PURPOSE
WELCOME TO
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
PHOTO BY JEFF LORCH
TARELL ALVIN MCCRANEY
It is my honor to welcome you to the Broadway/ Steppenwolf Theatre Company production of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' Pulitzer Prize–winning Purpose. You are witnessing a production that is continuing its history-making run here at the Geffen. This play, with its deep discourse on the American Dream and family and its intentional drive towards legacy, felt like the perfect setting to celebrate “what’s next” at Geffen Playhouse.
a co-production of Bess Wohl’s Tony Award– winning play Liberation. In the spring, we introduce Grace McLeod’s new farce Closing Costs, produced in association with IAMA Theatre Company. In the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater, The Monsters by Ngozi Anyanwu will open the doors to the world of MMA athletes and help us continue our commitment to bold new works that transform our space.
Our 2026/2027 Season officially begins with Purpose in the Gil Cates Theater, but like all great movies we started with a preview: Dragon Baby, the final play of The Dragon Cycle by Sara Porkalob, gave audiences a sneak peek of the culminating work in the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater and gave brilliant artist Sara, along with collaborators Andrew Russell and Brian Quijada, a place to work towards a full first draft. It was thrilling to witness.
We finish the season with a riot, partnering with the force that is LaChanze to deliver Wine in the Wilderness by Alice Childress, a now-classic play ringing with all the power and drama of today.
In January, we continue the Geffen’s commitment to collaborations with theaters across the nation as we partner with Berkeley Repertory Theatre and DC's Studio Theatre in 2 P L AY B I L L
Big plans for our intimate space, and we are so delighted to see you here. Now please enjoy Purpose. Tarell Alvin McCraney Artistic Director
2026/2027 S E A S O N
PLAYHOUSE GEFFEN
A T R I O E B N I A T R L LIBEERATIOION B N I A T L LIBER ION
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WRITTEN BY
BESS WOHL DIRECTED BY WHITNEY WHITE
A CO-PRODUCTION WITH BERKELEY REPERTORY THEATRE & STUDIO THEATRE FEATURING FELICIA CURRY, BRITT FAULKNER, KATIE LOWES, IRENE SOFIA LUCIO, GUNNAR MANCHESTER, MARY GORDON MURRAY, VERONICA OTIM & EVELYN SPAHR T I C K E T S S T A R T A T J U S T $ 3 6! G E F F E N P L A Y H O U S E.O R G· 310.2 0 8.2 02 8
PHOTO BY AMBE J. WILLIAMS
TONY AWARD BEST PLAY & PULITZER PRIZE WINNER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR / CEO
GIL CATES, JR.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mary Ann Cloyd CHAIR
Gil Cates, Jr. Executive Director / CEO
FOUNDING TRUSTEES
Ellyce R. Cooper
Gilbert Cates† Founder
PHOTO BY JEFF LORCH
Merle Dandridge
Welcome to an extraordinary new season at Geffen Playhouse! From Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize– winning works to a raucous world premiere farce, we are thrilled to share this eclectic 2026/2027 Season with you, beginning with the acclaimed Broadway/ Steppenwolf Theatre Company production of Purpose. Thank you to everyone who supported Backstage at the Geffen on October 18 honoring Bebe Neuwirth, Chris Paul, and Harold A. Brown. As our largest fundraiser of the year, Backstage plays a vital role in sustaining our work, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s event such a tremendous success! At Backstage, we proudly launched the Artist & Athlete Collaborative, a bold new initiative developed in partnership with NBA All-Star, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and Backstage honoree Chris Paul. Bridging the worlds of sports and entertainment, the Collaborative celebrates the rich tradition of storytelling that lies at the heart of both art and athletics. With Westwood Village set to host the Athlete Village during the 2028 Olympic Games, the initiative will build on our plans to produce theater during the Games while creating new opportunities for storytelling long after all the final medals have been awarded. For more information, please contact Sam Abney, our Director of Development & Strategic Growth, at samuela@geffenplayhouse.org. Most of all, we’re grateful you’re here. Thank you for joining us today and for supporting live, local theater. Enjoy the show! Gil Cates, Jr. Executive Director / CEO 4 P L AY B I L L
Dr. Brad Edgerton Bonnie E. Eskenazi Mark Fleischer Susan Nahley Fleishman
Harold A. Brown
Kirsten Combs Robert A. Daly David Geffen Herbert M. Gelfand† Marcia Israel-Curley†
Brenda Garcia
Quincy Jones†
Patricia L. Glaser
Jeffrey Katzenberg
Adi Greenberg Chair Emeritus
Glorya Kaufman†
John Horn
Audrey Skirball Kenis†
Laura Kennedy
Charles Kenis†
Carla Malden
Karl Malden†
Brian Mann
Ginny Mancini†
Tiffany Mayberry
Frank G. Mancuso† Chair Emeritus
Tarell Alvin McCraney Artistic Director Andy O’Donnell Mary Osako Danny Passman Holly Rice Linda Bernstein Rubin
Ron Meyer Jerry Moss† Jerry Perenchio† Bruce M. Ramer Founding Chair Victoria Mann Simms Andy Spahn
Matt Shakman
Steven Spielberg
Richard Sherman
Steve Tisch
Celine Parreñas Shimizu
Edie Wasserman†
Howard Tenenbaum Chair Emeritus
Lew Wasserman† Dr. Charles E. Young†
Miranda Tollman Vice Chair
† In Memoriam
JaHan Wang
LEGAL COUNSEL
Marc Weinstock
Venable LLP
THANK YOU!
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THE WORLD IS COMING TO WESTWOOD The Summer Games are coming to Los Angeles in 2028 and Geffen Playhouse is poised to reimagine what theater can be: intimate, civic, and globally resonant. This moment calls for ambition. It calls for imagination. And it calls for a cultural invitation that begins right here in Westwood and reaches far beyond our walls. On your marks, get set...
GET INVOLVED < —– Learn more about how you can get involved in this epic new project at Geffen Playhouse.
Pictured above: rendering of outdoor amphitheater to be built for the 2028 Summer Games— featuring live theater for community, visitors, and athletes, as UCLA will be home to the athlete village.
GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS THE BROADWAY / STEPPENWOLF THEATRE COMPANY PRODUCTION OF
PURPOSE WRITTEN BY
BRANDEN JACOBS-JENKINS DIRECTED BY
PHYLICIA RASHAD SCENIC DESIGNER
COSTUME DESIGNER
TODD ROSENTHAL SOUND DESIGNERS
ROB MILBURN & MICHAEL BODEEN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
HAIR & WIG DESIGNER
NIKIYA MATHIS ORIGINATING PRODUCER
JONATHAN L. GREEN
PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER
STEPPENWOLF THEATRE COMPANY ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER
TIFFANY N. ROBINSON CHICAGO CASTING
AMITH CHANDRASHAKER
DRAMATURG
DAVID BLACKWELL
JC CLEMENTZ, CSA
LIGHTING DESIGNER
DEDE AYITE
LISA TOUDIC
BROADWAY CASTING
CALLERI JENSEN DAVIS
ADDITIONAL CASTING
PHYLLIS SCHURINGA, CSA
OPENING NIGHT
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2026 PRODUCTION SPONSORS
Originally Produced on Broadway by David Stone, Debra Martin Chase, Marc Platt, LaChanze, Rashad V. Chambers, Aaron Glick, Universal Theatrical Group, Eastern Standard Time, Trate Productions, Nancy Nagel Gibbs, James L. Nederlander, John Gore, ATG Entertainment, The Shubert Organization, and Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Purpose was commissioned by and its world premiere was produced and presented at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Chicago, IL, Glenn Davis & Audrey Francis, Artistic Directors / E. Brooke Flanagan, Executive Director. Purpose was created with funds from the Prince Prize for commissioning new work, which was awarded to Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and Steppenwolf Theatre Company in 2015. Purpose was developed at the Colorado New Play Festival, Steamboat Springs, CO, 2019. 8 P L AY B I L L
PURPOSE CAST OF CHARACTERS
Morgan Jasper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ALANA ARENAS Solomon "Junior" Jasper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GLENN DAVIS Nazareth "Naz" Jasper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JON MICHAEL HILL Claudine Jasper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LaTANYA RICHARDSON JACKSON Solomon "Sonny" Jasper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HARRY LENNIX Aziza Houston (11/11–11/29 matinee). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KARA YOUNG Aziza Houston (11/29 evening–12/20). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NIJA OKORO
UNDERSTUDIES
u/s Solomon "Sonny" Jasper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GREGG T. DANIEL u/s Aziza Houston / Morgan Jasper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CANDACE NICHOLAS-LIPPMAN u/s Nazareth "Naz" Jasper / Solomon "Junior" Jasper.. . . . . . . . . CHRISTIAN TELESMAR u/s Claudine Jasper.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MARIE-FRANÇOISE THEODORE Understudies never substitute for listed players unless specified. The Actors and Stage Managers employed in this production are members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
SETTING
PLEASE NOTE
Jasper family home. Illinois.
