, and other prominent national leaders. TIME STANDS STILL — the play we commissioned and were the first
transferred to Broadway and then nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play of 2010 — and is now one of the most produced plays in the U.S. The Geffen Playhouse name will to produce was immediately
be forever linked to this play.
Our world premiere of Jane Anderson’s LOOKING FOR NORMAL,
a play about a married man who goes through a gender change and starred Beau Bridges
caught the attention of HBO which made it into an Emmy-Award winning film (NEXT TO NORMAL).
and Laurie Metcalf,
The play we commissioned from Jane Anderson, THE QUALITY OF LIFE, has since been
produced at theaters around the country
including Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., and the American Conservatory Theater
The Geffen will receive recognition for this play in perpetuity, with the name published on all scripts,
in San Francisco.
books, and playbills.
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An artistic identity of uncommon richness and variety
ALL MY SONS (2006)
BOSTON MARRIAGE (2006)
HARRIET’S RETURN (1998)
WISHFUL DRINKING (2006)
SUPERIOR DONUTS (2011)
EQUIVOCATION (2009)
THE SEAFARER (2008)
THE ELABORATE ENTRANCE OF CHAD DIETY (2011)
RUINED (2010)
EXTRAORDINARY CHAMBERS (2011)
LOUIS & KEELY, LIVE AT THE SAHARA (2009)
RED HOT PATRIOT (2012)
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Three high school students from East Los Angeles saw the first play of their lives at the Geffen Playhouse through our Student Matinee Program and work with the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools — an organization working to turn around the lowest performing schools of Los Angeles.
Our “Third Stage” — a theater without walls Gil Cates was often asked why the community should support arts organizations when there is so much
need to help families who are struggling to pay for food, who are losing their homes (or have already lost them), or who are in desperate need of health care and other basics. He would respond with deep
conviction that we should all give generously to organizations that help provide such urgent human needs. He would also remind us that, in addition to the urgent need for food, housing, jobs, and health care,
there are also intangible basic human needs — like the fundamental need to feel connected to others, to
feed the soul, to be stimulated by stories about who we are and who we can be, as well as the basic and recurring need for catharsis and hope.
From day one, Gil’s vision for this theater included making sure that programs were in place to welcome with open arms the most disenfranchised, disconnected and disadvantaged children and adults of Los
Angeles. He set up programs not only to get the power and inspiration of live theater and theater artists
out to the most underserved schools in the most disparate neighborhoods of Los Angeles, he also set up programs to reach out to people in our community who are the least likely to have access to arts experi-
ences, or even to know what the arts could bring to their lives, but who could benefit from them the most: • •
• • •
Youth attending the so-called “drop-out factories” (lowest performing schools) of Los Angeles.
Men and women returning from military service who have had a particularly hard time re-assimilating
to civilian life because the physical or mental trauma they have experienced in their service, their embarrassment about physical disfigurement and/or struggles with addiction.
Women living in domestic abuse shelters who are trying to build their self-worth and fortitude.
Immigrants from war-torn areas of the world who are trying to understand and feel a part of their
new American homeland, including learning the language and culture.
Seniors for whom theater was once a huge part of their lives (and careers) but due to job loss, retire-
ment or other economic circumstances, were forced to drop it from their lives.
Under Gil’s leadership, the following Education and Outreach Programs were developed:
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The Geffen Playhouse reaches across Los Angeles:
Because we believe that the arts are essential to the lifelong development of individuals and to the creation and sustenance of thriving communities, we
reach out to over 100 of the most destitute neighborhoods of Los Angeles to give the most disenfranchised and underserved access to the one-of-a-
kind beauty and power of the arts. More than 22,000 individuals are served annually through our six Education and Outreach programs:
We work with the lowest performing middle and high schools of South and East Los Angeles to provide a Student Matinee Program. More than 3,000 profoundly disadvantaged youth a year gain access to yearround opportunities to travel to the Geffen Playhouse to experience live theater, interact with world-class actors, directors and other artists, and to participate in workshops with our teaching artists.
