UCLA Today

David Geffen and The David Geffen Foundation have made a $5-million lead gift to a new $15-million capital campaign to renovate the Geffen Playhouse, add a new 125-seat theater and create an endowment to secure the facility's artistic and financial future.

"We are extremely grateful for David's leadership," said the Geffen's Producing Director Gilbert Cates. "His gift has ignited the campaign, and with it we are off to a terrific start. With David's gift, we are well on our way to realizing our vision for a second space in which we can nurture new works and create an exciting hub of creativity."

Said Geffen: "I am pleased to play a significant role in the creation of the Geffen's new facility and support the extraordinary artistic vision of Gil Cates. I believe the theater is important to the cultural life of Los Angeles, and I'm proud of its association with the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television."

One of the campaign's goals, Cates said, is to support and enhance the Geffen's relationship with UCLA. "I am excited that UCLA students will benefit from the Geffen's growth, with even greater opportunities for their involvement with Geffen productions and programs," he said.

The second stage theater, which will be built adjacent to the current theater on Le Conte Avenue, will support new play development and will also be used as rehearsal space.

Groundbreaking for the new theater and renovation is slated for May 2004. Once refurbished, the current theater will boast increased seating capacity, upgraded acoustics, an expanded theater lobby, greater handicap accessibility and larger restrooms, among other improvements.

In 1995, David Geffen first donated $5 million to what was then the Westwood Playhouse, later renamed in his honor. With one of the largest philanthropic donations ever made to an already constructed theater, the not-for-profit Geffen Playhouse was launched.