TO

The Commu n i t y

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A report on the impact of your generosity on the children,

youth, adults, schools, and communities served through the

Geffen Playhouse’s Education & Outreach Programs (2012-2013).

From all of us who love and treasure this organization and the people we serve, our profound gratitude to you.

Photo: Jeff Lorch

Dea r Sup p o r ter of the Geffe n P l ay h o u se ,We have assembled this report for you to capture how yourgenerosity to the Geffen Playhouse this past year translated intosolid new levels of hope, achievement, connection, and couragefor the most disadvantaged and disenfranchised of Los Angeles.

We could fill the Rose Bowl with the letters of gratitude we received from those who were able to be part of the Geffen because of your philanthropy, your compassion and your investment in their lives.

Some of the testimonials you won’t believe. How often does ateenager (or anyone) say, “I want to do this (work) all day long!”when referring to deconstructing a play and writing, or “The onlything you could do to improve this program is offer more food”(after a year-long, highly demanding and rigorous program)?

To add to the testimonials that follow, I offer my own here. I havebeen a part of the Geffen for over seven years. This last year wasby far the year of which I am most proud, not only in the artisticexcellence that was achieved on stage, including the tremendoussuccess of our new Spotlight Series, but also in the excellence inthe quality, depth and outcomes of our Education Programs.

We questioned the long-held assumption that the number onepriority was to “expose as many children and adults as possible tolive theater.” Instead, we forced ourselves to have the disciplineand focus to work towards a higher purpose – to bring lasting,distinctive impact to the people served – even if it meant servingless children and adults overall. We have spent the year building a

team of outstanding experts in the fields of education, literacy,arts integration, and more who have helped us develop state-of-the-art, high quality programming that responds to urgent humanneeds, changes lives, builds futures, and improves the quality andjoy of life for all of us.

I am especially proud of the new Mendez Project, the two newtraining institutes for teachers and teaching artists that were developed in collaboration with the UCLA Graduate School of Education, and the growing partnership we have with the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools to work together to bringnew levels of support and achievement to LA’s most profoundlydisadvantaged schools and students.

In signing this, my seventh and final education report as BoardChair, I want to thank you for everything you have given to investin the Geffen’s Education Programs and the lives of children andadults we serve. I thank my fellow Board Members for their commitment not only to our work on stage but also to the critical,one-of-a-kind and powerful work we do in the community. I thank our incredible staff that goes above and beyond (365 daysa year), and to all of the outstanding teachers, principals, teachingartists, and other artists who work so hard with our staff to makeour theater as responsive, relevant, and impactful as possible. I also invite you to join me in welcoming Martha Henderson and Pamela Robinson Hollander as the new Board Co-Chairs.

With gratitude and warm regards,

Frank Mancuso, Chairman Emeritus, Geffen Playhouse

Tab le of Co n ten t s

Your impact on YOUNG CHILDREN, TEACHERS & SCHOOLS 5

Your impact on YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS 29

Your impact on BRINGING A NEW PROGRAM TO LIFE: THE MENDEZ PROJECT 47

Your impact on UCLA COLLEGE STUDENTS 83

Your impact on VETERANS 91

Your impact on ADULTS & SENIORS 103

Artists you brought into the lives of the 15,000 children, youth and adults served 113

Gratitude from the Geffen Playhouse Board and Advisory Board 118

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YOuR iMPACT OnYOunG ChildREn

served through the Geffen PlayhouseStory Pirates Residency Program for Title 1 Elementary Schools

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Photo: Jeff Lorch

F o R T h e M o S T u n D e R S e R v e D C h i l D R e n o F l o S a n G e l e S , a y e a R - R o u n D C l a S S R o o M P R o G R a M

T h a T j u M P S T a R T S T h e i R a b i l i T y T o T h i n k , w R i T e & a C h i e v e

30+ educators — entrepreneurial and open to new methods for engaging students in learning how to write.

81 actors — highly-talented, expertly-trained, passionate about helping disadvantaged youth uncover the joy of creativity and writing.

Year-long residencies that build on learning, immerse students in writing, infuse them with encouragement and

reinforcement in writing, challenge their imaginations and more.

One-of-a-kind curriculum developed by literacy experts and masters in creative teaching and student-centered learning.

Performances of students’ stories in front of the whole school to celebrate and showcase the writing

and creativity of the children like nothing else can.

3rd & 5th graders attending Title 1 Schools whose achievements in creativity and writing help propel them for life.

Quality classroom time with the Story Pirates who dramatically demonstrate writing concepts that engage even the most reluctant and struggling students.

Workshops for parents in which they learn techniques that can be used at home to support their children’s writing.

Professional development for teachers who want practice in implementing Story Pirates’ techniques.

ab o u t t he Geffe n P lay h o u se St o ry P i r a te s Res i dency Pr og ram :

Geffe n P l ay h o us e St o r y P i r ate s Res i de ncy P rog ra m - 7

The magic of the Story Pirates and their ability to engage students

and cultivate a passion for writing is undeniable.

5th Grade Teacher, Toluca Lake Elementary

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”Feedback from Teachers:

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Students began to write because they wanted to,

not just because they had to. 5th Grade Teacher, Toluca Lake Elementary ”“

Geffe n P l ay h o us e St o r y P i ra te s Re s i de ncy Pr og ra m - 9

Photos: Jeff Lorch

Student interest in writing

skyrocketed when the

Geffen Playhouse Story Pirates came to my classroom.

5th Grade Teacher

Toluca Lake Elementary

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Photos: Jeff Lorch

Struggling students began to use writing as a means to express their thoughts

for the first time in their lives. 5th Grade Teacher, Toluca Lake Elementary

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Before this program, one of my students often told me, “I hate writing.” He was below grade level in writing and getting him to write was like pulling teeth.

After the Story Pirates’ first week with us, I was shocked when he told me, ‘I love writing now. I want to write more.’

When I looked at his superhero story, he wrote more than he had everwritten and with a strongly creative plot line. Throughout the year, he worked hard on his writing, and

by the year’s end, he was above grade level in writing.

Without this program, this improvement would not have happened.

5th Grade Teacher, Toluca Lake Elementary

YOuR iMPACT On YOunG ChildREn

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Photo: Jeff Lorch

The Geffen Playhouse Story Pirates Program broke barriers of students’ inhibitions

to express themselves through oral language and written language in a creative manner. Story Pirates

were successful in encouraging all students, even English Language Learners and those with Special Needs, to participate. They were accepting of all students’ contributions in a positive way.

For example, I observed one particular student with special needs in the areas of writing and severe behavior/focus issues becomehighly motivated and engaged in all activities.

He was readily participating, contributing his thoughts and ideas and seemed

pleased with the acceptance and positive feedback.

3rd Grade Teacher, Nora Sterry Elementary

YOuR iMPACT On YOunG ChildREn

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Photo: Jeff Lorch

YOuR iMPACT On TEAChERS

Just as significant as increasing mystudents’ love and excitement forwriting, I feel like this programtaught me how to teach writing.

I have been teaching writing for 13years, but writing is my big instructional weakness. I learnedhow to stir up my students’ creativity, structure their writing,and make writing fun.

I will take what I learned aboutwriting from thisprogram for the rest of myteaching career.

Dr. Elizabeth Martinez 3rd Grade TeacherLorena Street Elementary

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Photo: Jeff Lorch

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“The Story Pirates inspireme to be a better teacher.

They make me want to work harderto integrate writing throughout thecurriculum. I find myself searching for new opportunities to make meaningful connections withstudents that will encourage them to write.

In addition, I find myself more aware of how I interact with students inregard to their writing.

In particular, I try harder now to put forth a positive,enthusiastic attitude towards writing projects ...

to make it fun for them rather thanintimidating.

5th Grade Teacher, Toluca Lake Elementary

Geffen P l a yh o u se St o ry P i r at es Re s i d ency P ro gr am - 17

I have always struggled with teaching the revision and editing aspects of thewriting process, but now I have techniques that make it easy for mystudents to apply to their writing.

No longer do my students say, ‘I'm done’ after writing their rough drafts. They now understand that there are more phases that need to be incorporated before their final draft is completed.

3rd Grade Teacher, Rockdale Elementary ”“

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YOuR iMPACT On TEAChERS

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The Geffen Playhouse Story Pirates Program is a brilliant program that gets our kids thinking aboutthemselves as successful creative thinkers and writers in a whole new way. Your

in-school programming invigorates our students, and models for teachers vivid examples of effective arts integration in the classrooms.

3rd Grade Teacher, Lorena Street Elementary

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”This program keeps me motivated as a teacher. It engages

me in the learning process. I forget for a minute that students struggle with reading and witnessclassroom transformation even if only for an hour.