There is no photography or filming of any kind allowed during the performance. Please turn off all electronic devices, including cell phones. Thank you!
RUNNING TIME
2 hours and 50 minutes, including one intermission.
CONTENT ADVISORY
This production contains discussions of suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis or thinking about self-harm or suicide, there is help available. Call or text 988 for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 9
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ADDITIONAL PRODUCTION STAFF FOR PURPOSE Vocal Coach Kate Wilson
Production Assistant Avery Simonian
Fight Director (Chicago) Matthew Hawkins
Rehearsal Production Assistant (Chicago) Lauren Littlejohn
Understudy Director Lexy McAvinchey
Deck Crew Oliver Brink
Associate Scenic Designer Alan Schwanke
Wardrobe Supervisor Kassidy Klinesmith
Associate Costume Designer Audrey Petersen
Wig Supervisor Khepra Hetep
Assistant Lighting Designer Taylor Olson Assistant Sound Designer Amelia Anello Associate Wig Designer Tanika Sadiku Nikiya Mathis's Virtual Assistant Maria Johannah Agawin
Carpenters Dante Alanis, Oliver Brink, James Chew, Mason Irwin, Greg Mueller, Claudia Peterson, Reed Stolzenfels, Sam Sully, Helena Taylor Scenic Painters Vanessa Lara, Chandish Nester Properties Artisans & Carpenters Sigourney Chin, Danny Dolan, Emily Gutowsky, Jennifer Kelsey
Spotlight Operator Jesus Cambero-Elias
Electricians Daniel Fernandez, Ezra Fisher, Ezra Muthiah, Sketkh Williams
Light Board Operator Ezra Muthiah
Sound Technicians Michael Svolos, Isa Underdahl
A2 Isa Underdahl
PRODUCTION ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Scenery Built & Painted By F&D Scene Changes
Media Filming Ramon Garcia
Branding + Key Art Direction Base Design
Lighting Equipment Provided By PRG
Production Photographer Jeff Lorch
Key Art Photography Corey Olsen
Sound Equipment Provided By DnB Design
Broadway Production Photographer Marc J. Franklin
Piano Tuning By Gregg Abbott
SPECIAL THANKS UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television Scene, Prop, Sound, and Costume Shops; Steppenwolf Theatre Company Production, Prop, and Costume Shops
This theater operates under agreement between the League of Resident Theaters and Actors Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States. The Stage Managers employed in this production are members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
1 0 P L AY B I L L
This theater operates under agreement between the League of Resident Theaters and Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, an independent national labor union. The Director is a Member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union. The scenic, costume, lighting, and sound designers in LORT theaters are represented by United Scenic Artists Local USA-829, IATSE.
Geffen Playhouse is supported, in part, by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Department of Arts and Culture. Geffen Playhouse, a not-for-profit theater company, is proudly affiliated with the University of California at Los Angeles.
BLACK PARTNERS APPRECIATION NIGHT FRIDAY, NOV 27 @ 8PM
In the spirit of Broadway’s Black Out Nights, we welcome Black audiences to experience this powerful Black family drama alongside passionate community partners in a celebratory environment. And we’re having a party—with a DJ, desserts, and drinks post-show! 100% of single ticket proceeds for this performance benefit these community partner organizations. THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS
FOR TICKETS AND FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT
geffenplayhouse.org/blackpartners
PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES ment. In 2021, Glenn founded The Chatham Grove Company along with his producing partner Tarell Alvin McCraney.
A L A N A A R E N AS Morgan Jasper
G L E N N DAV I S (he/him) Solomon "Junior" Jasper
Alana Arenas is an award-win-
Glenn Davis is an actor, pro-
ning actress who joined the
ducer, and Artistic Director of
Steppenwolf Theatre Company
Steppenwolf Theatre Company
ensemble in 2007. Her recent
alongside Audrey Francis,
Steppenwolf appearances
where he has been an ensemble
include Purpose, for which she
member since 2017. Steppen-
was awarded the Theatre World
wolf credits include: Downstate,
Award for Outstanding Debut
The Christians, You Got Older,
Performance on Broadway.
The Brother/Sister Plays, Head
She won both the Lucille Lortel
of Passes, King James, Describe
Award for Outstanding Featured
the Night, Purpose, Windfall,
actress along with the Clarence
and most recently Topdog/
Derwent Award for her work
Underdog. Broadway credits
in Head of Passes. Along with
include: Purpose and Bengal
Purpose, she has appeared in
Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo.
over 25 Steppenwolf produc-
Off-Broadway credits include:
tions and was most recently
Transfers (MCC Theater), Wig
seen in Tarell Alvin McCraney’s
Out! (Vineyard Theatre), Down-
Windfall. Alana’s work has also
state (Playwrights Horizons),
been seen on the stages of the
and King James (Manhattan
American Theatre Company,
Theatre Club). Other regional
Lookingglass Theatre Company,
credits include: Moscow x6
Berkeley Repertory Theatre,
(Williamstown Theatre Festival).
Kansas City Repertory Theatre,
International credits include:
Black Ensemble Theater, and
Downstate (National Theatre);
Chicago Shakespeare Theatre,
Edward II, The Winter’s Tale,
among others. On television,
and As You Like It (Stratford
she starred as “Gloria” in OWN’s
Festival); and Othello (The
Peabody Award–winning series
Shakespeare Company). Tele-
David Makes Man (created by
vision credits include: Billions,
Tarell Alvin McCraney). Addi-
24, The Unit, Jericho, and The
tional television and film credits
Good Wife. Glenn is an Artistic
include Canal Street, Crisis,
Associate at the Young Vic in
Boss, The Beast, Kabuku Rides,
London and at the Vineyard
and Lioness of Lisabi.
Theatre in New York. He is also a partner in Cast Iron Entertain-
1 2 P L AY B I L L
J O N M I C H A E L H I L L (he/him) Nazareth "Naz" Jasper
Jon was last seen on Broadway as “Nazareth” in the Tony Award–winning production of Purpose (Tony nomination). Other Broadway credits include: Superior Donuts (Tony nomination) and Pass Over (Lucille Lortel nomination). Jon has been an ensemble member at Steppenwolf Theatre Company since 2007. Steppenwolf: Purpose, Superior Donuts, Pass Over, The Tempest, Constellations, Head of Passes, True West, and more. Other theatre: The Mountaintop (Geffen Playhouse), The Refuge Plays (Roundabout Theatre Company/New York Theatre Workshop), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (The Public Theater). Jon spent 7 seasons on Elementary (CBS/Hulu) and can be seen in Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed on Apple TV. Film/TV: Widows, A Man in Full, 61st Street.
PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES
L a TA N YA R I C H A R D S O N JAC KS O N Claudine Jasper
LaTanya Richardson Jackson is a three-time Tony Award–nominated actress, director, and producer. At the Geffen, she most recently directed Pearl Cleage’s Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous. With this production of Purpose, she reprises the same acclaimed role she originated on Broadway, earning Tony, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle nominations. Her Broadway credits also include A Raisin in the Sun (Tony nomination), To Kill a Mockingbird, and Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. She made history as the first woman to direct an August Wilson play on Broadway (The Piano Lesson) and is currently Vice Chair of The American Theatre Wing. In honor of her career and her philanthropic endeavors, she was a Black Women on Broadway Legacy Recipient and a 2026 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood honoree. A Spelman graduate, she and her husband recently opened the college’s LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Samuel L. Jackson Performing Arts Center. They have an exceptionally talented
H A R RY L E N N I X Solomon "Sonny" Jasper
K A R A YO U N G Aziza Houston (11/11–11/29 matinee)
Harry Lennix earned a Tony
Kara Young holds the distinc-
Award nomination for playing
tion of becoming the first Black
“Solomon ‘Sonny’ Jasper”
performer to be nominated for
in Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’
a Tony four years in a row and
Purpose, winner of the Pulitzer
winning the Tony two years
Prize and Tony Award for Best
consecutively. Broadway: Proof
Play. He made his Broadway
(Drama League nomination),
debut in August Wilson’s Radio
Purpose (Tony Award, Drama
Golf, and his stage credits
Desk Award, Drama League
include Off-Broadway’s Titus
nomination, Outer Critics Circle
Andronicus and regional pro-
nomination), Purlie Victorious
ductions of A Raisin in the Sun,
(Tony Award, Outer Critics
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Oth-
Circle Award, Drama Desk
ello, and The Great Gatsby. He
Award, Drama League nom-
won the inaugural Ollie Award
ination), Cost of Living (Tony
for playing “Malcolm X” in The
nomination), Clyde’s (Theatre
Meeting at Chicago’s Goodman
World Award, Tony and Drama
Theatre, and returned there
Desk nominations), Off-Broad-
this past March as associate
way: The Whoopi Monologues,
director and musical director
Gruesome Playground Injuries,
of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, in
Table 17 (Lucille Lortell Award),
which he previously starred as
Twelfth Night (Obie Award), All
“Levee.” His film credits include
The Natalie Portmans (Lucille
Zack Snyder’s Justice League,
Lortel nomination), Halfway
Man of Steel, The Matrix fran-
Bitches Go Straight To Heaven,
chise, Ray, and The Five Heart-
The New Englanders, The Re-
beats. On television, he is best
volving Cycles Truly and Steadily
known for his decade-long role
Roll’d, Syncing Ink, and Pretty
as “Harold Cooper” on NBC’s
Hunger. Kara can be seen in
The Blacklist, with additional
Amazon’s I’m A Virgo (Break-
appearances in Commander in
through Performance Indie
Chief, Billions, and Dollhouse.
Spirit nomination). She can also be seen co-starring in Aleshea Harris’ Feature Film Is God Is.
daughter, Zoe Dove.
G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 1 3
PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES
N I JA O KO R O (she/her) Aziza Houston (11/29 evening–12/20)
G R E G G T. DA N I E L (he/him) u/s Solomon "Sonny" Jasper
Nija Okoro is thrilled to be
Gregg Daniel is an actor
joining this production of
and stage director who has
Purpose and reuniting with
appeared in over 100 television
director Phylicia Rashad. The-
shows and films. He was a
atre: Blues for an Alabama Sky
series regular on HBO’s True
(LADCC Award for Best Lead
Blood as “Reverend Daniels,”
Performance) and Ma Rainey’s
had a recurring role on HBO’s
Black Bottom, both directed by
Insecure, and appeared on
Rashad; the National Broadway
Hacks. His film credits include
Tour of Jitney, directed by Ruben
Joker: Folie à Deux. On stage, he
Santiago-Hudson, The Legend
has performed with the Antaeus
of Georgia McBride (Geffen
Theatre Company in Hamlet
Playhouse); and the world pre-
and appeared in the solo work
miere of Zoey’s Perfect Wedding
The Duat by Roger Q. Mason at
by Matthew López. Additional
the Kirk Douglas Theatre. Other
theatre: Two Trains Running,
credits include Joe Turner’s
The Piano Lesson, Joe Turner’s
Come and Gone at Mark Taper
Come and Gone, An Octoroon,
Forum; Jitney at South Coast
Bossa Nova, and The Mountain-
Repertory and Pasadena Play-
top. Television: 9-1-1: Lone Star,
house; Death of a Salesman, A
The Deuce, Animal Kingdom,
Christmas Carol, Fences, and
Southland, and ER, with recur-
James and the Giant Peach at
ring roles on Insecure, StartUp,
South Coast Repertory; and
and Monday Mornings. Film:
Romeo & Juliet and The Taming
Paradise (upcoming), Hollywood
of the Shrew at Shakespeare
Stargirl, The Stay, ReBroken, and
Festival/LA. Regional credits
The Black Emperor of Broadway.
include “Master Harold”…and the
For her work, Nija has received
Boys at Cape May Stage and
six LA Drama Critics Circle
Actors Theatre of Louisville; and
Awards, as well as Ovation and
Cyrano de Bergerac and Julius
Stage Raw honors. She is a
Caesar at Milwaukee Repertory
Bronx native and graduate of
Theatre. As a director, he is
The Juilliard School.
known for mounting August Wilson’s work at A Noise Within. He is the Artistic Director of Lower Depth Theatre.
1 4 P L AY B I L L
CA N DAC E N I C H O L AS L I P P M A N (she/her) u/s Aziza Houston / Morgan Jasper
Candace Nicholas-Lippman is an actress, playwright, poet, and teaching artist whose autobiographical solo show, A Rose Called Candace, earned her the 2026 NAACP Theatre Award for Best Playwright. Selected stage credits include Snow White, Fat Ham, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play), and understudying Head of Passes at the Mark Taper Forum. Her solo show premiered in Los Angeles, played Off-Broadway, and returned to Los Angeles in 2025 in collaboration with JuVee Productions, founded by Viola Davis and Julius Tennon. The solo show is also available as an audiobook. Her television credits include Blindspotting (STARZ), Good Trouble (Freeform), and Grey’s Anatomy (ABC). Candace is also a spoken word artist and published poet whose work explores identity, faith, family, healing, and freedom. She is thrilled to make her Geffen Playhouse debut with Purpose and is deeply grateful to God and everyone who continues to support her artistic journey.
PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES
C H R I S T I A N T E L ES M A R (he/him) u/s Nazareth "Naz" Jasper / Solomon "Junior" Jasper
MARIE-FRANÇOISE THEODORE u/s Claudine Jasper
BRAN DE N JAC OB S-J E N KIN S (he/him) Playwright
Christian Telesmar is honored
Marie-Françoise Theodore is an
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins is
award-winning actress, artist,
a writer and theatre artist
and filmmaker. Her recent Los
whose plays include Purpose,
Angeles stage credits include
Appropriate, The Comeuppance,
the acclaimed LA premiere of
Girls, Everybody, War, Gloria, An
Fairview (directed by Oz Scott,
Octoroon, and Neighbors. He
Rogue Machine Theatre); world
is a Professor in the Practice at
premiere of The Art Couple
Yale University and serves as
(with Brendan Hunt, Sacred
Vice President of the Dramatists
Fools Theatre Company);
Guild Council. He has been the
Titus Andronicus (Will Geer’s
recipient of two Tony Awards,
Theatricum Botanicum); world
a Pulitzer Prize, the MacAr-
premiere of Colony Collapse
thur Fellowship, the Wind-
(Boston Court Pasadena);
ham-Campbell Prize for Drama,
Breathe (The Mark Theatre); and
and the inaugural Tennessee
Rapunzel Alone (The Wallis). Re-
Williams Award.
to be joining the company of Purpose at the Geffen Playhouse. He was a 2024 NAACP Theatre Award nominee for Best Lead Male for his performance as “Harmond Wilks” in August Wilson’s Radio Golf (A Noise Within). Additional regional theatre: Middle of the World and On the Other Hand, We’re Happy (Rogue Machine Theatre, Boise Contemporary Theater); Othello and Love’s Labour’s Lost (Montana Shakespeare Company); Kentucky (East West Players); Mama Metal (IAMA Theatre Company); Friends with Guns (The Road Theatre Company); and Seminar (Chance Theater). International: The Grind Show (Edinburgh Festival Fringe). TV: The Young and the Restless (CBS), Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story (Netflix), 9-1-1: Lone Star (FOX), NCIS: Los Angeles (CBS), Animal Kingdom (TNT), Bones (FOX). He is also a series regular dubbing performer for Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon. M.F.A., University of Washington Professional Actor Training Program. www.christiantelesmar.com IG/TikTok: @iamtelesmar
gional credits: On Golden Pond (New Harmony Theatre, IN); Blues for an Alabama Sky and Two Trains Running (directed by Lou Bellamy, Penumbra Theatre Company, MN); and The Darker Face of the Earth (Guthrie Theater, MN). International theatre credits (United Kingdom): Watford Palace Theatre, Derby Theatre, Northumberland Theatre Company, Old Red Lion Pub & Playhouse. TV/Film: A.X.L., recurring guest star roles on Chicago P.D. and Single Drunk Female. Also: The Orville, Only Murders in the Building, The Morning Show, Station 19, and How to Get Away with Murder.
