We got hooked on theater during a semester that I spent teaching in London where we went to a performance at least once per week (including Derek Jacobi in Richard II, Michael Crawford in Phantom of the Opera and the original production of Les Misérables). Don and I first discovered North Coast Rep when we still lived in Scripps Ranch. We would read a review of one of the plays in the San Diego Union and decide to go and check it out. When we moved to Cardiff in 2003, we began going to the plays more often, and after a year or two decided to become season ticket holders, as we had never seen a play there that we didn't like. 

We both feel that the quality of the productions at North Coast Rep is excellent, and our attendance at plays, and Don's involvement with the Board of Directors has made the theater a major part of our lives. We were inspired to make North Coast Rep part of our legacy plans because we want to see the theater continue to grow and flourish, and to have a hand in making excellent theater available to everyone. We recognize that NCR needs to continue to try to reach out to younger audiences, and perhaps our gift could be used in part for that purpose.

When we talk to our friends about the theater, we describe it as intimate, with no bad seats, and interesting, thought provoking, and entertaining plays. We often recommend the plays to our friends, and they always respond positively when they see a production that we have recommended. Our family lives out of town, but when they happen to be visiting us during a production that we think they would like, we usually buy them tickets to see it. 

I think mainly we are hoping to help North Coast Rep to expand its audience to include more young people. We think that NCR could benefit by offering more free or no cost play readings, particularly to attract a younger audience. We've both been noticing more stories about the theatre online and in local newspapers. It seems likely that an emphasis on social media is going to be key. If one of our friends were to ask us about making a legacy gift to North Coast Rep, our advice would be that it is an excellent choice for something that will live on for many years, enriching the lives of audiences to come.