3rd Grade Teacher, Lorena Street Elementary ”“

Geffen P l a yh o u se St o ry P i r at es Re s i d ency P ro gr am

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Photos: Jeff Lorch

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Photo: Jeff Lorch

This program has not only had significant impact on the individual students who have participated, but

it has actually changed our school culture. When the Story Pirates

set foot on campus, everyone knows who they are. Students gravitate towards them and are eager for the writing work in the classrooms to begin.

I’ve never seen a program captivate students like this in my 20+ years in education. And students are now sharing that enthusiasm for

the Story Pirates and for writing at home with their parents. It’s incredibly inspiring to see the workbeing carried over from the classroom to the home, which is critical for the students’ success.

Having the Geffen Playhouse Story Pirates here for the full year-long residency program has positively changed

the lives of our students, teachers and parents in long-term ways . . . ways which we couldnever have imagined.Freida SmithPrincipal, Nora Sterry Elementary

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“YOuR iMPACT On EnTiRE SChOOlS

Geffen P l a yh o u se St o ry P i r at es Re s i d ency P ro gr am - 2 1

iMPACT idEnTiFiEd bY PAREnTS

Geffen P l a yh o u se St o ry P i r at es Re s i d ency P ro gr am

Geffen P l a yh o u se St o ry P i r at es Re s i d ency P ro gr am 2 2 - Geffen P l ay h o u se St o ry P i r ate s Res i de ncy P rog ra m

Photos: Jeff Lorch

95% of parents indicated that they observed an increase in their child’s interest in writing.

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Photos: Jeff Lorch

Geffen P l a yh o u se St o ry P i r at es Re s i d ency P ro gr am

Geffen P l a yh o u se St o ry P i r at es Re s i d ency P ro gr am

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Photos: Jeff Lorch

95% of parents indicated that since the program

began they’ve observed an increase in their child’s interest in school overall.

Geffe n P l a yh o u se S t o r y P i r at es Re s i dency P r ogr am Geffe n P l ay h o us e S t o r y P i ra te s Re s i de nc y Pr og ra m - 25

96% of parents reported that they learned activities related to writing that they will do with their child at homeand reported they would practice using vocabulary words at home as well.

Geffen P l a yh o u se St o ry P i r at es Re s i d ency P ro gr am

Geffen P l a yh o u se St o ry P i r at es Re s i d ency P ro gr am

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100% of parents indicated that they were satisfied with the parent workshop

experience, and all parents agreed they would recommend the workshops to other parents.

Geffen P l a yh o u se St o ry P i r at es Re s i d ency P ro gr am Geffe n P l a yh o u se S t o ry P i r at es Re s i d ency P ro gr am - 27

This is an amazing partnershipthat brings schools, community organizations, andparents together.

An excellent exampleof shared responsibilityfor learning; provides abridge for two communities tocome together — East L.A andWest L.A — broadeningeveryone’s perspective of theworld.

3rd Grade Teacher, Lorena Street Elementary”

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Geffen P l a yh o u se St o ry P i r at es Re s i d ency P ro gr am

T ha n k yo u/

Photos: Jeff Lorch

YOuR iMPACT On MiddlE & hiGh SChOOlYOuTh,FOSTER YOuTh, &YOunG MEn OF COlOR

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Tha n k yo u

G iv i nG youTh who

have veRy l iTTl e in

Th e i R l iv eS

Th e oP Po RTun iTy To

bu i lD a laST i nG

RelaT i on S h i P

w iTh

The GeF F en anD

w iTh The PoweR o F

Th e aRTS .

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WhAT OuR PROGRAMS ab o u t ou r Pr og ramm i n g f o r y o u t h & yo u n g adu l t s :

What it’s not:A one-time “field trip” to see a play. “Exposure” to live theater. Teaching kids how to be actors or how to write a play.

What it is: Immersive, interactive, life-changing, student-centered programming built around a whole season of Geffen plays and artists — developed and delivered in collaborationwith educators, master teaching artists, and arts-integration experts.

Who is served:High school youth attending the most underserved and under-resourced public schools in the most depressed communities of Los Angeles County.

Youth living in foster care.

Young men and women of color who are living in the most economically and educationally disadvantaged communities of Los Angeles County.

Geffen P l a yh o u se P rog ra ms f o r you t h & you n g adu l t s - 31

Through year-round partnerships with eight public high schools, more than 800 High School youth from East Los Angeles, Watts, SouthLos Angeles, the San Fernando Valley and Westchester gained season-long opportunities to learn in and through the arts.

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Photo: Jeff Lorch

The Geffen has always placed a high value in bringing quality stage performancesto high school students. But what is more striking is the effort they maketo enrich the student experience by creating and offering relevant and engaginglessons, workshops, and activities that heighten the impact and relevance of mystudents’ experience.

We have yet to leave a Geffen play or a classroom workshop where my students didnot show overwhelming gratitude for the experience.Alan Sacks11th Grade Teacher, Westchester High

The Geffen was the total highlight of the year! This program is one of thethings our students will always remember and talk about. It will inform what they do next in life.

Brendan SchallertPrincipal, Roosevelt Academy, East Los Angeles

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“FEEdbACk FROM EduCATORS:

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Geffe n P l ay h o us e P r ogr am s f o r y out h & y oun g ad u l t s - 33

We reward foster youth with recreational, cultural and educational programs and encourage them to repeat these pro-social activities

on their own, with the broader goal of their making better choices in life. Although we take them to sporting events, and other places,

it is always theater that generates the most reaction. There really is nothing else like it. Kendall Wolf, Executive Director, It’s Time For Kids ”“

The cast of Coney Island Christmas did a special performance for the youth.

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Photo: Chelsey Rosetter

ThAnk YOu FOR GivinG FOSTER YOuTh SuCh POSiTivE & MEMORAblE ExPERiEnCES

I had the besttime of my lifewatching this play.—J. Smith

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Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Donald Magulies shares his passion for plays with students from It’s Time for Kids when they came to see our world premiere of his new play, Coney Island Christmas 35

Girls placed at Maryvale desperately need possibilities. Removed from their homes, theyare wounded by sexual and physical abuse, neglect and abandonment, and often suffer fromthe effects of numerous failed placements in foster and other group home facilities.

Reading Is Fundamental of Southern Californiaapplauds the Geffen’s commitment to involvestudents and community members in theater experiences that challenge, inform and enrich their lives.

Together, we represent a fierce determination to improve ourchildren’s lives and possibilities.

Carol Henault Executive DirectorReading Is Fundamental of Southern California

When I see theater at the Geffen, I get really excited. I’m totally inspired afterward for weeks. —Lilly N, 14, Maryvale Resident, after seeing Coney Island Christmas

ThAnk YOu FOR hElPinG uS SERvE FOSTER YOuTh

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Photos: Chelsey Rosetter

When I see theater at the Geffen, I get really excited. I’m totally inspired afterward for weeks. —Lilly N, 14, Maryvale Resident, after seeing Coney Island Christmas

Geffe n P l ay ho us e P r ogr am s f o r y out h & y oun g ad u l t s - 37

For almost a decade, Sheenway has been a partner to the outreaching arms of the

Geffen Playhouse, witnessing the power of theater to open the eyes and hearts of youth who are stigmatized from bland schooling, violent overlays and overwhelming self-destruction of mind and matter at every turned corner.

Being exposed to the aura and climates of UCLA, Westwood Village, and the many theatrical journeys of the Geffen Playhouse, young people who would never venture from

the bleak radius of their neighborhood, find, not only a vehicle to definetheir potentials, but their true inner selves, as they makespiritual journeys to maturation and development.

It is such a magical experience to see the “bling-bling” diminish, pants fitting around thewaist, sparked conversations delving into the mind and matter of playwrights and productions, the growth of attention spans, the appreciation of poetry and literature,kinder and gentler socialization, expanded interests, escalated reading and writing, improved academic achievements, meaningful communication, and most of all, continued

inspiration as we witness the metamorphosis of long-neglectedyouth, one by one!

Dolores SheenExecutive Director/PrincipalSheenway School, Watts, South Los Angeles

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Dolores Sheen is an amazingwoman who leads the SheenwaySchool, an institution founded byher father, Herbert Sheen, M.D.,42 years ago, to provide positiveeducations and alternatives foryouth in Watts.

Zeta Rho is a community-based public charity with a mission focused on uplifting and empowering young minority men througheducation, mentoring, and scholarships for college education.

ThAnk YOu FOR hElPinG EMPOWER YOunG MEn OF COlOR

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Photo: Jeff Lorch

Thank you to the Geffen’s donors and Board for allowing

the young people Zeta Rho Foundation serves to experience live theater. We can think of no other institution that makes such an important cultural

contribution to our community. Most of our young people (African American and Hispanic) have never been to a theater production.

