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Tracey A. Leigh, Artistic Director
Tracey is an Obie Award and NAACP Theatre Award-winning actor with an extensive career in theatre making and new work development. Director of the multiple-award winning production of David Johann Kim's TWO STOP, she has also appeared on stages throughout the U.S. and internationally, including a Broadway National Tour and performances Off-Broadway at New York Theatre Workshop, Primary Stages, Signature Theatre, Soho Rep, P.S. 122 and La Mama Experimental Theatre Club; regionally at San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theatre, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, the Guthrie Theatre, The National Theatre in Washington DC, The Denver Center, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Arizona Theatre Company and ACT in Seattle; and at Southern California’s South Coast Repertory Theatre, The Old Globe Theatre, The La Jolla Playhouse, San Diego Repertory Theatre, Boston Court Pasadena, Sacred Fools, Echo Theater Company, Lower Depth Theatre and Rubicon Theatre Company.
A member of Ensemble Studio Theatre Los Angeles since 2011, Tracey became Associate Artistic Director in 2012, then served as Co-Artistic Director with Gates McFadden from 2013-2014. During that time, she produced and directed numerous projects and festivals for the company while working at USC as a dramaturg for second year MFA playwrights. After stepping away from the company for several years, she became Artistic Director in 2021. Tracey continues to work as an actor, recently appearing in the co-production of American Son at Ensemble Theatre Company Santa Barbara/The English Theatre of Frankfurt and the Playwright’s Arena/LGBT Center co-production of THREE, an adaptation of Anton Chekov’s Three Sisters. She is also a proud member of Artistic Directors of Color Alliance, Greater Los Angeles.
A member of Ensemble Studio Theatre Los Angeles since 2011, Tracey became Associate Artistic Director in 2012, then served as Co-Artistic Director with Gates McFadden from 2013-2014. During that time, she produced and directed numerous projects and festivals for the company while working at USC as a dramaturg for second year MFA playwrights. After stepping away from the company for several years, she became Artistic Director in 2021. Tracey continues to work as an actor, recently appearing in the co-production of American Son at Ensemble Theatre Company Santa Barbara/The English Theatre of Frankfurt and the Playwright’s Arena/LGBT Center co-production of THREE, an adaptation of Anton Chekov’s Three Sisters. She is also a proud member of Artistic Directors of Color Alliance, Greater Los Angeles.
Michael C. Mahon, Board Chair
A professional actor, director, and award-winning producer, Mahon served as Artistic Director of Ensemble Studio Theatre-LA for six years (five of them as Producing Artistic Director). A graduate of Seton Hall University with a BA in Communications, he was a founding member of New Nine Theatre Company in New York City. Theater accolades include a GLAAD Media Award (as producer of Stage Directions), an NAACP Award nomination, and Best Producer 2005. A veteran of TV and film, Mahon is a member of SAG-AFTRA and AEA, and has served on the EST-LA Board since 2001.
Denah Angel Shenkman, Board Member
Denah has been involved in EST/LA since 2016 and became a member in 2018.
Angela Bullock, Board Secretary
Angela Bullock is a televison and stage performer with several award nominations under her belt, Angela recently completed an MFA in Creative Writing at Antioch University Los Angeles and is currently writing a memoir titled “Project Girl”, an excerpt of which can be found in the Spring 2018 issue of the literary journal Arts & Letters.
Patrick originally joined EST in NY in 1977. He then participated in the development and creation of EST/LA in all it's locations. He has worked extensively in Theater, Film, TV, and is a member of SAG-AFTRA and AEA.
Lizzy Ross, Board Member
Lizzy Ross is an actor, producer, writer, graphic artist, and former co-artistic director of EST/LA. She has produced critically acclaimed plays throughout the country including many developed here through our programming.
Her design and graphic work can be seen all over this theatre and online at lizzyross.com.
As an actor she has worked in New York and LA, at EST, The Blank, New Georges, and Circle Repertory, and more, and has worked in television, commercials, and numerous voice overs.
She is the creator and curator of the True Story program, a monthly event here at EST/LA since 2015.
Her design and graphic work can be seen all over this theatre and online at lizzyross.com.
As an actor she has worked in New York and LA, at EST, The Blank, New Georges, and Circle Repertory, and more, and has worked in television, commercials, and numerous voice overs.
She is the creator and curator of the True Story program, a monthly event here at EST/LA since 2015.
Debra Stricklin
In 1987, I was made a member of EST in NYC. I was home. Having acted in many plays there, as well as having served on the Member’s Council, in 1991, I moved to the West Coast, and felt the deep loss of my theatre home. With Curt Dempster’s blessing, I started EST-The LA Project in 1992 along with Risa Bramon Garcia, and served as Artistic Director for 7 years, then continued on as a board member for 4 years.
For the last 20 years, I shifted to leading two 501c3 school non-profit boards, fundraising well over $250,000 dollars, while raising 3 children.
For the last 20 years, I shifted to leading two 501c3 school non-profit boards, fundraising well over $250,000 dollars, while raising 3 children.
Michael Tomlinson, Board Member
Stifel Investments, Senior Vice President
PROGRAM FACILITATORS
NEW WEST PLAYWRIGHTS - Jake Fiedler, Aditi Pradhan
PLAYWRIGHTS UNIT - Joe Luis Cedillo, Steve Burleigh
THE IGNITE PROJECT - Makeda Declet, David Johann Kim, Jennie Webb
TRUE STORY - Lizzy Ross
SUNDAY BEST - Genia Michaela
ARTS EDUCATION - Susie Tanner
MEMBERS COUNCIL
Angela Bullock
Lauren Campedelli
Makeda Declet
Sharon Freedman
Elin Hampton
Kenny Hargrove
Tamika Katon-Donegal
David Johann Kim
Christopher Reiling
Heather Robinson
Shaina Rosenthal
Eric Rudnick
Thomas Stringer
Susie Tanner
Advisory Board
William Duffy
Don Cummings
Peter Doms
Paul Downs
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