East West Players is the nation's premier Asian American theatre organization based in Los Angeles. It was founded in the basement of a church in Silver Lake and has since moved to Little Tokyo, where it serves over 10,000 people annually through productions and educational programs that give voice to the Asian Pacific American experience. It is supported by government grants, corporate sponsors, and a board of directors that includes notable figures like George Takei.

1. East West Players by J.S. Kim

2. Mission Statement As the nation's premier Asian American theatre organization, East West Players produces outstanding works and educational programs that give voice to the Asian Pacific American experience.

3. Brief History Started from basement of a church in Silver Lake for Asian Pacific American Theatre. In 1998, moved its location to Little Tokyo in downtown L.A., at the David Henry Hwang Theatre at the Union Center for the Arts with an Art Gallery, and Visual Communications in the basement. Serve over 10,000 people each year, including low income audiences provided free, discounted admissions and deaf audiences.

4. Supporters Board of directors: Lynn Fukuhara Arthurs, Hon. Robert M. Kawahara, Paul Tanaka C.F.O. Council of Governors: George Takei, chair, George and Sakaye Aratani, David Henry Hwang, Sen. Daniel Inouye, Hon. Delbert Wong, John Woo.

5. Sponsors Government/Corporate/Foundation Support Altria Group Inc. BMI Buddhist Churches of America, Riteway Charities Social Welfare Committee CA Arts Council, Civil Liberties, Community Foundation City of LA Cultural Affairs Dept. James Irvine Foundation, NEA LA County Arts Commission, LA Times Northrop Grumman Corp. Mark Taper Foundation Schwab Fund, Shubert Foundation, Target Corp.

6. Company Organization Cast Production and Crew Administrative Staff Ticketing – 40% of operating costs Rest is through donations, grants, memberships, advertising, and sponsorships.

7. Planning Planning through a cultural mix As Vishnu Dreams by Shishir Kurup Nov.-Dec. 2004. Holiday special: Nisei Widows Club. Proof by Tony Award winner David Auburn for Feb. 2-27, 2005. Imelda, world premiere musical from May-June 2005.

8. Operations Crew Production Administrative staff Performance Fundraising events Annual Awards night

9. Marketing Price Product and Services Promotion: PR and Advertising Place

10. Strategies Artistic and Education programming To extend the past successes, promote new frontiers, and continually emphasize and deliver premier performances. Create new venues for Asian actors through the conservatory. Education outreach.