They have never rubbed shoulders with other cultures. They have never experienced thearts in such a setting as the Geffen Playhouse. They get involved in the plots and characters so much that

they discuss for weeks what they felt. Without the contributions of

your donors, these wonderful life experiences never would have happened.

Because of your programming, our efforts to build the character of inner city youth and help them become well-rounded citizens are made much easier.

Lou Beatty, Jr., Zeta Rho Foundation Representative

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Geffe n P l a y ho use P r ogr am s f o r y out h & y oun g ad u l t s - 39

Thank you for giving youth with little or no access to the arts the opportunity to experience By the Way, Meet Vera Stark, by Lynn Nottage andstarring: (clockwise from upper left) Kevin T. Carroll, Sanaa Lathan, Merle Dandridge, Amanda Detmer, Mather Zickel and Spencer Garrett).

Photos: Michael Lamont

Photos: Michael Lamont

I have brought hundreds of students to the Geffen. This program gives

them an experience they will never forget. The donorswho generously give to make thispossible need to know that they havetouched and changed the lives ofthese young people. As a teacher, I am deeply

grateful for this program.

Jim PentecostTeacher, Santee Education Complex South Los Angeles

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Geffe n P l ay ho us e P r ogr am s f o r y out h & y oun g ad u l t s - 41Mather Zickel greets 10th grade student from Mendez High School;Kevin T. Carroll answers questions from Westchester High students.

Your support gave over 400 high school students from the most disadvantaged parts of Los Angeles the opportunity to experience The Gift, by Joanna Murray-Smith, and starring (clockwise from top right) Kathy Baker, James Van Der Beek, Jaime Ray Newman, and Chris Mulkey.

Photos: Michael Lamont

The Gift was an insightful look into the relationships of two couples. The play touched on a number of human qualities

like pride, true love, understanding, empathy, and change. The play left me with two questions: What makes a person a good person? And can a person really change their lives?

Jasper F., student, Westchester High School

This play provoked me to discover and reason with ideals I was sort of raised to neglect. The idea of leaving a child

behind at an older age was radical and unimaginable. However, I liked being able to see adifferent side to things and weigh out the pros and cons. Although I still defy this idea,

it was an amazing experience to be able to watch and discuss the play after.

Elizabeth G., student,Westchester High School

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IMPACT On yOuTh Of seeIng “The gIfT”

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About 400 high school students who had never before seen a live play experienced our critically-acclaimed production of David Mamet’s classicAmerican Buffalo, starring (as pictured in top left photo) Bill Smitrovich, Freddy Rodriguez, and Ron Eldard.

Photos: Michael Lamont

American Buffalo is the first play I've ever gone to. It passed myexpectations of what I thought it was going to be like. The play was veryrealistic. The actors were spot on in attracting the audience's attention.—Gabriel G., 11th grade student, Mendez High School

The play was really good. Throughout the play I was very drawn into it.This play really made me like plays.—Cameron Y., 11th grade student, Westchester High School

American Buffalo was a great play. We have all been through betrayal byfriendship. It spoke to everyone that way.—Arlyn M., 12th grade student, Manual Arts High School

The play, the actors, being here had a huge impact on me.—Lizbeth D., 12th grade student, Manual Arts High School

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IMPACT On yOuTh Of seeIng “AMerICAn buffAlO”

Geffe n P l a y ho use P ro gr am s f o r Y out h & Yo un g Adu l t s - 45

Than k yo u/

ThAnk yOu fOr gIvIng sO MAny dIsAdvAnTAged yOuTh nOT jusT One-Off exPerIenCes Or “exPOsure” TO TheATer buT seAsOn-lOng, In-dePTh And ChAllengIng PrOgrAMMIng ThAT ChAnges lIves And fuTures

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Photos: Jeff Lorch

IMPACT Of yOur suPPOrTIn brIngIng A hIghly-PrOMIsIng new PrOgrAM TO lIfe:

“Th e Mendez PRojecT”

Than k yo u Geffe n P l ay h o us e Men dez P ro j e ct - 47

who: The entire 10th grade class at Mendez High, a majority of whom were at risk for failing the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) and dropping out of high school.

what: A year-long intervention built around the novel experiences of attending each Geffen play,working with Geffen master teaching artists who help students develop solid critical thinking and expression skills through studies of each play, and intensive time with UCLA writing coaches duringwhich students gain explicit tools for writing, rigorous supported writing practice and individualizedfeedback. This powerful three-pronged learning opportunity releases 10th graders from their fears aboutwriting and accelerates their ability to learn how to write well, for high school and for life.

when: During the school day, in four modules of learning from September to March (to prepare themfor the CAHSEE in March), followed by a celebration in June.

where: Classrooms in Boyle Heights and at the Geffen Playhouse in Westwood.

why: Because too many 10th graders across Los Angeles drop out of high school in large part becausethey believe they will never be able to write well enough to pass the CAHEE; because all youth need toknow how to write; because we know the costs are high for all of us when youth abandon education; because we know the power of the arts to change lives.

AbOuT “The Mendez PrOjeCT”Ab o u t “The Mendez Pr o j ec t”

Geffe n P l ay h o us e Men dez P ro j e ct - 49

Thanks to your support,

Photos: Jeff Lorch

attending a high school with a history of being one of lowest performing in l.A.(In the bottom 5% of all high schools in LA County)

who had profound gaps in literacy due in large part to ineffective learning experiences in elementary and middle school,

living in an area where more than 50% of their peers drop out of high school,

living where over 60% of the adults have less than a high school degree, and where less than 5% obtained a college degree,

many of whom so lacked skills and confidence as writers that they could only writea few sentences in response to a prompt,

who much of the world might have given up on (because they were so far behind) . . .

10th graders . . .

CGeffen P l ay h o u se Men de z P r o je ct - 51

Geffen P l a yh o u se Men de z P r o je ct

helped bring their school’s Academic Performance (API) up 76 points.

Helped make their school the #1 most improved public high school in the state

of California.

doubled the percentage of 10th graders who achieved proficiency in englishlanguage Arts (compared to their counterparts from the previous year).

broke every previous record for the percentage of students at their school passing the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) on their first try — ensuringthat more than 70% are now on track to graduate from high school.

Achieved this:

But wait, there’s more (please see next page): CGeffe n P l ay ho us e Mend ez P ro j e ct - 53

Geffen P l a yh o u se Men de z P r o je ct

students in september: by the end of the year:

Actively participated in discussions about plays.

responded to questions asking them to offertheir own opinions and/or to provide evidencefrom a play to support their opinions.

Actively participated in meaningful and reflective discussions with their peers.

had the ability to concentrate and focussignificantly better.

had new insights about themselves and their abilities.

students wrote essays that were thoughtfuland coherent.

The details, depth and complexity of theirwriting increased significantly.

now feel the geffen (and the arts) are resources that they and their families have in their lives.

now feel the geffen (and the arts) are resources that they and their families have intheir lives.

gave few or no responses when asked aquestion.

had zero to little confidence in their own thoughts about a play.

weren’t willing to express their ownthoughts about a play in front of the whole class.

had very little ability to focus in the classroom.

didn’t think they had the capacity to everlearn how to write.

student writing was disorganized.

student writing was simplistic.

didn’t think they belonged at the geffen Playhouse.

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A donor introduced us to Joan Sullivan (then Deputy LA Mayor of Education) who introduced us to The Partnership for Los Angeles Schools, a nonprofit focused on turning around the lowest performingschools . . .

A strong partnership developed with The Partnership for Los Angeles Schools, who asked us to work with one of its most underserved schools, Mendez High School, and brought us to meet with . . .

A highly entrepreneurial young principal, Mauro Bautista, who thought of a brilliant new way to leverage Geffen Playhouse assets to unfreeze and jumpstart the achievement of his students, who we introduced to . . .

Randy Arney, our Artistic Director, who threw open the doors to Geffen plays and artists to make this program possible, and inspired countless students, educators and others throughout the year including . . .

Jennifer Zakkai, arts education expert (who came highly recommended by the L.A. County Arts Commission), who helped us build a rigorous, student-centered program in collaboration with an exemplary team that includes:

• Mendez High School Teachers and Principals, including Teacher Leader Peter Olson,• Shervaughnna Anderson-Demiraz and her colleagues from the UCLA Graduate School of Education, • Geffen Playhouse Master Teaching Artists, • Retired Teachers identified as Literacy Leaders by UCLA who served as Writing Coaches, • Stakeholders from the Boyle Heights/Mendez community, including students and parents, • Leaders from the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools, • Evaluators from Vital Research.

People like you who believe in — and invest in — the potential within all young people AND in the transformative power of the arts.