The Geffen Playhouse School Tours Program brings professional productions and teaching artists to 20 of the most underserved Title 1 Schools of Los Angeles so that 6,000+ economically disadvantaged stu-
dents a year are stimulated intellectually and creatively, and engaged in whole new levels of learning and of understanding themselves, each other, and the world.
Our Story Pirates Program brings highly-trained teaching artists to over 20 Title 1 schools and 8,000
disadvantaged youth across Los Angeles who are struggling with language arts proficiency, and through proven programming centered around the art of storytelling, celebrates the ideas and potential of all young people with lasting results on their skills, creativity, confidence and learning.
Through partnerships with 50+ charities that help identify and support the participation of their
constituents, our CREATE and Golden Ticket Programs give 2,600+ of the most underserved and disenfranchised populations of Los Angeles access to a whole season of live plays and outstanding,
professionally-led creative workshops with our artists and with each other, both before and after each play. Groups served include those living with HIV/AIDS, young adults who have recently aged out of foster care, women living in domestic abuse shelters, veterans and senior citizens who are isolated and alone. We recently developed an initiative to serve more new Veterans, including those who have recently
returned from service in Iraq and Afghanistan. In partnership with UCLA’s Operation Mend and several other organizations, we have doubled our outreach to new Veterans and their families, providing year-
round opportunities to attend performances and events at the Geffen with the primary goals of honoring and helping heal those who have suffered greatly on behalf of our country and each one of us.
Through our partnership with UCLA’s Operation Mend Program, we welcome and serve veterans who are receiving reconstructive and plastic surgery for the severe burns and injuries they received in Iraq or Afghanistan. While they and their loved ones are at UCLA Hospital or in town for follow-up care, they are invited to attend plays and other events free of charge.
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A theater without walls — the Legacy of Gil Cates:
For 16 years, on any given night, at least one-fourth of the audience in the Geffen Playhouse are those who were invited to see a play without regard to their ability to pay, but because being part of that
audience and experiencing someone else’s reality for two hours will be a source of inspiration, comfort, new perspective and more, not only for those two hours but in the days, weeks and months that follow.
No matter how pressing the financial pressures are to sell every seat in the house each year, Gil was always clear (in no uncertain terms) that the theater was to be shared with children and adults who could use
some uplifting, catharsis or a sense of connection to the world, even when they had not a dime in their pockets to help pay for it.
The last thing Gil wanted was for anyone to live without the arts in their lives. He was angry about the
decimation of arts programming in the schools. He made sure the Geffen Playhouse helped fill the great void in children’s lives. When most other arts institutions were cutting back on their Education and Outreach Programs, Gil doubled ours.
With Gil’s passing, we have spent a great deal of time reflecting not only on what he brought to the world but also how we will move forward and continue his legacy. Our entire Board and staff are more inspired than ever to work even harder to bring the one-of-a-kind inspiration and learning opportunities of live theater to significantly more children and adults in need.
Disadvantaged high school youth from Gay & Lesbian organizations across Los Angeles give the cast of NEXT FALL a standing ovation after seeing their performance through our Student Matinee Program.
“This play was very inspiring to all gay people who have had a hard time keeping their sexuality a secret, especially if their parents are strict. I absolutely loved the play.” Michael Tjoelker, 16 years old
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Backstage at the Geffen honorees have included Helen Mirren, Barry Meyer, Robert Iger, Annette Bening, Julie Andrews, Kristin Chenoweth Rita Wilson and Les Moonves. Clint Eastwood presented the award to Barry Meyer.
One of the most well-supported, fiscally healthy nonprofit theaters in the U.S: The Geffen’s solid ability to generate recurring earned and contributed revenue: • over $3 million annually in subscription sales. • over $2 million annually in single ticket sales.
