James and Suzanne Mellor – both members of our Board of Trustees

The Mellors became involved with the Playhouse shortly after they arrived in Laguna Beach in 1997. Suzanne co-chaired the theatre’s 80th Anniversary Gala in 2000 and Jim served as President of the Board of Trustees in 2003. Both currently serve on the Board.

He is Chairman of the Boards of USEC, a global energy company, AmerisourceBergen Corporation, Computer Sciences Corporation, Net2Phone, Inc., The Scripps Research Institute and The Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Previously, he served as Chairman and CEO of General Dynamics, where he continues to serve as a director and consultant.

She is an advisor to the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C. and is a charter member of that organization.

The Mellors have three children and nine grandchildren.

Recently, the Mellors announced a leadership gift pledge of $5 million to The Laguna Playhouse – the largest gift in the history of The Laguna Playhouse, and the largest philanthropic contribution ever made to a charitable organization in Laguna Beach.

Their gift will help create a world-class facility to showcase this theatre’s world-class productions—one that will greatly enhance the experience of its theatergoers and enable it to expand its service to the community.

The Mellors announced their gift to the Playhouse leadership at a dinner party they hosted for visiting Irish playwright Bernard Farrell, saying: "We feel so privileged to live here in Laguna Beach and feel it’s a small way to pay back the community that has given us so much. We're proud of the outstanding work being done by the Playhouse and have truly enjoyed our friendships with the Playhouse family.”

“This is truly a watershed moment in the 85-year history of The Laguna Playhouse,” remarked Sophie Cripe, past President of the Board of Trustees. “We are deeply appreciative of the leadership roles Suzanne and Jim play in our theatre. They have made the Playhouse a major part of their lives, and have repeatedly shown their devotion to our efforts. Now, with their extraordinarily generous gift, we are on the road to fulfilling our vision of this great theatre’s future.”

“Suzanne and Jim are beloved by all who know them at the Playhouse, and we will be eternally grateful for their extraordinary contribution,” commented Richard Stein, Executive Director. “For us in the theatre, who bring stories to life every day on our stage, this is an occasion that will long be remembered and often re-told. Thanks to their remarkable generosity, we know that our plan for a state-of-the-art theatre facility is achievable.”

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