People's Light's Mainstage Theatre to Become 'Leonard C. Haas Stage'
People's Light will name the Main Stage Theatre in honor of Leonard C. Haas, in recognition of his long term generosity and service as a trustee and resident company member at the Theatre. Most recently, at the recommendation of Mr. Haas, the Wyncote Foundation has made a significant contribution to the Theatre's Keystone Campaign and Endowment Fund, which will be meaningful for years to come.
The Keystone Campaign began in 2007 and seeks to sustain the Theatre for 10 years (2007-2016). The Wyncote Foundation's contribution will be applied toward the artistic programming goal of the campaign and will complete its endowment goal. People's Light's Artistic Director, AbiGail Adams, expressed that "the Wyncote Foundation's gift at Leonard's recommendation gives our endowment a tremendous boost which in these straitened times is nothing short of transformational." President of the Board of Trustees Frederick Sutherland stated that "Leonard's commitment to the Theatre and its future is extraordinary. We are grateful for the Wyncote Foundation's grant, and pleased to recognize Leonard in the name of our 350-seat Theatre."
Haas was born and raised in the Philadelphia area and has become a well-known actor and philanthropist among the region's theatre community. He has traversed the stages of the Arden, The Wilma, 1812, Bristol Riverside, Act II Playhouse, Luna Theatre, Mum Puppettheatre, Hedgerow, and Cape May Stage. He also performed in "The Little Prince" Off Broadway at the New Victory Theatre and has worked on several independent films over the years.
In 1988, he became a member of the resident Acting Company at People's Light. During his first years with the company, he also worked in the set shop, ran a follow spot, and acted in shows that toured to elementary schools. Since then he has performed in over 30 productions at People's Light, including his first role in the ensemble of Our Town, his Barrymore Award winning performance as Henry in The Fantasticks, and his current role as the frazzled director Lloyd Dallas in the madcap farce Noises Off. Reflecting on his experiences at People's Light, Haas notes that his collaboration with great artists as well as the sense of ensemble that pervades the work has provided him with myriad opportunities that "formed and shaped who I am artistically today." Memorable productions include those that have provided illumination about the theatre-making art form, such as the fantastical A Perfect Ganesh and the 6 hour epic Sister Carrie in which he played 19 characters.
A "BBQ-Fancy" Bluegrass Bash will be held at People's Light on Monday, July 22 to not only honor friend, company member and trustee Leonard, but also benefit artistic programming at People's Light. Tickets are $200 per person. For more information about tickets and sponsorships, visit our website at peopleslight.org.
ABOUT PEOPLE'S LIGHT
People's Light, a professional, not-for-profit theatre founded in Chester County, Pennsylvania, makes plays drawn from many sources to entertain, inspire, and engage our community. We extend our mission of making and experiencing theatre through arts education programs that excite curiosity about, and deepen understanding of, the world around us. These plays and programs bring people together and provide opportunities for reflection, discovery, and celebration. Founded in 1974, we produce seven to nine plays each season, in two black box theatres with 350 and 170 seats respectively, mixing world premieres, contemporary plays, and fresh approaches to classic texts for our 6-play and Discovery Series.
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