How it all happened:1.

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The Geffen Playhouse answered our call for help. The organ-ization worked with us to develop a year-long runway of theater experiencesand classroom work with teaching artists and literacy experts from UCLA togradually build our students’ comfort and success with writing and criticalthinking — skills that will jet propel them for life.

My deepest gratitude to all of the donors to the Geffen who made this outstanding program possible for our students. We have to share this model and get it out to more schools and students across Los Angeles.

Mauro BautistaPrincipal, Mendez High School

frOM The PrInCIPAl:

But wait, there’s more (please see next page):

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Photos: Jeff Lorch

Before the Geffen came, I hated writing.Thanks to this program, I now write a lot more, and I read a lot more, too. It has helped me improve my writing

and reading a lot, and it has inspired me to beopen to new experiences, to the newworlds that the plays can take you to.

frOM The sTudenTs:

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Before this program, if my teachers told meI had to write something, I wouldn’tknow how to start. But because wewent through this program — going to theGeffen to see plays and everything we didwith them in class — I have an idea how tostart an essay and how to use examples. I now know how to express myselfin a writing assignment.

frOM The sTudenTs:“

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This program showed me a way toexpress myself, to give my ideas on

stuff. Now I have animagination of myown rather than somebody elsetelling me how or what to think.

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frOM The sTudenTs:

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What meant the most tome? Being able to interact withthe teaching artists. The fact thatthey came to help us to become better writers is amazing.

Just knowing that thereare people out there willing to help studentsimprove.

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Photos: Jeff Lorch

frOM The TeAChers:

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This has been my first year teaching English Language Arts at Mendez, and the experience has been incomparable to my previous teaching experiences at other schools, thanks in large part to our partnership

with the Geffen Playhouse. It has been eye-opening to partner with a theater arts organization of this caliber that has created such a strong synthesis among education experts and professional teaching artists. I’ve collaborated all year with the Geffen

Playhouse Teaching Artists, writing coaches from UCLA and with the Geffen’s Project Director, Jennifer Zakkai, toweave this project curriculum into my 10th grade classroom curriculum. I’veseen firsthand the positive changes this program has had on my students, specifically that they are now more confident writers and more comfortable with a variety of writing prompts, thesis

statement development and coherent paragraph organization. This is a huge feat, considering that many ofmy students were below proficient in English Language Arts at the beginning of the school year and therefore

struggled greatly with their writing skills.

This school year was a tremendous growing experience for me as an educator.It has been inspiring to work with the UCLA writing coaches and to learn hands-on strategies for how to teach

writing more effectively and how to incorporate these strategies into my teaching practice. I have gainedvaluable teaching tools that I’ll implement in my classroom for years to come.

Peter OlsonEnglish Language Arts TeacherMendez High School

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The students now realize that they are pursuing something very important. When the Literacy Coaches work withand talk directly to them, the students recognize credibility. The Literacy Coachesreinforce the idea that the students are worthy of the high standards and expectations we have for them. ”“

frOM The TeAChers:

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This program has changed them dramatically. Seeing so many plays has opened them up, opened their thinking up about thevastness that is out there. I already see them reading more, writing more.”“

Geffen P l a yh o u se Men de z P r o je ctGe ffe n P l a y ho use Mend ez Pr o j ec t - 65

The benefits of seeing more than oneplay is one of the most significant elements of this program.

Students’ lives arechanged; they now know morenot only about theater, but that thereare modalities of human experience

that warrant their attention.

This is absolutely life-changing and

develops an intellectualsensibility for them.

They will now be able to connect this experience to their lives as well as their roles as students.”

“frOM The TeAChers:

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I’ve seen a huge change in the students, in their confidence.Before this, no student would ever dare speak out to offer their opinion about something. They would be laughed at or made fun of.

The whole climate in the classroom has changed. They are

expressing their thoughts out loud. Now they are even trying to helpeach other with their writing.”

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frOM Our TeAChIng ArTIsTs

6 8 - Geffen P l a yh o u se Men de z Pr o je ctJesse Bliss, Rob Adler, Denise Iketani, Connor White, Shervaughnna Anderson-Demiraz (UCLA),Corky Dominguez, Jennifer Zakkai (Project Leader), Carla White, and Kristina Leach.

Photos: Jeff Lorch

“At the beginning of the year, there was a student whoclearly did not want us to be there. His armswere crossed and he appeared completely disinterested. For thefirst few classroom sessions, he participated minimally and made

disruptive comments. However, one day he began toactively participate, and then things beganto change. He began to smile and relax.Then he started contributing wonderfullycreative ideas.

After the next session, I told him he was doing great work and

asked if he had done theater before. His face lit up withpride. When I mentioned this student’s progress to his teacher,he told me the student had recently been incarcerated and wastrying hard to make positive choices at school.

I know that without programs like the Mendez Project some students don’t have enough ‘good’ choices to choose from. I believe the Arts make a difference and the Arts can change livesand, sometimes even save them.

Denise IketaniTeaching Artist

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At its best, all theater is abouttransformation. As a director and coach

in the professional world, I am constantly working withpeople who have had a transformative experience with the

theater; what the Geffen gives tothe students in the MendezProject has been nothingshort of revolutionary.

Rob AdlerTeaching Artist

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This work accesses the highestlearning capabilities of students andawakens in them an unparalleledexcitement for learning. Participants not only

accelerate academically and literarily, but are also open to the endless

possibilities of life and learning. This is the greatestgift any youth could ever receive and it

is immeasurably powerful to witness this

process in our students. It is a deep honor to be part of the Geffen.

Jesse BlissTeaching Artist

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The experience I’ve had with thestudents has been unbelievable. Walking into a classroom of students where so few of them have everseen a play, sharing a play’s themes with them and watching them walkinto the Geffen to see the production is amazing enough. However,

after they’ve seen the play — witnessing the light go onin them— is immeasurable. Our program opens their eyes to manydifferent worlds besides their own.

Kristina LeachTeaching Artist

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Having grown up in East Los Angeles, I amdeeply committed toworking in Boyle Heights.With all the preparation leading up to seeing theplays, the plays themselves, and the post-play classroom work with teaching artists and literacycoaches, I know the Geffen Playhouse is making

a huge impact on the students and commu-nity. I am very honored to part of the Geffen Playhouse Education Programs and this project.

Corky Dominguez, Teaching Artist”

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frOM The uClA grAduATe sChOOl Of eduCATIOn

We are proud to be partnering with the Geffen Playhouse in developingand implementing “The Mendez Project.” We are a community of educators working to transform public schooling to create a more just, equitable, and humane society. Our mission— to dramatically change schooling for the most underserved students of Los Angeles — is alignedperfectly with the Geffen’s belief that theater can be used as a tool for accel-erating the learning and achievement of Los Angeles’ most economicallyand educationally disadvantaged youth. I have worked closely with theGeffen for over a year now to help develop writing curriculum, as well astwo summer institutes to provide professional development for the teachers and teaching artists engaged in the Mendez Project.

It is inspiring to see how the Geffen has collaborated so successfully witheducation experts and has used a full season of plays to weave theater artsand literacy together in such an innovative way. I’ve never seen an arts education program like this before, nor have I seen a professional theaterthat is as committed to literacy as the Geffen Playhouse.

Shervaughnna Anderson-DemirazDirector, California Reading and Literature ProjectUCLA Graduate School of Education, Center X

Before becoming a leader at UCLA’sGraduate School of Education, Sher-vaughnna Anderson-Demiraz was a K-12 English Language Arts Consultantfor the LA County Office of Education.She is a former teacher, coach, site anddistrict level administrator. She serves onstate committees concerning English Language Arts, English Language Learners, and instructional practices forAfrican American students.

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feedbACk frOM The uClA wrITIng COAChes

My driving passion is creating avenues of success for both studentsand teachers, no matter the challenge. Successful students and successful teachers are inextricably bound. But teachers need support. Teaching can be a lonely and frightening experience

without support. I relish the chance to create innovative ways to motivate and engage students and teachers. I refuse to be dauntedby the challenges.

Helping the children at Mendez has confirmed the truthcontained in the words of author, James Agee:‘In every child who is born, under no matter whatcircumstances, of no matter what parents, thepotentiality of the human race is born again.’

Johnetta Fleming, Retired Teacher (20 yrs+)Teacher Leader, UCLA’s Center X California Reading & Literacy Project

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It has been a profoundly inspiring collaboration towork as a literacy consultant with The Geffen Playhouse Mendez Project in Boyle Heights. I’ve partnered and planned with committed teachers willing to engage students in critical literacyskills and theater experiences, then witnessed

students actively employand advance their criticalthinking and writing skillsin preparation for collegeand future goals for life.The Project was extraordinarily empowering for the10th grade students.

