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Saluting Honorary Producers of The Rep

Honorary Producers are the unseen heroes behind SCR productions. They underwrite the shows, providing funding support. Their generosity merges with the talent on stage and back stage to create the world-class theatre SCR is known for producing.

Apriem Advisors (Season Producers) is proud to champion bold and creative initiatives that exemplify the magic of theatre. Since 2016, Apriem has provided major support to SCR in numerous ways, including four consecutive years as Season Producers of Outside SCR and serving as Honorary Producers of productions such as Little Shop of Horrors, The Staircase and Prelude to a Kiss, The Musical. Apriem has also supported five Theatre for Young Audiences productions, most recently The Incredible Book Eating Boy. Co-Founder Harmon Kong and his wife, Lea—an SCR Board Trustee since 2019—are passionate advocates for the arts, and together they serve as Chairs of this fall’s reimagined Gala, PEEK! Their generosity and leadership have helped SCR thrive both on its stages and throughout the community. Founded in 1998 in Irvine, California, Apriem Advisors is a wealth management firm serving multi-generational families worldwide by helping them achieve a life of significance beyond success. With a commitment to providing the highest degree of service, Apriem manages all facets of clients’ finances to help them achieve financial security and peace of mind.

Michael Ray (Lead Repertory Producer) has been an ardent supporter of SCR since 2013 and a champion of Artistic Director David Ivers’ programming vision. He has made a lead gift to advance SCR’s artistic direction over the next three seasons, underwriting two productions presented in rotating repertory. Michael has served as Honorary Producer of seven mainstage productions, including Little Shop of Horrors, Prelude to a Kiss, The Musical, and What I Learned in Paris, and has also supported two special engagements with Hershey Felder. An early advocate for Outside SCR, the theatre’s family-friendly, theatre-under-the-stars programming, he served as Season Producer for four consecutive years (2021–2024). Michael joined SCR’s Board of Trustees in 2018 and has underwritten numerous SCR galas, serving as Co-Chair in 2021. He is also a major donor to SCR’s Endowment, with a particular focus on advancing Musical Theatre initiatives.

Richard & Lisa Rawlins de Lorimier (Repertory Producers) have been involved with SCR since the 1970s, when Lisa ushered for the theatre while in high school. Now in their 11th season as major supporters of SCR, they return as Repertory Producers for the second time, having previously underwritten Voices of America in 2023. Over the years, Lisa and Richard have demonstrated a deep commitment to SCR’s artistic and educational mission through leadership support across the organization. They have served as Education Honorary Producers, Outside SCR Honorary Producers, and Pacific Playwrights Festival Honorary Producers, and have been members of the Playwrights Circle, consistently championing the development of new work and meaningful community engagement. Their longstanding relationship with SCR reflects a remarkable legacy of generosity.

Support for these productions provided by The Nicholas Endowment. Established in 2002 by Dr. Henry T. Nicholas III and Stacey Nicholas, The Nicholas Endowment was created with the vision of enabling individuals to reach their full potential in today’s society. As a private foundation, The Nicholas Endowment is dedicated to providing support to charitable organizations that exemplify its mission and vision, enabling organizations to build their programs and strengthen their infrastructure to more effectively deliver charitable services.

Elaine & Mike Gray (God of Carnage Honorary Producers) began attending and supporting SCR in 2023 after joining the Orange County community. Mike previously served on the Board of Ensemble Theatre Company of Santa Barbara (ETC). Mike and Elaine quickly became involved with the theatre as members of the Golden Circle and Opening Nights subscribers and have embraced SCR’s commitment to developing new work through regular attendance at the Pacific Playwrights Festival. This marks their first time serving as Honorary Producers, and they are delighted to support God of Carnage. Elaine and Mike recently traveled with SCR to Italy alongside Hershey Felder, deepening their connection to the theatre and its artistic community.

Haskell & White LLP (God of Carnage Corporate Honorary Producers) continues its long-standing partnership with SCR by underwriting God of Carnage. With support for more than 30 productions, the firm is among SCR’s most dedicated corporate patrons, championing both mainstage and Theatre for Young Audiences programming. Haskell & White LLP is a leading provider of assurance, tax and consulting services to middle-market private and public companies and one of Orange County’s largest independent accounting and consulting firms. The firm has recognized industry experience in real estate, life sciences, and technology, and is active in the non-profit community.

Jean and Tim Weiss (Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Honorary Producers) mark their 25th time serving as Honorary Producers at SCR. For nearly three decades, Jean and Tim have been among SCR’s most dedicated supporters, providing leadership that has inspired many others to become involved with the theatre. Tim served for nine years on the Board of Trustees, including two terms as President, and now holds the title of Honorary Trustee. Jean chaired the theatre’s landmark 45th Anniversary Gala in 2008. Together, they are major donors to SCR’s Next Stage and Legacy Campaigns and have also served as Honorary Producers of the Pacific Playwrights Festival twice. Reflecting on their extraordinary commitment, Tim shares, “Throughout our long involvement, the theatre has never failed to impress, delivering top-notch productions and being a wonderful cultural asset for our community.”

The Classics is a newly formed donor group of past SCR Trustees united by a shared love of the great works of the world and American stage. Members champion SCR’s renewed commitment to producing classic and enduring plays, ensuring these cornerstone works remain central to our artistic future.  

About the author

South Coast Repertory

South Coast Repertory is a Tony Award-winning theatre is known for producing classics, contemporary hits and world premieres, for having the largest new-play development program in the nation and for advancing the art of theatre in service to the community. 

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