• contributed revenue that has more than doubled in the last four years and that annually supports at least 30 to 35% of the operating budget.
• outstanding annual support from the entertainment community through our highly acclaimed Backstage at the Geffen event (pictured above). This event now raises $800,000 annually, up from $200,000 five years ago. Fiscally healthy:
• debt free.
• balanced budgets achieved during the most challenging economic times, including the last four years.
Outstanding support from the people of Los Angeles:
• a support base of more than 55,000 Angelenos who give annually.
• a Board that supports at least 20% of the operating budget annually.
• loyal subscribers and donors who stuck with us even during the recession.
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Geffen Playhouse artists Neil LaBute and Ed Harris conduct a Master Class at UCLA. Geffen Playhouse artists and UCLA School of Theater students collaborate to develop and tour a new children’s play to underserved LA schools.
A mutually-beneficial partnership with UCLA The Geffen Playhouse offers formal opportunities for UCLA students and faculty to benefit: •
Master Classes for UCLA theater students with Geffen artists including Annette Bening, Uta
•
Employment: Understudy roles in professional productions and 25 positions/year for UCLA
•
Hagen, Neil LaBute, Ed Harris, Gregory Itzin, David Mamet, Donald Margulies, Randy Arney. students (Box Office, Concierge, Ushers, Concessions).
Internships in stage management, lighting, direction, dramaturgy, sound design, playwriting.
•
Teaching Artist Experience: Supervised training and classroom experience for UCLA students
•
Special Access: Complimentary tickets to Final Dress Rehearsals and Preview Week for UCLA
•
interested in bringing theater arts to elementary and middle school students.
faculty and students; low-cost tickets for regular main stage shows at all times.
Performance Space: UCLA faculty and students utilize the Geffen Playhouse as the annual site to showcase productions by graduating UCLA theater students, as well as special productions by UCLA Theater students and faculty (e.g. Suzan Lori Parks’ 365 Days/365 Plays project).
In turn, UCLA provides: •
The time of four UCLA leaders, including Chancellor Gene Block, who serve on our Board.
•
The time and resources (annually) to collaborate on producing a new children’s play and
•
Financial support that includes matching grants and underwriting all building maintenance costs.
associated teaching curriculum to provide for free to Title 1 Schools across Los Angeles County.
“
The beautiful Geffen Playhouse — founded in 1995 by the legendary Gil Cates with strong support and encouragement from former Chancellor Charles Young and the entire UCLA community — started out as and continues to be a remarkable, mutually beneficial partnership between the Geffen and UCLA. Geffen Playhouse represents an invaluable learning and developmental resource for UCLA students and faculty alike. In addition, the Geffen provides a wide range of education and outreach programs, enabling students, seniors, veterans, and many others in the Los Angeles community to experience the thrill and wonder of live theater. I’m delighted that Gil Cates’ legacy will live on at the Geffen Playhouse, thereby serving as both an inspiring tribute to my friend and as an important resource for UCLA and the wider community.
UCLA Chancellor Gene D. Block February 2, 2012
”
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Students mesmerized by MUKASHI, MUKASHI — a play we developed in collaboration with the UCLA School of Theater and toured to underserved schools across Los Angeles.
“ Our collaboration with the Geffen Playhouse is enormously beneficial to UCLA, to our teaching programs, and to the children of Los Angeles.
Our students receive arts-based training with a professional theater as well as mentoring, and
it gives theater undergraduates an opportunity to perform on a professional stage. Thanks to the Geffen’s donors, we have been able to develop and tour a new play each year that gives UCLA students the opportunity to provide meaningful arts experiences to underserved populations throughout Los Angeles.
The Geffen Playhouse’s willingness to reach out to K-12 students in order to close the gap in arts education, particularly in a time of belt tightening in all professional houses, speaks loudly about the Geffen’s priorities and provides
a powerful model to students that the
need to be involved in the youth community is an essential part of the theater.