PHYLICIA RASHAD (she/her) Director
Phylicia Rashad is Dean Emerita of The Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at Howard University. Ms. Rashad’s directing credits include: Purpose (Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Broadway), Our Lady of 121st Street, Blues for an Alabama Sky, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Joe Turner’s G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 1 5
PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES Come and Gone, Fences, Gem
Achievement, Laurence Olivier,
AUDELCO, and Jeff Awards.
of the Ocean, Immediate Family,
Helen Hayes, Ovation, Joseph
Teaching: Lecturer on Theater,
A Raisin in the Sun, The Room-
Jefferson, Michael Merritt. Ja-
Dance & Media at Harvard
mate, and Four Little Girls. A
haris Family Foundation Profes-
University, Fordham University.
two-time Tony and Drama Desk
sor of Theater, Northwestern.
Ayite earned her M.F.A. at the
Award winner for her perfor-
Graduate, Yale Drama.
Yale School of Drama.
D E D E AY I T E (she/her) Costume Designer
A M I T H C H A N D R AS H A K E R (he/him) Lighting Designer
mances in A Raisin in the Sun and Skeleton Crew, in 2016 she was inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame and also received the Lucille Lortel Award for her performance as “Shelah” in Tarell Alvin McCraney’s Head of Passes. Producing credits include the PBS film The Old Settler and the recent Broadway revival of Ossie Davis’
Dede Ayite is a Tony Award– winning costume designer. She has designed over a dozen productions on Broadway including Buena Vista Social Club, Hell’s Kitchen, Purpose, Othello, Topdog/Underdog, Jaja’s African Hair Braiding (Tony Award),
Purlie Victorious.
Slave Play, and A Soldier’s Play.
TO D D R O S E N T H A L Scenic Designer
Tony Awards and five Drama
Select Broadway: August:
special Drama Desk Award
Osage County (Tony Award
in 2022 and the TDF/Kitty
winner), The Motherfucker with
Leech Young Master Award.
the Hat (Tony Award, Outer
Ayite designed X: The Life and
Critics Circle Award nomina-
Times of Malcolm X at The Met.
tions), Who’s Afraid of Virginia
Select Off-Broadway projects
Woolf?, Of Mice and Men, This
include: Goddess, Merry Wives
Is Our Youth, Straight White
(The Public Theater); Marie
Men, Linda Vista, Purpose, and
and Rosetta, Fireflies (Atlantic
the upcoming Three Days of
Theater Company); Nollywood
Rain. International: August:
Dreams, BLKS, School Girls;
Osage County (London, Aus-
Or, The African Mean Girls Play
tralia); Nice Fish, Downstate
(MCC Theater); and Here There
(London); Madama Butterfly,
Are Blueberries (New York The-
The Beauty Queen of Leenane
atre Workshop). Her work has
(Ireland), and the upcoming
also appeared Off-Broadway at
Purpose (London). Exhibitions:
Signature Theatre, Playwrights
MythBusters: The Explosive
Horizons, Lincoln Center The-
Exhibition; The International
ater, and Roundabout Theatre
Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes,
Company. Regional: Oregon
Victoria the T. rex. Regional:
Shakespeare Festival, Arena
Steppenwolf Theatre Company
Stage, and more. Television:
(40 productions), Goodman
Netflix, Comedy Central.
Theatre (artistic partner), Guth-
Awards: Obie, Drama Desk,
rie Theater, and many others.
Henry Hewes, Lucille Lortel,
Awards: USITT Distinguished
Helen Hayes, Theatre Bay Area,
1 6 P L AY B I L L
She has been nominated for six Desk Awards, also earning a
Amith Chandrashaker is a Tony Award–nominated Lighting Designer who works in theater, opera, and dance. His credits include Broadway: Prayer for the French Republic (Tony nomination), Merrily We Roll Along, and Purpose. Off-Broadway: The Public Theater, Playwrights Horizons, New York Theatre Workshop, Atlantic Theater Company, and Signature Theatre. Regional Theaters: Second Stage Theater, Manhattan Theatre Club, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Geffen Playhouse, and The Huntington. Opera: The Glimmerglass Festival, Houston Grand Opera, Washington National Opera, and Deutsche Oper am Rhein. Dance: Staatstheater Nürnberg, Lyon Opera Ballet, Royal Ballet of New Zealand, The Joyce Theater, and National Dance Company of Wales. He is the recipient of the Drama Desk and Henry Hewes Design Awards; Union Trustee for United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, IATSE; M.F.A., NYU Tisch School of the Arts and faculty at the University of Maryland’s School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies.
PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES ROB MILBURN & MICHAEL BODEEN Sound Designers
Geffen Playhouse: sound for Ruined, and music and sound for Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins. Broadway: music and sound for Eureka Day, No Man’s Land & Waiting for Godot, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The Miracle Worker, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and The Speed of Darkness; and sound for Purpose, Sweat, The Price, Larry David’s Fish in the Dark, This Is Our Youth, Of Mice and Men, and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, among others. Off-Broadway: music and sound for multiple productions including Guards at the Taj and sound for Head of Passes and Are You Now or Have You Ever Been. They have created music and sound at many of America’s resident theatres (often at Steppenwolf Theatre Company), London’s
Night Of, and more. Off-Broad-
dramaturgy credits include Mia
way, she originated the roles of
Chung’s Catch as Catch Can,
“Shun” and “Shaunta Iyun” in
Peter Shaffer’s Amadeus, Rajiv
the world premieres of Tarell
Joseph’s Mr. Wolf, Suzan-Lori
Alvin McCraney’s The Brother/
Parks’s The Book of Grace, Sam
Sister Play trilogy, “Shanita”
Shepard’s Fool for Love, and
in Dominique Morrisseau’s
both the world premiere and
Skeleton Crew, and “Margie”
Broadway transfer of Branden
in Milk Like Sugar by Kirsten
Jacobs-Jenkins’s Tony Award
Greenidge. Her Broadway wig
and Pulitzer Prize–winning play
design credits include School
Purpose. Previously, Green was
Girls; or, the African Mean Girls
the director of new works for
Play; The Imaginary Invalid;
Goodman Theatre, where his
Cats: The Jellicle Ball; Libera-
dramaturgy credits included
tion; Purpose; Home; The Heart
the world premieres of Chris-
of Rock and Roll; Once Upon
tina Anderson’s How to Catch
a One More Time; Death of a
Creation, Rogelio Martinez’s
Salesman; and more. Upcom-
Blind Date, Charles Smith’s
ing: Warriors (the new Lin-Man-
Objects in the Mirror, and Doug
uel Miranda musical). She has
Wright, Scott Frankel, and
earned the Obie Award, two
Michael Korie’s War Paint, as
Henry Hewes Design Awards,
well as works in development
two Drama Desk Awards, and
by Charise Castro Smith, Oc-
Black Women on Broadway’s
tavio Solis, Abe Koogler, Bess
Kathy A. Perkins Award and
Wohl, Paola Lázaro, and Dave
teaches nationwide.
Harris. Green also served as the artistic director of Sideshow
West End, and at several other
DAV I D B L AC K W E L L Assistant Director
international venues.
Historically became the young-
www.milbomusic.com N I K I YA M AT H I S (she/her) Hair & Wig Designer
Nikiya Mathis made Broadway history as the first wig designer to receive a Special Tony Award for Jaja’s African Hair Braiding by Jocelyn Bioh. A classically trained actress with an M.F.A.
est stage manager on Broadway at age 14, he continued working on numerous shows eventually landing in Los Angeles stage managing and directing multiple treasured TV series. Recently David returned to his roots as associate director on Broadway’s August Wilson’s Joe
Theatre Company in Chicago from 2007-2020. T I F FA N Y N . R O B I N S O N (she/her) Production Stage Manager
This Philly native holds a B.F.A. in Theatre Arts Administration from Howard University. Broadway/Off-Broadway: The Whoopi Monologues (Lincoln Center Theater), CATS: The Jellicle Ball,
Turner’s Come and Gone.