I am deeply thankful for all the supporters of GeffenPlayhouse Mendez Project who created such tremendously rich opportunities for underservedstudents of Los Angeles.

Lois ClarkTeacher Leader, UCLA’s Center XCalifornia Reading & Literature Project

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As a teacher and writing coach, the Geffen’s Summer Institute provided me

with real world strategies andtechniques that I could useimmediately in my classroom toimprove my students’ critical thinking andwriting skills. The hands-on approach andgroup interactions allowed me to practicethe strategies prior to delivering them in aclassroom setting.

Negretta FreemanUCLA Writing Coach

feedbACk AbOuT Our PrOfessIOnAl develOPMenT

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The Geffen’s Teaching Institutewas a great model for what wecan do with students. I deepened my knowledge through reading, analyzing, collaborating, and writing. We were given practical resources, which I’ve used for developing lessons for students.

Resa Nikol, UCLA Writing Coach

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Prior to her post as CEO, Ms. Sullivan served as the Deputy Mayor of Education forLos Angeles. In that role, she oversaw Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s education policyagenda, working closely with the superintendent and board president to transformthe nation’s second largest school district. She also oversaw the Partnership to accel-erate student achievement at scale within the district’s lowest performing schools.

Ms. Sullivan previously spent over a decade in the South Bronx as the foundingprincipal of a high-poverty, high-performing public secondary school and as a highschool social studies teacher, helping during this time to create and support a network of small public schools. Ms. Sullivan is a graduate of the Broad Fellowshipfor Education Leadership, holds a Masters of Science in School Leadership, andgraduated with a Bachelors of Arts in American Studies from Yale.

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frOM Our PArTners AT The PArTnershIP fOr lOs Angeles sChOOls

We’ve had nothing but positive reviews about this project from the students, the principal, teachers and staff at Mendez High School. Principal Bautista has shared that this innovative partnership with the Geffen has helped his 10th graders perform better on the essay portion of the

CAHSEE and has been vital to his students’ improved achievements in literacy.

Mendez 10th grade teachers also have been impressed with how much they have learned from collaborating withthe Geffen’s Project Director, Literacy Coaches and Teaching Artists. In addition, we are so grateful for the in-vestment the Geffen has made in handpicking Literacy Coaches from UCLA’s Center X to work individually with

10th graders at Mendez. This kind of customized work and dedication truly hasboosted these students’ expectations of themselves.

We at the Partnership believe it is critical to bring key community resources into the lives of our students inorder to enrich learning and create an environment of success for students who are at some of the highest-needschools in Los Angeles. Our partnership with the Geffen Playhouse has done just that and so much more . . .

more than we could’ve asked for our students, teachers and school community.

Joan Sullivan, CEOPartnership for Los Angeles Schools

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We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Jennifer Zakkai, the expert we hired to leadthe Mendez Project. She came highly recommended to us by the Los AngelesCounty Arts Commission, and

exceeded our expectations inevery way. The quality and level ofthought she put into every detail of theMendez Project — building it from theground up — and at all times with a laserfocus on what would be best and most effective for the students and teachersserved, is unparalleled. She has set a standard for excellence that has clearly impacted not only the students but also allof our Education Programs at the Geffen.

Our deepest gratitude toJennifer, and to all of theGeffen donors who havehelped make her time andwork here possible.

Regina MillerGeffen Playhouse Board Member,Executive Team Member, andChief Development Officer

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yOur IMPACT On uClA COllege sTudenTs

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From day one (about 20 years ago when Gil Cates and Chancellor Charles E. Young started this organization)the Geffen Playhouse has been incredibly fortunate to be formally affiliated with the University of CaliforniaLos Angeles (UCLA) and the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television (TFT).

Our partnership includes outstanding opportunities for uClA undergraduate and graduate students to:

Take master classes with world-class actors, playwrights and directors. (Thousands of UCLA students haveattended Geffen master classes given by Annette Bening, Ed Harris, Allison Pill, Donald Margulies, Neil LaBute, David Mamet, Randy Arney, Gil Cates, and many others).

gain real world experience through professional internships in directing, playwriting, dramaturgy, acting,stage management, production management, lighting, sound, public relations, arts education, development,marketing and more. (120 students have had internships at the Geffen since 1995).

employment. At least 25 UCLA students a year are employed by the Geffen in positions that give them paidexperiences as members of our Box Office, Front of House, Production and other teams.

special access. Complimentary tickets to dress rehearsals, and preview nights; low cost tickets for all regular main stage shows; invitations to special readings and workshops; performance space for showcases.(Annually, more than 1,000 UCLA students attend performances at the Geffen, thanks to your generosity.)

Ab o u t ou r I nc re d i b l e Par t ner s h i p w i t h UcLA

UcLA

Uc LA - 85

Interning at the Geffen Playhouse has been an incredible experience.I am currently in my second year in the MFA Playwriting Program at UCLA and had been on the hunt for a theater internship in the area. Film and television internships abound, but finding placement in a professional,high-caliber theater in Los Angeles can be difficult.

From the very first day interning at the Geffen I felt like a valued part of the theater community working behindthe scenes. I fully expected to be making copies or answering phones, but from the get go I have never been givenanything menial to do. I get to be a part of everything that happens in Literary, and the Geffen as a whole. I readplays daily. When I have an opinion about something the people around me actually listen and take what I say toheart. It is incredible to work in not just a theater community, but a thriving theater community, one that has unwavering standards of excellence and attracts some of the best talent in the industry.

As a student of Playwriting it is a daily education in how to write a play that grabs a reader’s attention. And

as a young theater professional it is an education in what the contemporaryAmerican theater landscape truly looks like. It is an incredible opportunity for UCLA students to study theater right next door to a world class stage.

Nick JohnsonUCLA Graduate Student

IMPACT On uClA sTudenTs

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The Geffen Playhouse was my home during my time at UCLAand for years after. It's hard for me to put in words how much this theater means to me. Not only did I learn from watching the best at my craft every night on stage, but I got to havelife-changing conversations and interactions with them pre- and post-show while working

the front of house. It taught me so much. I would not be where I am todaywithout those experiences and the knowledge I gained.

But most importantly the staff of the Geffen were the most loving, supportive, kind, givingpeople I have ever encountered. I truly consider them my family and always will. There is animmediate warmth and inner happiness I feel every time I enter the Geffen. I'm proud to callit my second home.

Beth Behrs

UCLA GraduateFormer Employee of the Geffen PlayhouseStar of Two Broke Girls on CBSRecently elected to the Geffen Playhouse Board

IMPACT ON UCLA STUDENTS

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ucla students se e plays at the gef f e n

A group of 40 enthusiastic UCLA students from Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity and their guests attend a play at the Geffen. After the show, nearly every one of them vowed to return to the Geffen to see another play during the season...especially whenthey learned that they can purchase Student Rush Tickets (one hour before the show) for just $10 with their Bruin Card ID.Alumni advisor and longtime Geffen supporter, Steve Sann, Chairman of the Westwood Community Council, (pictured above at far right, above) organized this event for the third consecutive year.

than k yo u/Your generosity helped more than 1,000 UCLA students this year attend plays at theGeffen for less than the price of a movie ticket.

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YOUr IMPACT ON vETErANS

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AbOUT ThE gEffEN PLAYhOUSE’S vETErANS OUTrEACh PrOgrAM

For many years, we partnered with two local organizations serving veterans to give their constituents season-long access toour main stage plays and accompanying education programs. Veterans from New Directions and the Greater Los AngelesVeterans Administration Hospital have shared countless evenings at the Geffen, thoroughly enjoying the experience of beingout in the community, seeing plays that both challenge them and stimulate conversation and catharsis, and more.

But this past year, inspired by our Board Chair, Frank Mancuso, and Gary Sinise, the actor who founded a program for veterans at Steppenwolf in Chicago, both of whom are passionate about the Geffen doing significantly more outreach andservice to veterans and their families, we doubled our commitment and service to this very special population.

We have reached out to additional outstanding organizations serving veterans including UCLA’s Operation MEND, the United States Veterans’ Artists Alliance, Serve the Warrior, Gallant Few, Veterans in Film and Television, and to others already served by the Gary Sinise Foundation.

We developed partnerships with these organizations which will eventually enable us to formally serve over 400 veterans andtheir spouses and children a year, free of charge, with outstanding programs that welcome them home with the honor, com-passion and celebration they so clearly deserve. We are now offering not only free tickets but also a private, pre-show dinnerin our Lobby for veterans and their families on the night of the final dress rehearsal for each Geffen Playhouse main stageproduction.

