Palo Alto Players Announces New Managing Director and Gala Fundraiser MAKE 'EM LAUGH

Palo Alto Players, the first theatre company on the Peninsula, announces the appointment of Elizabeth Santana as its new Managing Director. Santana succeeds Diana Berenstein, who stepped down in January after two and a half years in the role. Santana has been the company's Development Director since 2015.

As Managing Director, Santana will work in partnership with Artistic Director Patrick Klein to provide strategic leadership and manage the business operations of Palo Alto Players, including annual budgeting, marketing, fundraising, and board development. Klein will continue to lead the artistic direction for the company, overseeing all programming and creative development, while also adding human resources functions to his role.

"Palo Alto Players' Board of Directors is pleased and excited to announce the newly revised responsibilities of Elizabeth Santana and Patrick Klein and recognize their commitment to this organization." says Board President Eugenie M. Watson. "I look forward to working alongside this team to meet the challenges and lead Palo Alto Players forward. The Board and staff wish them great growth and success in their new endeavors. We are all behind them 100%!"

Santana joined Palo Alto Players in 2015, bringing over ten years of leadership and administrative experience in both the nonprofit and corporate sector. Previously, she worked for Google, Opera San Jose, Children's Musical Theatre San Jose, and was associate producer for RWS and Associates in New York City. Klein joined Palo Alto Players in 2009 as Technical Director and has designed scenery for and produced over 40 productions during his tenure. He became Artistic Director in 2013.

"I'm so honored to be a part of this wonderful community of artists, staff, and volunteers at Palo Alto Players." says Santana. I have long admired Palo Alto Players for its deep commitment to community and supporting local talent. Working with an organization like this has been a lifelong dream of mine and I look forward to leading Palo Alto Players into its next stage of growth in collaboration with my long-time friend, Artistic Director Patrick Klein."

The announcement comes just weeks before Palo Alto Players will hold its second annual gala fundraiser on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at the Mitchell Park Community Center, 3700 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. The evening, entitled "Make 'Em Laugh," will include special performances from Palo Alto Players' favorite actors, and honor the Leading Players that have made a lasting impact on the organization. All proceeds from the event will be used to further the company's mission of providing high quality, performing arts programming to the community. Tickets (starting at $100) can be purchased online at paplayers.org or by calling 650.329.0891.

"Last year's inaugural gala sold out with 150 community supporters in attendance. This year we anticipate 200 theatre lovers and supporters for an evening of gourmet dining, exciting silent and live auctions, and entertainment that will be sure to tickle your funny bone." says Santana "Some of your favorite characters from past Palo Alto Players' shows will be appearing, so I invite you all to come be a part of the fun. That's no joke!"

The evening will begin at 6 pm with a private reception for VIP ticket holders and underwriters. At 6:30 pm the doors open for guests to enjoy drinks and appetizers during the silent auction. At 7:30 pm guests will be be served a buffet dinner, followed by entertainment from Palo Alto Players' favorite actors highlighting scenes and songs from past productions, and an exciting live auction, featuring an array of one-of-a-kind experiences like a walk-on-role in an upcoming production and an all expense paid trip to New York and tickets to 3 Broadway musicals, including HAMILTON, hosted by Broadway San Jose. The event will also honor Board President Eugenie M. Watson, Palo Alto Players' Sound Designer Grant Huberty, and philanthropist Mary Louise Johnson. Each will receive the Leading Player award to recognize their indelible impact on Palo Alto Players and the theatre community.

Tickets are $100 (regular seating) and $200 (VIP seating) each and include the performance, gourmet dining provided by Modern Taste and drinks. Tables are also available starting at $1,000. Underwriting levels, which include tickets for the Gala, begin at $1,500. To purchase tickets or a table, or to become an underwriter, contact Managing Director Elizabeth Santana, at (650) 363-8582 or esantana@paplayers.org. All net proceeds support Palo Alto Player's five mainstage productions and community outreach programs.

Palo Alto Players is grateful for the support of these event underwriters and sponsors (as of 2/23/17): Broadway San Jose, Whole Foods, CPP, Grocery Outlet, Margot H. Driscoll, Mary Louise Johnson, Palo Alto Players' Board of Directors, and the City of Palo Alto.

For more information about the event, please visit paplayers.org/gala-2017.

Palo Alto Players, the Peninsula's first theatre company, presents a season of comedies, dramas, classics, and musicals at the Lucie Stern Theater in Palo Alto, built explicitly for the Players in 1933. The company is committed to providing a meaningful theatre experience for both audience and production participants. Intrinsic in this is the belief that theatre benefits the community-at-large and enhances the quality of life of those who are touched by it through education, enlightenment, and enrichment. Truly a home-grown organization, Palo Alto Players features all local talent and serves over 13,000 patrons each year.

In cooperation with The City of Palo Alto, Palo Alto Players performs at the Lucie Stern Theater located at 1305 Middlefield Road in Palo Alto, California. Use of this facility is made possible through support from The City of Palo Alto, Community Services Department, Division of Arts and Sciences, and from our patrons.

For more information about Palo Alto Players, visit www.paplayers.org or call 650.329.0891.

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