Purpose, Hell’s Kitchen, The
Power Book III: Raising Kanan
J O N AT H A N L . G R E E N Dramaturg
Cher Show, Motown: The Musi-
(Starz), Love Life (HBO),
Jonathan L. Green is the direc-
Motown, Memphis, Dreamgirls.
tor of new play development for
Extreme gratitude to Mom, RG,
Steppenwolf Theatre Com-
and The Collective.
from NYU Tisch School of the Arts, she has recurred in
Snowfall (FX), BrainDead (CBS), and appeared in The Blacklist, Chicago Med, New Amsterdam, Blue Bloods, The
Music Man, MJ the Musical, The cal, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Tours:
pany, where his most recent
G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 1 7
PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES L I SA TO U D I C (she/her) Assistant Stage Manager
CA L L E R I J E N S E N DAV I S Broadway Casting
Play) and the original produc-
Lisa Toudic is honored to return
(James Calleri, Erica Jensen,
to Geffen Playhouse as an
at the Lapin Agile. Broadway
Paul Davis) CJD is a New York
Equity stage manager. Recent
transfers include One Flew Over
based creative casting partner-
credits include Angry, Raucous,
the Cuckoo’s Nest (Tony Award
ship that casts for theatre, tele-
for Best Revival), The Song of
vision, and film. Broadway cred-
Jacob Zulu, and The Rise and
its include: Purpose, Topdog/
Fall of Little Voice.
and Shamelessly Gorgeous, The Reservoir, Noises Off (Geffen Playhouse); A Black-billed Cuckoo (La Jolla Playhouse); A Doll’s House (Two River Theater); Eureka Day (Pasadena Playhouse). Lisa holds a Master’s in Education and a B.A. in Stage Management from the University of Southern California. Originally from France, she brings a love of culture, adaptability, and attention to detail to every production. She is grateful to the Geffen Playhouse and Purpose
Underdog, The Piano Lesson, for colored girls..., Thoughts of a Colored Man, Burn This, Fool for Love, The Elephant Man, Venus in Fur, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Of Mice and Men, A Raisin in the Sun. Select TV credits include: Love Life (HBO Max), Dickinson (Apple TV), The Path (Hulu), Lipstick Jungle (NBC), Monk, Army Wives, Ed, Hope & Faith. Select Film: I Origins,
team for their collaboration and
Another Earth, Heights, Refuge,
care. Endless gratitude to her
The White Countess, The City of
family, friends, mentors, and her
Your Final Destination.
cat Felix for always keeping her
www.callerijensendavis.com
grounded. www.lisatoudic.com J C C L E M E N T Z , C SA (he/him) Chicago Casting
tion of Steve Martin’s Picasso
P H Y L L I S S C H U R I N G A , C SA (she/her) Additional Casting
S T E P P E N WO L F T H E AT R E C O M PA N Y Originating Producer
Steppenwolf Theatre is the nation’s premier ensemble theater with 51 members who are among the top actors, playwrights and directors in the field. Thrilling, powerful, groundbreaking productions— from Balm in Gilead and The Grapes of Wrath to August: Osage County, Downstate, The Brother/Sister Plays, and Purpose—have made this theatre legendary. Founded in 1974 by Terry Kinney, Jeff Perry and Gary Sinise, Steppenwolf’s artistic force remains
Phyllis is an Artistic Associ-
rooted in the original vision
ate and the Casting Director
of its founders: an artist-driv-
Steppenwolf Theatre Company.
for Geffen Playhouse. Recent
en theatre, whose vitality is
Geffen Playhouse: Noises Off.
productions include: Furlough’s
defined by its sharp appetite
Broadway: Bug, Purpose, Little
Paradise, Waiting for Godot,
for bold and innovative work.
Bear Ridge Road, The Minutes,
The Reservoir, The Inheritance:
While grounded in the Chicago
Linda Vista, Pass Over. Step-
Part 1 & Part 2 (Artios Award),
community, more than 40
penwolf highlights include the
Every Brilliant Thing, The Power
world premieres of Downstate
original Steppenwolf produc-
of Sail, Witch, and Barbecue.
(also at National Theatre, UK,
tions have enjoyed success
Before joining the Geffen, she
and Playwrights Horizons,
nationally and internationally,
cast for Steppenwolf Theater
including Broadway, Off-Broad-
Company in Chicago where her
way, London, Sydney, Galway,
favorites include Frank Galati’s
and Dublin. Steppenwolf’s
adaptation of The Grapes of
accolades include the National
Wrath (also La Jolla Playhouse,
Medal of Arts, 14 Tony Awards,
National Theatre in London,
two Pulitzer Prize–winning
and Broadway, where it re-
commissions, and more. Led by
ceived the Tony Award for Best
Artistic Directors Glenn Davis
Director of Casting and Artistic Operations at Chicago’s
Artios Award) and King James (also at Center Theatre Group and Manhattan Theatre Club). JC is also a theater director and a proud member of SDC and the Casting Society. www.jcclementz.com
1 8 P L AY B I L L
PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES and Audrey Francis, Executive
McCraney is the recipient of a
theater, film and television.
Director E. Brooke Flanagan,
MacArthur Fellowship “Genius
His theater credits include the
and Board of Trustees Chair
Grant,” the Joyce Award, the
award-winning Names (Matrix
Keating Crown—Steppenwolf
Whiting Award, the Steinberg
Theatre Company) and Three
has, and continues to redefine
Playwright Award, the Evening
Sisters and David Mamet’s
the landscape of acting and
Standard Theatre Award, the
A Life in the Theatre (both at
performance.
New York Times Outstanding
Syracuse Stage). Cates’ film
Playwright Award, the Paula
credits include The Surface
Vogel Playwriting Award, the
(starring Sean Astin and Gef-
Windham Campbell Prize, and
fen Playhouse alumnus Chris
a USA Fellowship Award. He is
Mulkey), Jobs (starring Ashton
a lecturer at the UCLA School
Kutcher, Josh Gad, Dermot
of Theater, Film, and Televi-
Mulroney, as well as Geffen
sion; an associate artist at the
Playhouse alumni Matthew
Royal Shakespeare Company,
Modine and Ron Eldard) and
TA R E L L A LV I N M c C R A N E Y
UK; an ensemble member at
the 2011 feature film Lucky
(he/him) Artistic Director
Steppenwolf Theatre Company,
(starring Colin Hanks, Ari
Chicago; and a member of Teo
Graynor and Ann-Margret). In
Tarell Alvin McCraney is Artis-
Castellanos/D-Projects, Miami.
addition, Cates co-produced
tic Director of Geffen Play-
and co-directed the critically
house. His script In Moonlight
acclaimed Life After Tomorrow,
Black Boys Look Blue is the
featuring Sarah Jessica Parker,
basis for the Oscar–winning
which premiered on Showtime.
film Moonlight directed by Bar-
His other films include Deal
ry Jenkins, for which McCraney
(starring Burt Reynolds, Bret
and Jenkins won an Oscar
Harrison and Charles Durning)
for Best Adapted Screenplay. McCraney created the critically
and The Mesmerist (starring Jessica Capshaw and Geffen
acclaimed, Peabody Award–
G I L CAT E S, J R . Executive Director / CEO
winning OWN: Oprah Winfrey
Gil Cates, Jr. is Executive
rick Harris). Cates’ television
Network drama David Makes
Director / CEO of Geffen
directorial debut was an epi-
Man, which was executive
Playhouse. In this role, he is
sode of the NBC comedy Joey,
produced by Michael B. Jordan
responsible for managing the
starring Emmy winner Matt
and Oprah Winfrey. McCraney
Geffen’s day-to-day operations;
LeBlanc. He recently directed
also wrote the film High Flying
developing new, ongoing the-
Displaced, a documentary
Bird which premiered on Netflix
ater partnerships and leading
short chronicling the journey of
and was directed by Steven
its mission to inform, entertain
one of the first refugee families
Soderbergh. McCraney’s plays
and inspire diverse audienc-
to flee Ukraine and arrive in
include We Are Gathered, Ms.
es with live theater of the
the U.S. after escaping the
Blakk For President (co-writ-
highest caliber. Prior to being
Russian invasion. He studied at
ten with Tina Landau), The
named Executive Director in
the National Theatre Institute
Brother/Sister Plays trilogy,
2015, Cates served as Geffen
in Waterford, Connecticut, and
Head of Passes, Wig Out!, and
Playhouse Board Vice Chair-
holds a B.F.A. in Drama from
Choir Boy, which was nomi-
man since 2012 and served
Syracuse University.
nated for four Tony Awards.
as a producer and director in
Playhouse alumnus Neil Pat-
G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 1 9
GEFFEN AT A GLANCE CONTACT Geffen Playhouse 10886 Le Conte Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90024 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
310.208.6500 Monday–Friday, 10:00am–6:00pm AUDIENCE SERVICES
THE NEW PLAY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Supporting artists is central to the mission of the Geffen Playhouse, and play commissions are a cornerstone of that support. To commission a playwright to write a play means making a commitment to their voice, craft, and vision, with the hope of sharing the fruits of their work on our stage.
