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  • Backstage
    at the Geffen

    Sunday, October 18, 2026

  • Backstage
    at the Geffen

    Sunday, October 18, 2026

    The Geffen's Biggest Night!

    Backstage at the Geffen is Geffen Playhouse’s most valued fundraiser.

    Forget about rubbery chicken and droning speeches: this evening is so much more than a traditional gala. It is our way of welcoming our Geffen Playhouse community into our theater—the cultural heart of Westwood—in new and exciting ways. This celebration reflects our vision of theater as an art form that is muscular, visceral, and actively invites in community.

    BE PART OF SOMETHING SPECIAL. BE PART OF BACKSTAGE 2026.

    View Packages Donate Now

    Contact Sam Abney, Director of Development & Strategic Growth, at or 310.208.6500 x140 for further information.

    PRESENTING SPONSORS

    The Adi and Jerry Greenberg Foundation

    Backstage at the Geffen
    Sunday, October 18, 2026

    Join us Backstage for cocktails, bites, and performances you simply can’t see anywhere else. Your support of Backstage 2026 brings daring stories to life and builds a theater that’s ready for its moment on the world stage.

    EVENT TIMELINE
    4 pm / Welcome Reception
    5 pm / Performance in the Gil Cates Theater
    6:30 pm / Post-performance bites, drinks, and music
    8 pm / Event Concludes

    *Event timeline is subject to change

    HOSTED BY MARCEL SPEARS

    Actor (Fat Ham, The Neighborhood)

    Tony & Emmy Award Winner

    Bebe
    Neuwirth

    Bebe
    Neuwirth

    ARTISTIC IMPACT AWARD HONOREE

    Bebe Neuwirth is an award-winning actress, dancer and singer whose distinguished career spans Broadway, television and film.

    Learn More

    Tony & Emmy Award Winner

    Bebe
    Neuwirth

    Bebe
    Neuwirth

    ARTISTIC IMPACT AWARD HONOREE

    Bebe Neuwirth is an award-winning actress, dancer and singer whose distinguished career spans Broadway, television and film.

    Learn More

    NBA All-Star & U.S.A. Olympian

    Chris
    Paul

    Chris
    Paul

    COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD HONOREE

    Chris Paul is a 12-time NBA All-Star, two-time Olympic gold medalist, entrepreneur, author and philanthropist.

    Learn More

    NBA All-Star & U.S.A. Olympian

    Chris
    Paul

    Chris
    Paul

    COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD HONOREE

    Chris Paul is a 12-time NBA All-Star, two-time Olympic gold medalist, entrepreneur, author and philanthropist.

    Learn More

    Founding Trustee

    Harold A.
    Brown

    Harold A.
    Brown

    FOUNDERS AWARD HONOREE

    Harold A. Brown is an entertainment attorney and longtime partner at Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman.

    Learn More

    Founding Trustee

    Harold A.
    Brown

    Harold A.
    Brown

    FOUNDERS AWARD HONOREE

    Harold A. Brown is an entertainment attorney and longtime partner at Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman.

    Learn More

    Thank You To Our Backstage at the Geffen 2026 Sponsors

    Presenting Sponsors

    • The Adi and Jerry Greenberg Foundation
    • UCLA Health

    Diamond Sponsors

    • Linda Bernstein Rubin & Tony Rubin

    Platinum Sponsors

    • Cindy & Alan Horn
    • Paramount Pictures
    • Steve Tisch
    • Miranda & Brett Tollman

    Gold Sponsors

    • Patricia Glaser & Sam Mudie

    • Karen & Walter Loewenstern

    Silver Sponsors

    • Carla Gardini
    • David Greenwalt
    • Laura & Jarred Kennedy
    • Allen & Jessica Kling
    • Chris T. Schmidt
    • Julie & Peter Weil

    Bronze Sponsors

    • Field Family Foundation
    • Willette Klausner
    • Carla Malden & Norman Beil

    As of 8/20/2026.

    Tickets & Sponsor Packages

    Sponsor packages are currently available for early access by clicking RESERVE PACKAGE under your desired package or by contacting Sam Abney, Director of Development & Strategic Growth, at or 310.208.6500 x140.

