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| South Coast Repertory |
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 Unique in its ability to operate without ever having had a deficit season, SCR has proved to be one of the leading resident theater companies in the United States, honored with a Tony Award for Distinguished Achievement by a Regional Theatre in 1988. Its Collaboration Laboratory for new play development is a much admired model, and it has produced some of the finest work by emerging American playwrights.Founded in 1964 by fellow-graduates of San Francisco State College, David Emmes and Martin Benson, it still retains six of the original founders who are seen often during each theatrical season—Don Took, Martha McFarland, Art Koustik, Richard Doyle, Hal Landon, Jr., and Ron Boussom. Their first season was in Long Beach followed by years of traveling to several Orange County locations before finding their home in Costa Mesa at their present location in 1978. SCR has been generously supported over the years by corporate grants, community fund-raising, and foundation endowments from local and national sources. The Segerstrom family donated the land where the present theatre facility is located. The National Endowment for the Arts, The Harry and Grace Steele Foundation, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the James Irvine Foundation, the City of Costa Mesa, the County of Orange, and the Fluor Foundation are just a few of the distinguished sources of funding that allows the group to produce a broad range of theatrical offerings.Such a far-reaching enterprise is naturally a large and complex entity. Led by a Board of Trustees, the $8 million annual budget is managed by a development and artistic staff. Eleven productions and numerous educational experiences are enjoyed by 18,000 subscribers and an additional 60,000 single ticket sales. An exciting new four-theater complex is under construction, financed by $40 million in capital, endowment, and operating funds over five years. This may prove to be one of the most innovative and best-equipped theatre complexes in America—certainly a long way from the dream of two young actors who are still very much prominent in each successful season. Awards from Theatre LA and the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle are just a few of the many honors that the company has won over its history. Their increasing reputation as a launching pad for new playwrights—40% of its 350 total productions are world premieres-- the Hispanic Playwrights Project, the Pacific Playwrights Festival, and the Collaboration Laboratory are impressive and innovative expressions of the commitment that SCR considers its mission.655 Town Center Dr.Costa Mesa, CA 92628(714) 708-5555 |
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