310.208.2028 Tuesday–Sunday, 12:00pm–6:00pm
We are proud to have the following artists under commission:
Please visit geffenplayhouse.org for hours, parking and more information.
LUIS ALFARO
JIEHAE PARK
MICHAEL GOLAMCO
BOX OFFICE WINDOW
NAZARETH HASSAN
SARA PORKALOB & BRIAN QUIJADA
Tuesday–Sunday, 12:00pm–6:00pm, as well as on performance days up until 15 minutes after curtain.
MEGHAN KENNEDY
Please note: the box office window is unable to process exchanges or future sales one hour prior to curtain time on performance days.
ACCESSIBILITY Geffen Playhouse is fully committed to providing access to patrons with mobility, visual and hearing impairments. Parking spaces directly outside the theater are zoned for drop off and pick up, as well as disabled parking spots for patrons with appropriate placards and plates. For more information, visit geffenplayhouse.org/access or call Audience Services.
LATE SEATING Should you arrive late to the theater or vacate your seat during the performance, please expect to be held in the lobby until an appropriate pause in the action on stage. Some productions or circumstances may not allow for late or return seating. To minimize disturbances to other patrons, you may be seated in the first available location by the house staff even if it is different from your assigned seat.
BETH HYLAND MATTHEW LÓPEZ MARTYNA MAJOK
Co-Commission with Atlantic Theater Company
QUI NGUYEN
Co-Commission with Manhattan Theatre Club
STACY OSEI-KUFFOUR
ESPERANZA ROSALES BALCÁRCEL JEN SILVERMAN N’YOMI ALLURE STEWART Co-Commission with New York Theatre Workshop, supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation
YORK WALKER DAVID WIENER LAUREN YEE
For more information on this program, please visit geffenplayhouse.org/newplays.
THE WRITERS’ ROOM A group for Los Angeles-based playwrights, The Writers’ Room is a product of the Geffen’s deep commitment to supporting new plays and specifically to fostering bold, relevant work by the vibrant artistic community of this city. During this sixteen-month residency, playwright members gather monthly at the Geffen to share their work and receive feedback from their peers and the Geffen’s artistic staff,
NO PHOTOGRAPHY
culminating in a play reading series.
There is no photography or filming of any kind allowed during the performance. Please turn off all electronic devices, including cell phones.
We are proud to have the following artists in the 2026/2027
UCLA SCHOOL OF THEATER, FILM AND TELEVISION Geffen Playhouse is affiliated with the University of California at Los Angeles, specifically the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. Geffen Playhouse values its role as an important educational resource by providing students with master classes, workshops and internships. Students are also able to work and learn from distinguished visiting Geffen artists in areas of directing, playwriting, acting, design, dramaturgy, management and production. Geffen Playhouse also draws upon the distinguished experts in the university to enhance the theater’s programs and research.
2 0 P L AY B I L L
Writers’ Room: CAMILO ALMONACID
LILY ABHA CRATSLEY
JUNE CARRYL
HANNAH KENAH
PRESTON CHOI
NICO PANG
The Writers’ Room is made possible through the generous support of the William Randolph Hearst Foundation. For more information on this program, please visit geffenplayhouse.org/thewritersroom.
EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Y R O T S Y M “ H T R O IS W G.” N I L L TE HOOL IGH SC 2026 H RTICIPANT , T N E D AM PA E STU GRAD PROGR —11TH ERSHIP PARTN
FREE 5-DAY WRITING & PERFORMANCE RESIDENCIES FOR LAUSD HIGH SCHOOL CLASSROOMS Everyone has a story worth telling. Through Geffen Playhouse’s High School Partnership Program, students discover the power of their own stories and voices. Geffen Playhouse Teaching Artists bring the arts into your classroom through FREE five-day writing and performance residencies. Students can explore personal monologue writing, character creation, scene study, or improvisation. Workshops support the California Arts Standards for High School Theatre: Creating, Performing, Responding, and Connecting. Give students a space to explore the stories only they can tell.
——— The High School Partnership Program is made possible, in part, by grants from Dwight Stuart Youth Fund, The Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation, Mara W. Breech Foundation, and The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation.
TO SCHEDULE A CLASSROOM RESIDENCY EMAIL
education@geffenplayhouse.org
ANNUAL DONORS Geffen Playhouse recognizes the following individuals and organizations for their generous support of our Annual Fund. Donors are listed at the Partner’s Circle level and higher for gifts made between August 1, 2025 and September 30, 2026. A full listing of our supporters can be found at geffenplayhouse.org/thankyou. † Geffen Playhouse Board of Directors
^ Geffen Playhouse Founding Trustees
* Backstage at the Geffen 2026 Donors
In appreciation, Annual Fund donors enjoy a host of special benefits including concierge ticketing services, complimentary drinks, receptions, and much more. For more information, please call Anika Waco at 310.208.6500 ext. 195. PREMIERE CIRCLE $100,000+
Anonymous (2) The Adi† and Jerry Greenberg Foundation* William Randolph Hearst Foundation Mellon Foundation Linda Bernstein Rubin† & Tony Rubin* Jayne Baron Sherman Shubert Foundation The Simms/Mann Family Foundation^ The Fran and Ray Stark Foundation Steward Family Foundation Jodi & Howard† Tenenbaum Miranda† & Brett Tollman* UCLA UCLA Health* Kevyn Wynn
INNOVATOR CIRCLE
$50,000 – $99,999 Anonymous* Kate Capshaw & Steven Spielberg* Dwight Stuart Youth Fund Edgerton Foundation Louise & Dr. Brad† Edgerton* Dr. & Mrs. Paul Eisenberg Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman, Inc.* K Period Media Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation Holly Rice† & Vince Gilligan*
PRODUCER’S CIRCLE $25,000 – $49,999
Berlanti Family Foundation* The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation Allen Blue & Kira Snyder Capital Group* Bob & Jeanne Coughlin Fund at The Greater Cincinnati Foundation City National Bank Bob & Diana Friedman 2 2 P L AY B I L L
Carol & Paul Frimmer FX* The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation Patricia Glaser† & Sam Mudie* Martha Henderson Cindy & Alan Horn* Stanley Iezman & Nancy Stark Robert Iger & Willow Bay* Marcia Israel-Curley Foundation^ David Lee Foundation Paramount* Peter J. Rice & Megan Haller Judith & Bruce Stern Shel & Cynthia Stone Steve Tisch* Wolfen Family Foundation
John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Carla Malden† & Norman Beil* Cookie Miller Soundis & Danny† Passman Cheryl Petersen & Roger Lustberg Yvonne Randle Thomas L. Safran Richard† & Barbara Sherman* The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust Deborah Tavlin Waterman and Glicksteen Families Aurora & Marc† Weinstock Marcia E. Williams & Gene Lucero Robert Wilson, Jr. / Select Equity Group Foundation
