Artistic Director/Founder of Phantom Projects Theatre Group to be Honored at Gala Event, 8/9

A collection of nearly two decades of performers will join supporters, donors, and community leaders from all over the United States for a celebratory gala at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. The event pays tribute to Steve Cisneros for his continued dedication to helping young people through the arts. 2014 also marks Phantom Projects' 17th Anniversary and because Cisneros created the organization when he was just 17 years old the event is called: From 17 to 17.

The event will feature performances from notable alumni, including performer Natalie Wachen (HBO's Boardwalk Empire), composer Adam Gubman (The Today Show, 2012 Presidential Election, America's Got Talent), Ashley Arlene Nelson (West Coast Premiere of Lysistrata Jones), Emily Lappi, Tyler Campbell and more.

Speakers and presenters include the organization's co-founder Bruce Gevirtzman, Paul Cabrera , Jason Grose, and Jocelyn Argueta.

Cisneros created the non-profit theatre troupe right after graduating from La Mirada High School, after becoming inspired by Gevirtzman's script for teens called, No Way to Treat a Lady. The early years were spent rehearsing in the garage of his parents' La Mirada home.

After outgrowing that space, they moved to an 1,100 sq ft space in Whittier, before settling into the 5,000 sq ft space they now occupy, thanks to the City of La Mirada.

The non-profit theatre troupe which aims to build theatre audiences of tomorrow through inspirational theatrical pieces, has performed for over 300,000 teens through its combination of touring shows and its annual season at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.

Now at age 35, Steve Cisneros' lifelong vocation continues to open up new doors for a new generation of young adults. Said Mr. Cisneros, "I've always found the performing arts to be a masterful outlet for young adults to find their voice. I look back with pride on how our simple idea continues, but now has expanded. It will be tough to top the experiences we've had over 17 years, but as far as I'm concerned, our journey is just beginning. To now see a new generation of 17 year olds benefiting from that initial vision brings a joy like no other. It only seems fitting to celebrate our journey into Phantom Projects' 17th year...a journey which started as in MY 17th year!"

"FROM 17 TO 17" - LOOKING FORWARD BY LOOKING BACK

Over the course of 17 years, Steve Cisneros' Phantom Projects Theatre Group has enjoyed a host of major accomplishments, including setting a major milestone in 2001 when the company became the only theatre troupe to present an entire season of theatre, aimed specifically at teen audiences, at a professional performing arts venue. Following a vote by the La Mirada City Council, funding was provided to Phantom Projects to present at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. In addition to touring shows, the troupe began producing fully staged productions including historical & literary-based works and message-based shows for teens on field trips as well as for the general public during evening performances.

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