We also formally joined the Blue Star Theatres Program, whereby the Geffen Playhouse is now one of eight theaters in Cali-fornia that offers any veteran or military family free tickets to plays, classes and other services. This initiative is intended torecognize the contributions of service families, to build stronger connections between the theater community and militaryfamilies in communities all across the country and to help in whatever small way we can to aid service people and their families as they seek to be integrated into the lives of their communities.

We could not have expanded our services to veterans and their families without your support. On behalf of each and every person who was able to come to the Geffen because of your generosity,our deepest gratitude.

A Korean War Veteran attends a “Vets Night at the Geffen” — excited to be one of the first to see Yes, Prime Minister last Spring.On behalf of each and every veteran who was able to participate in this program because of your generosity, our deepest gratitude.9 2

your su ppo rt broug ht

“s he er joy ” to Veterans

A Korean War Veteran attends a “Vets Night at the Geffen” — excited to be one of the first to see Yes, Prime Minister last Spring. 9 3

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YOUr SUPPOrT INSPIrES AND hONOrS vETErANS & ThEIr fAMILIES

Freedom and security are precious gifts that we, as Americans, should nevertake for granted. We must do all we can to extend our hand in times of need tothose who willingly sacrifice each day to provide that freedom and security.

While we can never do enough to show gratitude toour nation’s defenders, we can always do a little more.

I am so proud that the Gary Sinise Foundation is partnering with the GeffenPlayhouse. The Geffen’s plays are a cornerstone of our Arts & Entertainmentoutreach here in Los Angeles. We’re honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, and their families, by providing them with inspiring cultural experiences throughout the year.

My deepest appreciation to Geffen supporters who make our

Veteran’s Nights possible. Thanks to you, our nation’s veterans may experience the joy of live theaterabsolutely free of charge.

Gary Sinise,Founder, The Gary Sinise Foundation

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President John F. Kennedy, a decorated World War II veteran once said, “I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passedover our cities we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle . . . but for our contribution to the human spirit.”

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me et & gre et the art istsClosewise from top left: Gil Cates, Jr., (Geffen Vice Chair), Randy Arney (Artistic Dir.), and Stacy Taylor (Gary Sinise Foundation Dev. Dir.) welcomeveterans; Veterans attend special final dress rehearsal of American Buffalo; Dinner before the show; Regina Miller (Geffen Chief Dev. Officer), guest,Freddy Rodriguez (star of the play), Judith Otter (Exec. Dir. of the Gary Sinise Foundation) welcome Michael Schlitz, a veteran severely wounded in Iraq.

Photos: Jordan Schwartz

“Our oldest female veteran (now 99) — having served in the Army during WWII — did not miss even one opportunity to come to the Geffen during the year.” — Chaplain Cohen

When one reaches the age of our veterans of WWII, Korean and Vietnam Wars, there are limited opportunities for sheer joy and uplifting of one’s spirits.

By your generosity and inclusion of our veterans in your plays and

programming, you have done just that, and we aretremendously grateful that we are not

forgotten. Our spirits are raised every time we are asked to join the Geffen in your magnificent

theatrical performances. Thank you for enhancing

and improving our quality of life.

Chaplain DOV Cohen, Veterans Home of CA, West Los Angeles

United States Air Force ChaplainVietnam Era Service 1962-1966

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Through your generosity, we have been able to welcome and serve veterans receivingreconstructive care at UCLA through our partnership with UCLA’s Operation MendProgram. UCLA Operation Mend is a groundbreaking program that provides returning military personnel with severe facial and other medical injuries access tothe nation’s top plastic and reconstructive surgeons, as well as comprehensive medical and mental-health support for the wounded and their families. We are honored to welcome veterans and their families to the Geffen to see plays and enjoydinner throughout the year while they are staying at UCLA for care.

Your generosity this past year enabled us to welcome the incredible Octavio Sanchez,Marine Staff Sargeant and father of four, who suffered third-degree burns over 70percent of his body and was left unrecognizable when a roadside bomb went off nearhim in Ramadi in 2005. After being told there was nothing that could be done forhim, UCLA’s Operation Mend Program provided several surgeries to reconstruct hisface. While in town for surgeries and/or follow-up care through this program atUCLA, we were honored to welcome Sergeant Sanchez and his wife to the Geffen.

After seeing American Buffalo here last summer with his wife, Sergeant Sanchez said,

Being able to come here to feel part of this communityand to meet other veterans is wonderful. I was verymoved to be able to meet and speak with a WWII vetat the Geffen. I am very impressed with the GeffenPlayhouse. This was our first time seeing play, and will definitely not be our last!

YOUr SUPPOrT brINgS COMfOrT & COMMUNITY TO ThOSE whO ArE hEALINg

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”Thank you for giving us the opportunity to welcome and serve such incredible people as Marine veteran Octavio Sanchez and his wife,and to work in partnership wtih UCLA’s Operation MEND program to welcome soldiers and their families from across the U.S.

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than k yo u/Judy Gold, star of The Judy Show, greets veterans from the West LA Veterans Homeafter they enjoyed her outstanding show last summer thanks to your generosity.

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than k yo u

YOUr IMPACT ON ADULTS SErvEDThrOUgh OUr LIghTS UP PrOgrAM

We are honored to welcome members of the Mutual Amputee Aid Foundation, as well as constituents from 43 other nonprofit organizationsto the Geffen Playhouse through our Lights Up Program, and the generosity of so many.

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(Pictured right) Jennifer Zakkai, Geffen Education Projects Leader, welcomes Lights Up Group Leaders for one of six meetings during the season,in which they interact with Geffen artists and practice methods for engaging their constituents in each Geffen mainstage play.

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ab o u t ou r pr og ramm i n g f o r ad u l t s : “ l i g h t s up”what it’s not:“Exposure” to live theater. Teaching adults how to be actors or how to write a play.

what it is: We believe that all people of all ages are entitled to experience the arts, to engage their imaginative powers, and to learn through thearts. We also realize that thousands in our community are completely left out of art experiences, not only because they cannot affordthem but also because they are not aware of how to access them or even what is available.

We developed Lights Up to address this gap in access to the arts and the unmet need for arts programs that serve adults, not just youth.But instead of simply opening our doors and offering free theater tickets on a first-come, first-served basis, we directed our outreachthrough L.A. social service organizations that serve disadvantaged and socially isolated young adults, adults and senior citizens. Thispast season, 44 nonprofits partnered with us to send group leaders to support the participation of constituents who have the least accessto the arts and who could benefit the most from such immersive, year-round opportunities to see plays, receive and read our StudyGuides, attend workshops with our teaching artists, meet and interact with Geffen playwrights, directors, designers and more.

who is served:The most underserved and disadvantaged adult populations of Los Angeles County including:• Veterans who are recovering from PTSD and other major physical and emotional challenges as a result of their service, • Seniors who are socially isolated and economically disadvantaged,• Young adults who have recently transitioned out of foster care and who are without a support system,• Adults who are transitioning out of homelessness,• Adults who are challenged by serious health or physical issues, including those living with HIV/AIDS and those who

are recent amputees.

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Jay Cramer suffered a spinal cord injury in 2006 when he fell while rock climbing. Katy Sullivan was born without legs. We are honored towork with this very inspiring couple in our Lights Up Program and to welcome all those served through the Mutual Amputee Aid Association.

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I can’t begin to tell you what it means to our organization to have the opportunity to attend plays at the Geffen.

It has been such a gift to our members who feel shy about being out in public after going through a life-changing ordeal (amputation).

Katy Sullivan, Board MemberMutual Amputee Aid Foundation & Lights Up Group Leader

The Geffen Playhouse and the Lights Up Program brightens the horizons for everyone involved. It is so amazing

to bring people to the theater who have never been or can’t afford to attend and see how excited and inspired they are.

Jay CramerMember, Mutual Amputee Aid Foundation

The Mutual Amputee Aid Foundation is a not-for-profit devoted to providing peer-level support and understanding toindividuals with limb loss (whether through trauma, surgery, or from birth).

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CONNECTINg ThOSE whO hAvE gONE ThrOUgh ThE OrDEAL Of AMPUTATION TO ThE jOY AND hUMANITY Of LIvE ThEATEr

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I want to thank the patrons of the Geffen who make the Lights Up Programpossible, and to those who keep the Geffen a vibrant place to see innovativetheater that challenges all of us to take risks.

I have personally witnessed how many lives havebeen touched by the generosity and vision of thosewho have supported and steered the Geffen’s vision of community outreach.

Our students range in age from 17 to 80 plus, representing all parts of the world — from Africa toLatin America to Europe, Asia and the Middle East.The Geffen’s Lights Up Program gets the students to think, to talk, and to connect in a way that expedites their adapting to life in a new culture. There isuniversality in the thought-provoking theater that is the Geffen experience.Thank you for your continued generosity to those Los Angeles communitiesthat have limited or no other access to quality theater.