PLAYWRIGHTS’S CIRCLE
CREATOR’S CIRCLE
$10,000 – $24,999
$5,000 – $9,999
Anonymous Jenna Blake Claudia & Kevin Bright* Katherine Brown & Rene Mendoza Jay Butterfield & Susan Ewert California Arts Council Cast Iron Entertainment City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs Mary Ann Cloyd† Ellyce R. Cooper† & Barry Cohen / Sidley Austin LLP Steve & Cherie Crowe Bonnie E. Eskenazi† & Greenberg Glusker LLP* Lisa Field, Field Family Foundation Robyn Field & Anthony O’Carroll Susan & Mark† Fleischer Amy Forbes & Andrew Murr* Carla Gardini* J. Paul Getty Trust* Sue & Steve Glusker In Memory of Morris A. Hazan Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation David & Martha Kadue Julie & David Kavner Laura† & Jarred Kennedy* Karen & Walter Loewenstern*
Eva Aaronson—In Memory of Bucky Hazan* Laura & Harvey Alpert Margaret Campbell Arvey and The Arvey Foundation Jennifer Augustyn & Ali Meghdadi Behavior Education Consulting Center* Shelly & Libby Bergen Laurie Bernhard Susan Bloch-Kay & Stephen Kay Dr. Adrienne Brandriss Breslauer, Rutman & Anderson Inc* Robert Brook & Jacqueline Kosecoff Dr. Fanya Carter, Ph.D. Marcy Carsey* Steven Cerasale & Mary Katherine Cocharo Donna & Steven Chisolm The Christal Family Cindy Clark Ginger Conrad In Loving Memory of Ed Cypert Marisa & Adam Davis Dr. Joan Denson & Dr. Victoria Berck Mary Jo & Caleb Deschanel Anne Dougherty & David Dobrikin Barbara & Ed Dreyfus Dr. & Mrs. William M. Duxler
ANNUAL DONORS Fielding Edlow Julia & Behdad Eghbali In Memory of Lucas Simon Foster Lynn T. Franklin Sonia & Robert Freedman and Family Steve Freedman & Helen Sideris G2 Graphic Service, Inc. Dr. Cara Gardenswartz & David Melnick Fariba Ghaffari Manuela & James Goren* Ethel Greenbush Roni & David Greenwalt* Jill Grey Marc & Erica Hankin Phyllis Horning & Larry Shafritz Monique & Jonathan Kagan Ken & Judy Kamins* Mannon Kaplan Glorya Kaufman^ Kelton Fund Leslie King & Robert Welther Ann & Jonathan Kirsch Willette Klausner* Kling Family Foundation / Allen & Jessica Kling* Norman Koplof & Leslie Falick Karen Krull Lyn Kupferman* Stephen & Cori Lable Lena & Mark Labowe Jason & Yvonne Lee Rena & Craig Leeds Daniel & Michelle Levin* Tania Lotia & Tamar Tokat Laura Maslon Mara W. Breech Foundation Dale S. Miller Dan & Margie Mintz Olympus Theatricals* Carol & Bill Ouchi Ralph Page & Patty Lesh Carolyn A. Poer & John M. Poer Richard Rasiej & Joan Herman Bill Resnick Joyce Rey Carol Risher Jane Rissman & Richard Sondheimer* Susan Rogers The Rosenthal Family Foundation* The Ross Family Cooper Roth Dinah C. Ruch & Bill Birdsall David A. & Karen Richards Sachs Nancy & Ted Sanborn Stephen Sass & Steven Hochstadt Chris T. Schmidt* Amy & Andy Schwartz Dr. John Shustitzky & Rev. Dr. Christine Chakoian Marcia & Robert Shuwarger Joan Snyder Jane S. Strauss Anne C. Taubman
William & Karen Timberlake Daniel & Shauna Valenzuela Kathryn & Alan Van Vliet Julie & Peter Weil* Joanne & Ken Weinman Cathy Siegel Weiss & Ken Weiss* Gelena & Seth Weissman Alison Whalen & Steve Marenberg Susan & Dan White Lisa Yen & Tom Bajoras Arnold & Tricia Zane
DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE $2,500 – $4,999
Anonymous Jan & David Altemus Aversa Foundation Robert E. & Maria H. Barron Marsha & Philip Bartenetti Madelyn Bennett & Eric Gibson Paula Brand Amanda Brown & Justin Chang— In Honor of Adi Greenberg Diana Buckhantz and the Vladimir and Araxia Buckhantz Foundation Joanne Cohen Comcast NBCUniversal* Culture Machine Jeff Eckerle & Marilyn Osborn Kathryn Falberg & Monique Predovich Lucy Farber & Jim Bright In Honor of Frank & Betty Fouce Dennis & Jackie Fox Deborah A Gero Richard & Lori Goldman In Memory of Jane F. Hall Barbara Herman Jack Hileman & Roxanne Huddleston Rand Hoffman & Charlotte Robinson Paula Holt / LA New Play Project Lynn Hunt & Margaret Jacob Dr. Phyllis H. Klein Katherine Kleindienst & Marc Goldsmith Carl Levinger & Karen Siscoe Dr. Kristen Melnyk Thaine & Elizabeth Morris Lon Morse & Toni Hollander Morse Susan Oka Chris D. Olsen & Pierre Ouillet Tina Perry & Ric Whitney* Joyce & Harvey Reichard Barbara Silberbusch* Nancy & Bruce Silverman Snyder Family Foundation Kirk & Mei-lan Stark Andrew Stearn Eric Strom & Eileen Goodis Leslie White
DESIGNER’S CIRCLE $1,000 – $2,499
Anonymous (3) Bonnie & Bill Apfelbaum
William Baker Randy & Michael Bayard Paula & Bruce Bennett Wendy & John Bergquist Joe Blackstone & Jamie Mohn Mrs. Carol K. Block & Dr. Gene D. Block* Tatiana & Oleg Butenko Gil Cates, Jr* Dan Clivner—In Honor of His Colleague Ellyce Cooper Tim Curtis & Shandon Youngclaus Steven & Linda Darling Drs. Davis & Nitzberg Phil Davis Sherise Dorf & Avi Kamienny Jacki & Murray Drechsler Colleen M. Ellis Terri & David Elston David & Joyce Evans Bill Fagerbakke Terry Feuerborn & Connie Whitley Paula Fins Susan Nahley Fleishman†* Anita Dann Friedman & Harvey Friedman Catherine A. Froloff Ellie Goodman In Honor of Adi Greenberg* Allen Grogan Marcy Gross* Richard Hart Scott Hartle— In Memory of Esther Hartle Erik & Christine Helmstetter Jackson Henry Michael & Candie Herman Jean Himmelstein Dr. John D. Hofbauer & Dr. Laura E. Fox Ashley & Scott Hunter David Israeli & Dr. Marie Mazzone Gary T. Izumi Victoria Jackson & Bill Guthy Nancy Jacoby Louis Kempinsky & Corrinne Mann Kempinsky Sharon Kerson Dr. Leonard & Stella S. Kleinrock Delores Komar & Susan Wolford Trice Koopman & Mark Freund Robin & Neil Kramer— In Honor of Harold Brown* Eric Kranzler Thomas Kren & Bruce Robertson Christo & Jeanne Lavagnino Trulee Lee Lawrin & Linda Lewin Carol Lifland & Daniel Giesberg Cathleen Fitzpatrick Linder Judith Locke Fran & David Loew Wendie Malick Susan & Peter Mallory Rand Marlis G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 2 3
ANNUAL DONORS Barbara Marshall Kathy & Jim McCaffery S. McQueen & D. Whalen Anne & Ronald Mellor Norma & Larry Meyers Hillary & Lance Milken Andrew & Laura Mintzer Thomas W. Mitchell Hope & Mitchell Mulbarger In Memory of Elliott Myron Mark & Diane Neubauer Deborah & Stacey Olliff Ornest Family Foundation Regina Pally & James Korb Shana & Don Passman* Phil & Agnes Peters Ruth Shamir Popkin Clark & Kathryn Porter Madeline & Bruce^ Ramer* Lise Ransdell & Eric Augusztiny Jeffrey S. Rapp & Neil S. Silverman Judith Reichman, M.D.* Pamela Robinson Dolores Rogers Allison & Bennett Rosenthal Linda Sandrich Cliff & Linda Schaffer Gary & Karen Schneider Susan Schwarz Tina & John Scott Sylvan & Sandra Seidenman Jeanette Seyranian John Shaw Janne Shirley Brian Siberell Ron Silverman & Soraya Ross Marinette & Ken Simon Sofia Rose Smith & Sammy Lyon Diana & Steve Strandberg Mr. & Mrs. David Tann William G. Tierney & Barry H. Weiss Linda & Rich Turco Catherine & Leonard Unger Julia Wackenheim Judith Leslie Waxman & Leo Stytle Alexx Wells Westmount Asset Management Cherie Wrigley Richard Yaffe
PARTNER’S CIRCLE $500 – $999
Anonymous (5) Sam Abney & Owen Jessup* Toshka & Norman Abrams 24 P L AY B I L L
