For nearly 30 years, the Garry Marshall Theatre has served as the premier cultural arts destination in Toluca Lake, renowned not only for its seasonal showcases of invigorating live performances, but also for providing enriching arts education that sets the stage for the next generation of artists in the community. The latter distinction is the heart of GMT’s mission, set forth by its founder, the late Garry Marshall, and his wife, Barbara, who championed cultivating community through the arts and declared live, shared storytelling as one of the greatest human experiences.
Now, GMT is building on that principle and amplifying its mission with a new philanthropic endeavor: the Barbara Marshall Opportunity Initiative. Named after Barbara, the theater’s board chair, the initiative is guided by her humanitarian view that “accessibility and opportunity are essential to societal growth.” It aims to create more opportunities for performers, designers and playwrights, and to expand youth arts education programming at GMT.
Producing artistic director Joseph Leo Bwarie, who first began working with the Marshalls 25 years ago, says the effort carries forward the family’s legacy of philanthropy in L.A. “This July, it will be 10 years since Garry passed. It’s almost unimaginable. But Barbara is a constant at GMT, and you know who loves her the most? The kids,” he shares. “It’s so special to hear them thank her for the theater. It’s their special place to be creative.”
The initiative, which establishes a fund to be sustained by donor contributions, focuses on removing barriers to arts education and improving access for all. It will expand creativity with the addition of high school and college-level arts education offerings; provide aspiring writers and directors with no-cost physical space for rehearsals, readings and workshops for the development of projects; and support new story theater and youth screenwriting programs.
In addition, the initiative will allow for more community-building, with funding to provide scholarships to ensure youth can participate in programming regardless of their financial situation. Furthermore, it plans to create more professional development opportunities through hosted industry discussions and expanded mastery workshops.
Lastly, the initiative will establish internships for students interested in the technical aspects of theater production and the administrative side of arts programming. It will also help fund the hiring of a new full-time arts educator to expand the breadth of programs and scope of outreach and manage increasing enrollment, allowing for the continued growth and expansion of programs.
“This initiative is the next step in fully realizing the impact of live artistic storytelling at GMT— no AI, no screens, but the real magic of a beautiful theater in Toluca Lake’s backyard,” Bwarie says. “We are really ready for the neighbors to show up with more impactful support, to help us make sure this theater thrives and stays for years to come.”
For more information about the Barbara Marshall Opportunity Initiative and how you can get involved, visit garrymarshalltheatre.org.