James Palumbo, ESL InstructorWest Valley Occupational Center, & Lights Up Group Leader

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The West Valley Occupational Center is a vocational training school with whom we have partnered for over 10 years to help serve, welcomeand acclimate new immigrants from around the world.

wELCOMINg NEw IMMIgrANTS TO AMErICA ThrOUgh ThEATEr ArTS

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I am inundated with a huge number ofpeople who want to participate in the Geffen’sLights Up Program. My participants are mostly in their 70sand 80s. Many have no socialization beyond their spiritual lives.Without the Lights Up Program, there is simply no way thisgroup would be able to experience theater at the high caliber ofthe Geffen Playhouse. Our group always feels welcome and isalways treated with respect and dignity by the Geffen’s staff andvolunteers. This is rare and not something normally receivedfrom many organizations.

The meetings the Geffen provides for Lights Up Group Leadersare well designed and highly educational. We were introducedto exciting new concepts and excellent tools for engaging ourparticipants in deeper and more constructive discussions. Ateach meeting we were priviledged with incredible in-persondiscussions with playwrights and directors of upcoming per-formances. Our participants have been amazed at the depth andinsightfulness put into each and every Study Guide.

The Geffen Playhouse and its Lights Up Program are integralparts of our community, providing a vision and purpose that nourishes and cares for the community unlike any other.

We are extremely grateful to the Geffen’s supporters for all thatthey give to enhance and brighten the lives of so many.

Barbara Harrison, St. Monica Senior Ministries & Lights Up Group Leader

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fILLINg A grEAT NEED

Ruben Scott and Barbara Harrison, Group Leaders representing St. Monica Senior Ministries, attend a Lights Up Meeting last Fall. 1 0 5

Photos: Jeff Lorch

Residents from Silvercrest — a nonprofit residence for seniors that is operated by the Salvation Army — enjoy matinee performances atthe Geffen as well as pre- and post-show workshops with Geffen Teaching Artists, through our Lights Up Program, and your generosity.

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Photos: Jeff Lorch

Of all of the programs we do at Silvercrest, none is moreappreciated than our association with theGeffen. Many of our residents are on such fixed incomes that they can barely afford theprice of a senior-discounted movie ticket,let alone the price of a ticket to one of thegreatest theaters in America.

The pre- and post-show workshops the Geffen provides inspirespirited discussions, and most of our residents read the Geffen’sStudy Guides cover to cover before attending the show. Wordscan never fully express how grateful we are for this program

because it means so much to our residents.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

Amy Malina, Program CoordinatorSilvercrest Senior Residence of the Salvation Army

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gIvINg ThE jOY AND STIMULATION Of LIvE ThEATEr AND ThEATEr ArTS EDUCATION TO SENIOrS ACrOSS LOS ANgELES

(Pictured right) Virginia Tokenaga, a representative from the Felicia Mahood Senior Center, recounts how being welcomed at the Geffen Playhouse brings her joy and helps lessen the pain she still feels from being imprisoned in a Japanese American Internment Camp during World War II.

The biggest cost of being homeless is not losing your home or your possessions — it is losing your belief in yourself. People describe themselvesas if they are dead — walking around feeling dead inside. Our job is to help them change the waythey think about themselves, to help them realize that they have worth, they are talented and valuable people, full of potential.

Getting away from Skid Row and coming to the Geffen gives them great hope. The Geffen’splays are far more than entertainment for our students. They are acatalyst for personal empowerment and a window to a new world.

Being welcomed through the Geffen Playhouse doors skyrocketsself-esteem. After seeing Geffen plays, our students walk taller, stand prouder, and think

in affirming ways. Seeing plays at the Geffen is so much more than entertainment. It helps people get their lives back.

Eyvette Jones Johnson, Founder and Executive Director of Urban Possibilities”

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We are honored to play a role in the outstanding work and remarkable achievements of Urban Possibilities and its students. 1 0 8

Photo: Jeff Lorch

Dimson Velasco is a veteran who did not adjust well to life back at homeafter his discharge from Navy service a few years back. He became addicted to drugs, and then homeless, living on Skid Row in DowntownLos Angeles. There, he came across Urban Possibilities — a remarkableprogram that helps people “come back from the abyss” by learning how to turn pain into power, rediscovering their strengths and talents, and creating a new vision for their lives.

Through our year-round partnership with Urban Possibilities, Dimsonstarted coming to the Geffen Playhouse last year to see plays with a groupof students from Urban Possibilities, and then attended every workshopoffered by Geffen teaching artists after each play, down on Skid Row.

The experience of being welcomed at the Geffen, seeing our plays, workingwith our teaching artists, and working very hard in the Urban Possibilitieswriting program, helped transform him into a man of strength, service,courage, commitment and more.

He was recently reunited with his beautiful son, Earvin, pictured at left, atan Urban Possibilities night of storytelling and performances.

Through your generosity to the Geffen Playhouse, we welcome and servestudents from Urban Possiblities throughout the year, and are thrilled tobe a part of helping them rebuild their lives, families and futures.

LEvErAgINg ThEATEr ArTS AS A ONE-Of-A-kIND EMPOwErMENT TOOL

Dimson Velasco, a veteran who ended up homeless on LA’s Skid Row, is reunited with his son, Earvin, after participating in the Urban Possibilities Program and the Geffen Playhouse Lights Up Program.

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Photo: Craig Johnson

1 1 0 The incredibly gifted and talented Connor White, Geffen Resident Teaching Artist, with Urban Possibilities student Michael Dorsey, Sr.,who is a great inspiration for what he has overcome in life, and what he now gives back to us all.

Photo: Jeff Lorch

As the resident teaching artist at the Geffen, I have the privilege of providing workshops for the students ofUrban Possibilities. The content of the workshops varies from improv and performance, to critical thinking

discussions surrounding the plays they’ve come to see at the Geffen. No matter what we’reworking on, it remains a constant pleasure and source of inspiration tosee how these students embrace the theater as an empowerment tool.

It has been an honor to partner with this organization and to watch these individuals take ownership of theirlives and empower their futures through writing and through theater.

Connor White, Geffen Playhouse Resident Teaching Artist ”

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After working with the incredibly talented and dedicated Connor White, the Geffen’s resident teaching artist,

our students’ insights about the Geffen’s plays have grown in wonderful ways and they see that theyare part of a new tribe of creative people. This invigorates their writingand their belief about what is possible for themselves and affirms that their talent hasvalue. Connor and the Geffen’s Lights Up Program are a great gift to the men and women of LA’s Skid Row.

Eyvette Jones Johnson, Founder & Executive Director, Urban Possibilities ”

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brINgINg PUrE INSPIrATION TO ALL Of US

geffe n p l a yh o u se l i gh t s up p rog ra m - 11 1

tha n k yo u/1 1 2

Photo: Chelsey Rosetter

67Rebecca Warm Adam WeltonMike Wells Dan WessellsTori Weddell Matt WoolConnor White Nayla WrenTHANK YOU FOR BRINGING 82 OUTSTANDING GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE STORY PIRATES INTO THE LIVES OF MORE THAN 2,000 CHILDRENtha n k yo u 113

Christina Anthony James Asmus Greg Barnett George Basil Tommy Bechtold Julia Bellows Satya Bhabha Mary Bogh Jordan Kai Burnett

Jen D’Angelo Mark DavidChristenson

Khalia Davis Tommy DickieSophia Carter-Kahn

Ayana Hampton Hesley Harps Meryl Hathaway

Marcel Hill Graeme Hinde Blake Hogue Mary Holland Will Holt Joshua Hoover

Amber Ruffin

Jamie Salka

Zoe Jarman Gabe Jewell Michael Joyce Lindsay Katai Keylee Koop

Leslie Korein Lauren Lapkus Sherry Layne

Erika Rankin Morgan Rebane

Martha Marion Jessica McKenna Kyle More Sarah Moreau Peter Moses Kate Mulligan Phoebe Neidhardt

Ashley Opstad Arnie Pantoja Scott Passarella

Duke Doyle

Markeia McCarty

Zach Reino Spencer RobinsJessica Reiner-Harris

Matt Sheelen Jessie ShermanJonathan Schwartz Alexis SimpsonAdam Shenk Michael Sielaff Joel Sinesky

Nicole Brodeur

Rich Ramberg

Lindsey Ford

Jon Schmidt

Amy Albert Marian Brock

Scout Durwood Lauren Flans

Cory Howard

Lucas Peterson Josh Rachford

Danny Tieger Tori WeddellRebecca Warm Mike WellsMadeline Wager

Jessica Lowe

Jeremy Spektor Teddy Steinkellner Cloie Taylor

Dan WessellsAdam Welton Connor White Matt Wool Nayla Wren

The cast of Coney Island Christmas answer questions in a “Talk Back” with high school students following a special daytime performance.

