1233 1/2 South Citrus Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90019 310-702-2068
September 6, 2013 Frank Mancuso Chairman of the Board Geffen Playhouse 10886 Le Conte Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90024 “My heart burst with joy and excitement the moment the lights went off. From that moment until the end of the play, I was taken to another world, a world I have never seen or knew before.” Dear Mr. Mancuso: The quotes in this letter are from Dimson Velasco, a Navy veteran who after his discharge didn’t adjust well and found himself in and out of jail for a dozen years. He joined our empowerment, writing & theatre program at a Skid Row shelter after his last release and key to our curriculum is Lights UP. The Lights UP program has allowed he and so many of our adult students – mothers, fathers and even grandfathers - to see a play for the very first time. And we watch our adult students, just as the name suggest, truly light up. For our students, the plays are far more than entertainment, they are a catalyst for personal empowerment and a window to new world. This program gives them a VIP pass to the best plays in the country and without it they would have no access. Being welcomed through the Geffen Playhouse doors skyrockets self-esteem. After seeing plays they walk taller, stand prouder and think in affirming ways. “I found myself overwhelmed with awe and appreciation for the talent I saw on stage – LIVE! They introduced me to another level of respect and admiration for what our talents can do.”
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Talented teaching artist Connor White now leads our pre and post show discussions and he is a gift. We all feel like he is a member of the family and under his direction our students insights about plays have grown in wonderful ways and they see that they are part of a new tribe of creative people. That invigorates their writing and their belief about what is possible for themselves and affirms that their talent has value. “As I was watching I realized that it was not possible for the play to be so successful without the creative writing behind it. Thank God for the vision of writers! My life once again has taken another turn into a new world and a new beginning. My passion for writing went up a new level. This opportunity is a privilege and a gift. It is opening doors and windows to new and bigger things.” Like all of our students, we see Lights UP as a privilege and a gift and we are deeply grateful. Thank you for opening the hearts, minds and imaginations of men and women in underserved communities like LA’s Skid Row. Thank you for your vision and your investment in those, like Dimson, who we believe are the hope of the inner-city.
Respectfully, Eyvette Jones Johnson Founder & Executive Director Eyvette@urbanpossibilities.org