Patricia Harter, Professor
”
UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television and Director, ArtsBridge
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“ The Geffen Playhouse has become a world-class theater
that produces
and develops plays and musicals that engage, inform, entertain and inspire us to better understand our world and ourselves.
It reaches into our community to help fill a void in the lives of our children, students, seniors and veterans and it exposes them to all that the theater has to offer.
It is a cultural center, a community resource and a home to so many talented actors, writers and directors who continue to return because of the theater’s open arms, embracing policy.
Gil Cates worked very hard for 16 years to build this theater. I
guarantee his
dream and all his work with continue. This is a mission of love.
Frank Mancuso
”
Chairman, Geffen Playhouse Board Former Chairman and CEO of Paramount and MGM January 30, 2012
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Thank you
for your gifts 16 years ago that jet propelled this organization from a pipedream of a few to a place treasured by millions.
Not a day has gone by in these last 16 years that we
haven’t forgotten how profoundly lucky we are to have received your mega investment in those critical early days as well as your mega vote of confidence as you put your name on this
unknown organization and let us run with it, leverage it, take some pretty significant risks with it, and more.
We hope you know that the risk you took on us has paid off
exponentially. We hope you feel enormously proud about what your gift has brought to the people of Los Angeles, and about the impact the Geffen Playhouse has made on the arts, on the
quality of life in this city, on the economy, on the schools here, and on millions of individuals who have found great comfort, stimulation and inspiration here from our plays as well as new levels of insight, humanity and tolerance.
In fact, we hope your “return on investment” has exceeded your expectations, as much as it has ours.
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Of all Gil Cates’ extraordinary accomplishments, he was always quick to tell anyone who would listen to him that the Geffen Playhouse was the one he was the most proud of by far, and
the one that he hoped you would also deem as one of your most meaningful and rewarding creative and philanthropic ventures as well. Gil was always the first to admit that the Geffen Playhouse was created on the fly, or as he put it, “Was built in the air as we
were flying the plane.” Your infusion of cash in the early years — along with Gil’s skills at bringing in talent and in mastering the calculus of theater — jet propelled the organization’s rise
so quickly from that of a “neighborhood theater” to one of the most highly respected regional theaters in the country.
With Gil’s passing we have certainly thought a lot about what
his role was in this institution as well as what his unmet dreams were for it.
As one who played the largest role in bringing the Geffen to
life, we turn to you at this pivotal time, once again, to ask you to invest in the next act of the Geffen Playhouse.
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Act III: Growing Up Act I was your gift to make the Geffen Playhouse possible.
Act II was the $20 Million renovation and expansion of this
historic building into a world-class facility and an institution on the threshold.
Act III will transform this organization to a world-class
institution as we create a $23,000,000 Board-Restricted Reserve Fund to help fuel and sustain this organization in perpetuity.
The Geffen Playhouse is now about 18 years old, and as most adolescents on the verge of adulthood, is more than ready to grow up, more than ready to think beyond our day-to-day
existence, to how we can be an even stronger force and a much more indelible resource to this and all future generations.
Most nonprofit theaters of our budget size ($10 million) have a reserve fund of at least double their annual operating budget. American Conservatory Theater (ACT) in San Francisco and
The Old Globe in San Diego both have more than $25 million in reserve funds.
With such significant working capital and built-in safety nets,
these institutions have significantly more power to spread their wings, take risks with new plays and new artists, as well as to
build relationships with the most outstanding artists around the world.
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They also have the power to respond to insidious cuts in funding
of the arts — most importantly to the devastating cuts our youth have recently experienced because the arts have either been severely reduced in their schools or entirely eliminated.
We took for granted that the arts would always be accessible to our youth, at least through public education. Today, a whole generation is growing up without the joy and one-of-a-kind learning opportunities that only live theater can bring.