THANK YOU FOR GIVING 3,600+ YOUTH AND ADULTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO INTERACT WITH SOME OF THE MOST GIFTED ACTORS, DIRECTORS & PLAYWRIGHTSOF OUR TIME THROUGH YOUR SUPPORT OF OUR TALK BACK PROGRAM

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Photo: Jeff Lorch

Photo: Chelsey Rosetter

Lynn Nottage Jo Bonney Kevin Carroll merle Dandridge Amanda Detmer Spencer Garrett Kimberly Hebert Gregory

Sanaa Lathan michael Golamco

Laura Heisler Peter Katona Thomas Sadoski Coney Island Christmas

Will Frears maya Erskine Julian Evans Ty Freeman

Joe Gillette Stephanie Grant Arye Gross Annabelle Gurwitch

Rachel Hirshee Lily Holleman

Ron Eldard

Freddy Rodriguez

Jim Kane Grace Kaufman Angela Paton Richard Realivasquez

Joan Sloan

Kira Sternbach Eileen T’Kaye Andrew Walke

Logan marshall-Green

Lily Rabe

Neil Patrick Harris

Helder Guimares

The Gift Joannamurray-Smith

maria Aitken Kathy Baker Chris mulkey

Jamie Ray Newman

James Van DerBeek

Miss Julie

Donald margulies

Derek DelGaudio

David mamet Randall ArneyAmerican Buffalo

Kate moira Ryan

Judy GoldThe Judy Show Antony JayAmanda Charlton Yes, Prime Minister Jonathan Lynn

Build

Laura Heisler

Elitia Daniels

Bill Smitrovich

By the Way, Meet Vera Stark

mather Zickel

Bart DeLorenzo Isabella Acres

Sequoia Houston

Neil LaBute Jo Bonney

Sasha Higgins michael mcKeanJefferson mays matthew Floydmiller

Dakin matthews

Nothing to Hide

Ron Bottitta Stephen Caffrey Brian George

Time WintersTara Summers

OUR DEEPEST APPRECIATION TO THE ACTORS, PLAYWRIGHTS, AND DIRECTORSWHO PARTICIPATED IN OUR EDUCATION PROGRAmS

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tha n k yo ufo r be i n g part of t he geffen p lay h ou se

fa m i l y t h r o ug h you r ou ts tand i n g ge ner os i t y

a nd supp o r t of o ur educa t i o n pr og r ams .

than k yo u f or br i n g i n g the

o ne-o f-a-k i n d beauty and power

o f t heater a rt s t o ch i l d r en an d adu l t s

a c r os s l o s a nge les .

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Elementary Schools Served through thegeffen Playhouse Story Pirates residency Program20th Street Elementary, South Los AngelesLorena Street Elementary, Boyle HeightsNora Sterry Elementary, West Los AngelesRockdale Elementary, Eagle RockToluca Lake Elementary, North Hollywood

Middle & high Schools Served Mendez College and Career Preparation High School, Boyle HeightsManual Arts Senior High School, South Los Angeles Roosevelt Senior High School – Humanities & Art, Boyle HeightsRoosevelt – Math, Science & Technology Magnet, Boyle HeightsSantee Education Complex, South Los AngelesSoutheast Middle School, South GateWestchester High School, Westchester

veterans Served through our veterans Initiative in Partnership with the gary Sinise foundationNew DirectionsPATH Homeless OrganizationProject Hollywood CaresServe the WarriorTeam RubiconUCLA Operation MendUnited States Veterans Artists AllianceVeterans Home of West LAVeterans in Film & TelevisionVeterans of West LA

Schools and Organizations Servedthrough our Story Pirates Saturday family ProgrammingBeverly Vista Elementary SchoolCoachArtClaude Pepper Senior Community CenterThe Growing PlaceKellihat IsraelMar Vista Gardens Recreation CenterPalisades ElementaryVenice Service CenterWest Hollywood ElementaryWest Valley Occupational Center

Schools and Organizations Served through our LIghTS UP ProgramAffordable Living for the AgingBeing Alive Beverly Hills Adult SchoolCalifornia Lawyers for the ArtsChallengers Boys and Girls ClubChoreographer’s Theater EnsembleClaude Pepper Senior Community CenterCountry Villa TerraceCreate NOWCultural Education ProjectEast Los Angeles CollegeFelicia Mahood Senior CenterFifty-Fifty LeadershipHeal the BayHollywood ArtsHolman United Methodist Church Arts CouncilInside Out Community ArtsIsrael Level Senior CenterIt’s Time for KidsLong Beach Central Area AssociationMar Vista Gardens Recreational CenterMutual Amputee Aid FoundationNew You FoundationOasis West LAReading is Fundamental of Southern CaliforniaRussian American ChoirSanta Monica Emeritus CollegeSelf-Realization FellowshipSheenway School and Cultural CenterSilvercrest Senior CenterSRO HousingSt. Monica Senior MinistriesStep Up on SecondSunset HallThomas Safran and AssociatesUrban PossibilitiesVenice Service CenterWest Hollywood Community Housing CorporationWest Valley Occupational Center – AEWCWest Valley Occupational Center – ESLZeta Rho

ThANk YOU fOr hELPINg US SErvE SChOOLS & COMMUNITIES ACrOSS LOS ANgELES

San fernandovalley

burbank

glendale

Eagle rock

Pasadena

Lincoln heights

Downtown Los Angeles

huntington Park

East Los Angeles

South gate

SantaMonica

wattsLynwood

Compton

Lakewood

Long beach

redondobeach

gardena

hawthorne

Inglewood

South Los Angeles

westchester

venice

Culver City

west hollywood

North hollywood

winnetka

boyle heights

Toluca Lake

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Martha hendersonCo-Chair

Pamela robinsonhollander

Co-Chair

gil Cates, jr.vice Chair

randall ArneyArtistic Director

behnaz AtaeeGeneral Manager

Patricia kiernan Applegate

beth behrs Dr. gene D. block Suzanne Dealbooth

harold A. brown Mary Ann Cloyd

Dennis Doty john Ebey Mark fleischer David geffen herbert M. gelfandChairman Emeritus

Patricia L. glaser Adi greenberg Arthur greenbergDr. brad Edgerton

frank g. MancusoChairman Emeritus

Quincy jones joan kaloustian jeffrey katzenberg glorya kaufman Loretta kaufman Dr. gerald S. Levey Carla Malden Susan Mallory

ron Meyer

ginny Mancini

Susanna Midnight

regina MillerChief Development

Officer

Leslie Moonves jerry Moss

ken NoviceManaging Director

Steven A. Olsen jerry Perenchio Loren rothschildbruce M. ramerfounding Chairman

Linda bernstein rubin

Teri Schwartz richard Sherman victoria Mann Simms Andy Spahn Steven Spielberg DeeAnna Staats Cynthia P. Stafford howard Tenenbaum

Steve Tisch Michael walsh Dr. Charles E. YoungChairman Emeritus

OUR EXECUTIVE TEAM

fred Specktor

kirsten Combs

robert A. Daly

barry Meyer

Lorraine Spurge

THANK YOU FROM THE GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE BOARD OF DIRECTORS & TRUSTEES

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founded in 1994, the geffen Playhouse

is a nonprofit organization dedicated

to enriching the cultural life of

Los Angeles through plays and

educational programs

that inform, entertain and inspire.

we are very proud of our affiliation

with UCLA, including our partnerships

with the UCLA School of

Theatre, film and Television and the

UCLA graduate School of Education.

for more information about the

geffen Playhouse, please call us us

at 310.208.6500, ext. 112

geffen Playhouse

10886 Le Conte Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90024

www.geffenplayhouse.com

OUR EXECUTIVE TEAM

Michael CentenoChair

Annette blum Stephanie Carson Lori Collins valarie de la garza

Priscila giraldojason Delane

Lanre Idewuvice Chair

kirsten hansen Eric heer wendy kurtzman

rollin ransom Allen Shay john Sonego Miranda Tollman Deborah benson walsh Laurie ZieglerAdrian Pasdar

Debra Davis

Yvonne huff john McCrite

AND FROM OUR ADVISORY BOARD

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Photo: Jeff Lorch

This report

is dedicated with much love and

gratitude to

FRANK MANCUSO

for everything he gave to this

organization as our Board Chair

for over seven years

and to

GIL CATES

whose legacy of bringing

humanity, inspiration,

understanding and joy

through the arts

lives on in our

Education Programs

and in

everything we do.

Photo: Jeff Lorch