Linda Adams & Ken Larson Robert C. Anderson Elizabeth & Marc Axelrod John & Julia Badham Jean & David Bishop In Memory of Janet & William Birnkrant Frances & Thomas Booth Doug & Arlene Braun Diane Chernansky George Clardy & Christine Gregory Philip & Phyllis Colman Nessa Cooper Shelly D. Dr. Van Anh & Nariman Dastur Bert Deixler Kristin Diehl Curt Dittman Linda Dozier Jan & Thea Drayer Tanesha Duncan Joan & Jerry Elledge Melba Farquhar Jean Firstenberg Geralyn Flood Burt & Nanette Forester Bruce Fortune & Elodie Keene Elaine & Larry Friedman Howard J. Fulfrost Olga Garay-English Gordon Gerson Francine Golden & Marvin Schlossman Ronald Goldman Debra Graham Akilah Green Eve Haberfield & David N. Johnson Roberta L. Haft Jeff & Betty Haller Cynthia & Jason Harlem Barbara Eve Harris Gayla Kraetsch Hartsough & Jeffrey Hartsough Alison & Derek Havel Winifred C. Hervey Dr. Shelley Hill Paul & Sue Hoffman Adam Hunter Howard Drs. Sharon & Lou Ignarro Brent & Juanita Jennings* Ed Jones & Ellen Perlmutter Stephen A. Jones & Victoria A. Walker Peter & Cinthia Joyce Leana Kleinman & Jerald Johnson Kerry Korf Eunice Kramer & Steve Bennetts Barbara Kroll & Ruth Spielman
Deborah Lacusta & Daniel Castellaneta Laurence H. Lang, III & Jalyn Lang John & Sandra Langfitt Rhonda K. Lawrence Nancy & Michael Leb Gina Maria Leonetti Marla E. Levine Renee Lonner Milli Low Sonia Machado-Hines & Terence Hines Natalie Mahdesian Deborah Marsten Liz Martin Douglas McAvoy, Jr. Diane McCaustland Maura McDonald Cynthia Melville In Memory of Gregory Millar Leslie Mitchner John Moschitta Steve Mueller Lawrence Murphy Andrea & Patrick Murray Jonathan B. Murray & Harvey Reese Bonnie Nash & Donald Wing David Neilan Sarah P. Nelson Louise Olin Marty & Jamie Ordman Carol Parry & John Fox Gavin Perdue Carol F. Phillips & Robert Shapiro Norman & Beverly Pine Gary & Gail Rachelefsky Gloria & Michael Rausch Roger Recupero & Kyle Gehrmann Brad & Nancy Rosenberg Margaret Rosenthal Bennett & Val Roth Dr. Robin Roy & Ms. Catherine Zoi David Ryan Lionel Sanders Jayne Santino Carole & Michael Scheinberg Marilyn Schmitter Joel & Sonia Schneider Nancy & Steven Schneider John Schunhoff Susan & Peter Schwab Marc Seltzer Susanne & Marty Shallon Brandon Sharp* Marlene Sklar & Joel Moskowitz Barbara Smith Karen Smits Glenn & Linda Solomon
M.L. Sterns Frances & Sy Strasberg Sarah Sturdivant* Andrea & Jay Swerdlow Joanne Takahashi The Tatasciore Family Judith Taylor David & Cathy Thomas Brigitta Troy Barbara Tuchi Shirah & Jim Vollmer Barry J. Ward David & Rita Wells Rae Jeane Williams Michelle & Steven Windmueller
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE
The Chairman’s Circle acknowledges the historical contributions of the following individuals, whose support of Geffen Playhouse made the original vision of our founder, Gil Cates, Sr., possible: Anonymous Annenberg Foundation Mrs. Carol K. Block & Chancellor Gene D. Block† City National Bank Kirsten^ & Donald Combs Marcia Israel-Curley & Jim Curley Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman, Inc. The David Geffen Foundation Herbert M.^ & Beverly J. Gelfand Rabbi Uri D. Herscher & Dr. Myrna Herscher Audrey & Charles Kenis Lincy Foundation Fay & Frank^ Mancuso Tina & Jerry^ Moss / The Moss Foundation Perenchio Foundation The Shubert Foundation The Simms/Mann Family Foundation Skirball Foundation University of California, Los Angeles Wasserman Foundation Judy & Chancellor Charles^ E. Young If your name has been misspelled or omitted from the list in error, please contact Anika Waco, Donor Relations Manager at 310.208.6500 ext. 195.
Tarell Alvin McCraney
Gil Cates, Jr.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR / CEO
ARTISTIC Amy Levinson Associate Artistic Director Daniel Ionazzi Producer Phyllis Schuringa Artistic Associate / Casting Director Bella Luna Company Manager Olivia O’Connor Literary Manager & Dramaturg Lexy McAvinchey Associate Producer Dionn Richardson Assistant to the Artistic Director
PRODUCTION Matt Sweeney Director of Production
Jake Jones, Chloe Shi Staff Accountants
Jacob Feller, Jon-Paul Schaut Box Office Managers
Clay Dzygun Office Coordinator
Grace Allen, Tyler DeLoatch, Peyton Fleming, Miranda Heath, Gabrielle Johnsen, Jeffrey Limoncelli, Kayla Page Box Office Staff
Marlon Campos General Management Associate
DEVELOPMENT
Sam Abney Director of Development & Strategic Growth Elizabeth Kegley Director of Institutional Giving Cody Metzger Advancement & Creative Partnerships Anika Waco Donor Relations Manager Rachel Jacoby Data Management Coordinator
Liz Brohm Hanrahan Associate Production Manager / Resident Production Stage Manager
EDUCATION
Melissa Hartman Technical Director
Mark J. Chaitin Manager of Education & Community Engagement
Philip Rossi Lead Scenic Carpenter Greg Mueller Stage Operator Rick Gilles Properties Master Jenna Scordino Assistant Properties Master Sarah Lindsley Costume Shop Supervisor Michayla Van Treeck Costume Shop Coordinator Spencer Doughtie Lighting & Projection Supervisor Jesus Cambero-Elias Assistant Lighting Supervisor James Grabowski House Sound Supervisor
Brian Allman Director of Education & Community Engagement
Aja Houston Education & Community Engagement Associate / Lead Teaching Artist Sean Michael Boozer, Paris Crayton III, Tanya Everett, Margot Fitzsimmons, Erròn Jay, Tiffany Oglesby, Marta Portillo, Tara Ricasa, Ashley Denise Robinson, Gerry Tonella Teaching Artists
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Patrick Brown Director of Marketing Zenon Dmytryk Director of Communications
Bob Gilmartin Resident A1
Karen Gutierrez Director of Advertising & Audience Development
ADMINISTRATION
Brian Dunning Director of Content & Creative
Sarah Sturdivant Chief Financial Officer Erick R. López General Manager
Zack Hamra Director of Audience Services & Ticketing
Berenice Campos Director of Human Resources
Isaak Berliner Social Media & Communications Manager
Janice Gompers Payroll Manager & HR Admin
Alyssa Tyson Audience Services Manager
Theater Direct Outbound Sales
OPERATIONS Jeni Pearsons Director of Operations Mel Yonzon Front of House Manager Amy Farkas Lead Concierge Rob Mersola Event Manager Sarah Chute, Anya Pryjmak Part Time House Managers Vanessa Bradchulis, Tiffany La Barbera, Jonathan McGill, Karl Perry, Carsen Schroeder Guest Services Savanna Chute, Ryan Foreman, Stephen Johnson, Dylan La Rocque, Shannon Noel, Alex Otto Concessions Emma Cort, Lauren Curet, Enzo De Cunto, Sydney Fleischman, Alejandro Hernandez, Ava Kitt, James Lambert-Solano, Jalen McKoy, Austin Merrill, Luvina Navarro, Elena Scaringe-Peene, Cody Smith, Myles Williams Ushers
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Abdelkrim Bouzzit Cloud System Administrator Dream Warrior Group System Administrator
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Art Guillen Facilities Manager Felipe Ayala, Juan Santillan Building Maintenance Mario Santillan Custodial Lead Juan Carlos Umaña, Camerina Martinez Cleaning Custodial G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 2 5