We refuse to wait in the wings and let this happen to a whole generation or to any generation to come.
The time is now for the Geffen Playhouse to grow up, to build the reserves necessary to serve significantly more schools across
Los Angeles, as well as to soar even higher artistically, creatively and in the spirit this organization was founded.
At this pivotal time, we ask you to be the hero once again, to be the one who not only propels this
organization to an entirely new level, but also inspires countless others to invest in a new era of excellence and impact for the Geffen Playhouse.
What follows are brief outlines of the dreams Gil and we all have for this organization moving forward, and dreams we hope ignite
the same excitement you felt, 16 years ago, the day you decided to invest in and put your name on the Geffen Playhouse.
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Dream #1: Make an even larger contribution to the quality of life in our city. • Fill an even greater void of what has been taken away from Los Angeles schools and youth
by quadrupling our Education and Outreach Programs (expanding from 100 Title 1 schools served annually to 400 schools),
including major new programs for the most underserved and disadvantaged high school and middle school youth.
• Significantly expand outreach to the most underserved and disenfranchised of Los Angeles who are not aware of the value theater arts can bring to their lives, including newly returning Veterans, severerly disadvantaged and socially isolated seniors, youth aging
out of the foster care system, young adults with HIV/AIDs who are living in poverty, and individuals working to get out of homelessness.
• Launch a new initiative to significantly reduce the price barriers to those interested in experiencing live theater by committing to make
1,000,000 affordable tickets available over the next 10 years.
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Dream #2: Increase our capacity to discover, compete for and bring to Los Angeles the most exciting artists and new work being done around the world. • Secure creative capital to enable the Geffen’s ongoing
ability to experiment with new artists, new voices, new ideas and the significant extra costs in commissioning, developing and
marketing new, unknown plays and in attracting actors, directors and audiences along for the journey.
• Utilize creative capital to make commitments to productions with much more lead time, thereby enabling the Geffen to lock in commitments from the best
possible directors, artists, sponsors and others inherent to the artistic and financial success of live theater and to a thriving, sustainable nonprofit arts organization.
• Utilize creative capital to significantly expand our artistic infrastructure — quadrupling the number of
professionals we have on our team to represent the Geffen
Playhouse around the world, seeing and reading plays and discovering and developing relationships with producers, directors, writers and actors we would like to bring to Los Angeles.
• Award commissions to significantly more playwrights each year and have the funds in place to
provide year-round artistic support that includes readings and workshops of their work.
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Gil Cates may be gone, but his dreams are forever etched in our hearts, and mean even more now than ever. We know it is time to move forward and to think a lot more about the generations who will follow, and what we can do now to ensure that the Geffen Playhouse will continue to soar to new heights and will continue to be a world-class institution, treasured by people of all ages and backgrounds. Building this major fund for the Geffen will ensure that the accomplishments of recent years are not remembered merely as bright moments in our history, but rather as the foundation for a Geffen Playhouse of permanently greater breadth and strength.
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David Geffen: We invite you take a lead role in creating a new era of excellence for the Geffen Playhouse. Your leadership gift to launch this fund and new era will inspire others here in our city and around the world to invest in the one-of-a-kind joy and power of theater arts to change the world. Your leadership gift will transform this organization from one significantly limited each year by financial constraints to one well-positioned to take artistic risks, commission exciting playwrights and produce new work, reach new levels of artistic excellence and add to the canon of American Theater. Your gift will also enable us to respond even more adeptly to the urgent and emerging needs of the most underserved and disadvantaged communities of Los Angeles. Thank you for your consideration
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The theater has historically
run on the largess of patrons.
Sometimes they were monarchs,
sometimes nobility, sometimes admirers of this or that person in the chorus.
This is a letter of thanks to David Geffen
for making a lot of money and giving a lot of it away. We who have access,
whether as artists or audience, to the Geffen Playhouse are in your debt.
David Mamet Jan 31, 2012