Laguna Playhouse Announces The Suzanne & James Mellor Laguna Playhouse Tribute Fund

In an effort to inspire more youth to attend the theatre, longtime supporters of Laguna Playhouse and the arts, Suzanne and James Mellor have created The Suzanne and James Mellor Laguna Playhouse Tribute Fund, which will provide free tickets to young audiences 21 and under for select shows during the subscription season.

Suzanne and James have supported Laguna Playhouse for more than two decades. Both have served on the Board of Trustees of Laguna Playhouse, have helped lead the Playhouse's philanthropic efforts as donors, and have served in leadership roles throughout the Laguna art community. As one of the founding members of the Playhouse Women, Suzanne chaired the first gala, and James served as Chairman of the Board for many years. "While we have given to the Playhouse for many years, both Suzanne and I feel like we are the beneficiaries," said James Mellor. Through the tribute fund, Suzanne and James will provide the same theatre experiences they enjoy to youth building an audience for the future.

The Mellors raised more than $90,000 to launch the Tribute Fund, thus providing an opportunity to bring nearly 5,000 young adults to Laguna Playhouse.

"This incredible gift will allow us to bring thousands of young people into our theatre," said Ellen Richard, Laguna Playhouse Executive Director. "The opportunity to build empathy and understanding in the next generation with shows like '12 Angry Men', 'Clybourne Park', and 'The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey' is priceless. This gift has the power to change lives."

Laguna Playhouse is noted for its artistic excellence, wide-ranging performing arts programming, community engagement, and award-winning theatre education for the next generation.