    Title Sponsor – $100,000

    • 10 Premium Orchestra Seats for the Backstage show
    • Exclusive photo opportunity with Geffen leadership and honorees
    • Prime recognition as “Title Sponsor” in all printed and electronic event materials
    • Inclusion in remarks during the performance and at the after-party
    • 4 Digital Tribute Slides displayed throughout the event
    • Invitations for you and your guests to the Geffen’s 2026/2027 Season Leadership Reception (Date TBD Spring 2027)
    • Logo or Name inclusion on the Backstage at the Geffen 2026 Step and Repeat

    RESERVE PACKAGE

    Presenting Sponsor – $75,000

    • 10 Premium Orchestra Seats for the Backstage show
    • Exclusive photo opportunity with Geffen leadership and honorees
    • Prime recognition as “Presenting Sponsor” in all printed and electronic event materials
    • Inclusion in remarks during the performance and at the after-party
    • 3 Digital Tribute Slides displayed throughout the event
    • Invitations for you and your guests to the Geffen’s 2026/2027 Season Leadership Reception (Date TBD Spring 2027)

    RESERVE PACKAGE

    Diamond Sponsor – $50,000

    • 10 Premium Orchestra Seats for the Backstage show
    • Exclusive photo opportunity with Geffen leadership and honorees
    • Recognition as “Diamond Sponsor” in all printed and electronic event materials
    • Inclusion in remarks during the performance and at the after-party
    • 2 Digital Tribute Slides displayed throughout the event

    RESERVE PACKAGE

    Platinum Sponsor – $35,000

    • 8 Premium Orchestra Seats for the Backstage show
    • Recognition as “Platinum Sponsor” in all printed and electronic event materials
    • Inclusion in remarks during the performance and at the after-party
    • 1 Digital Tribute Slide displayed throughout the event

    RESERVE PACKAGE

    Gold Sponsor – $25,000

    • 6 Premium Orchestra Seats for the Backstage show
    • Recognition as “Gold Sponsor” in all printed and electronic event materials
    • 1 Digital Tribute Slide displayed throughout the event

    RESERVE PACKAGE

    Silver Sponsor – $10,000

    • 4 Orchestra Seats for the Backstage show
    • Recognition as “Silver Sponsor” in all printed and electronic event materials
    • 1 Digital Tribute Slide displayed throughout the event

    RESERVE PACKAGE

    Bronze Sponsor – $5,000

    • 2 Orchestra Seats for the Backstage show
    • Recognition as “Bronze Sponsor” in all printed and electronic event materials

    RESERVE PACKAGE

    For more information, contact Sam Abney, Director of Development & Strategic Growth at or 310.208.6500 x140.

    2026 HOST COMMITTEE

    Kate Capshaw & Steven Spielberg • George Cheeks • Mary Ann Cloyd • Bryan Cranston & Robin Dearden • Colman & Raúl Domingo • Tara Duncan • Carla Gardini • Patricia Glaser & Sam Mudie • Adi & Jerry Greenberg • David Greenwalt • Dulé Hill & Jazmyn Simon • Cindy & Alan Horn • LaTanya Richardson Jackson • Laura & Jarred Kennedy • Allen & Jessica Kling • Karen & Walter Loewenstern • Fay & Frank Mancuso • Frank Marshall & Kathleen Kennedy • Alana Mayo • Madeline & Bruce Ramer • Allison Rawlings • Linda Bernstein Rubin & Tony Rubin • Michelle Satter • Chris T. Schmidt • Jodi & Howard Tenenbaum • Miranda & Brett Tollman • Julie & Peter Weil • Rita Wilson & Tom Hanks • Kevyn Wynn

    Host Committee members generously support Backstage 2026 with a meaningful contribution and through advocacy for Geffen Playhouse’s year-round programming. For more information or to add your name, please contact Sam Abney, Director of Development & Strategic Growth at or 310.208.6500 x140.

    Past Honorees

    PREVIOUS BACKSTAGE EVENTS

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