Joan Gladstone and husband Ed Gillow are passionate about both theatre and biking

If you happen to see a couple of patrons show up at The Laguna Playhouse on their bicycles the likelihood is it will be Joan Gladstone and husband Ed Gillow. Not that these two loyal subscribers actually use this eminently practical mode of transportation to attend shows. They prefer a more leisurely pre-performance supper with friends. However, other times, when they're not busy working-Joan as head of her own very successful local public relations firm, Ed as an actor-cycling is something they absolutely love. They met through a cycling club, peddled the byways of New Zealand for their honeymoon and during ten years of marriage have generally seen the world from the healthy vantage of a bicycle saddle-including sections of the grueling Tour de France!

Another of Joan and Ed's shared delights is theatre, in particular The Laguna Playhouse. It explains their decision more than a year ago to join the company's elite group of donors and become Trustees. "We've always felt it's important to give something back and every year make charitable contributions," explains Joan. "The Laguna Playhouse is especially important to us personally and to the community."

Ed, who has appeared in two Laguna Playhouse Youth Theatre productions, is particularly enthusiastic about the company's work with young people. "It 's an investment in the future of the theatre, the kids themselves and the community," And Ed, with his professional eye, is also very impressed as an audience member by what he sees on stage. Adds Joan: "We love the range and variety. I don't want to see what I've seen before. I enjoy being surprised by a play I've perhaps never heard of. I love being stretched, being taken in a new direction." Joan Gladstone – Brooklyn-born, Boston University-educated – has lived in Orange County for 25 years. She founded Gladstone International in 1989.

Today it's one of the area's top-ranked PR firms, specially noted for expert media management of sensitive issues and crisis situations. It explains why her office has a 24/7 hotline! Yet, Joan has still found time for volunteer work, whether it's serving on the board of Orangewood Children's Foundation, Orange County Museum of Art or now as Assistant Chair of the Urban Land Institute's Orange County District Council. And she's recently rekindled another lifelong passion by signing up for art classes. Ed Gillow-athlete, martial arts expert and fluent German speaker among many other accomplishments-has had a remarkable career. Most remarkable was his bold decision to follow a childhood dream, put a successful career in electrical engineering and management behind him and become an actor. Ed admits it's a tough profession to break into but where there's a will . He started with movie and television extra work, has paid his dues in community and fringe theatres, and now that he's getting real roles is finally feeling close to a career breakthrough.

But Ed says as long as he and Joan are in Laguna, they'll remain loyal to the Playhouse.

To learn how you can join the Playhouse Trustee program, please call Amy Larson, Director of Individual Giving, at 949-497-2787, ext. 217.