“The People’s Theatre” never would have been created without the people who have guided this unique, award-winning endeavor. We are very fortunate to have had the support of an amazing cast of community members who have served on our Board of Directors and as Advisors. Their vision, leadership, support and advocacy have manifested a lasting gift to the community and Santa Barbara Junior High School in the form of the Marjorie Luke Theatre.

Current Board of Directors:

Gerardo Ayala - Co Chair
Brynn Crowe - Co Chair
Douglas Dreier – Vice President
Mary Free – Treasurer
Laura Battle – Secretary
Kareem Battle
John Becchio
Sam Demachkie
Gerrie Fausett
Barbara Keyani
Rod Lathim
Scott Reed
Susan Salcido
Chris Speer

“I believed The Luke was a special place from the first day I stepped into it.  It has magnetism for me that is unmistakable.”
Gerrie Fausett
Former Principal SBJHS
Board Member

 

“To know that my grandparents names are on the tile wall almost brings me to tears each time I enter because this is a reminder of how much they wanted me to make a difference.  Being on this board I know I make a difference everyday.”
Kareem Battle
SBJHS Teacher
Board Member

 

“The Luke is an important cog in the machine that is Santa Barbara. Its accessibility to the schools and the community provides both education and life-skills, while providing a venue for groups to showcase talents and issues.”
Douglas Dreier
Board Member

“The idea of being a part of a cultural center where I could help ensure that a place to participate in the arts would be secured even as the schools budgets for the arts are being cut is what makes me passionate about the Luke.”
Tal Sanders
Former Board Member

 

“We have completely renovated this theatre down to its very soul. We have accomplished what we set out to create – an affordable home for the performing artists of our community”
Lauren Berris
Founding Board Member

 

"I truly enjoy being a Board Member at The Luke because I find it very beneficial and rewarding knowing that we are contributing to our Santa Barbara community, especially our children, by making sure the opportunities to experience all facets of the arts-whether musical, theatrical or multi-cultural are available and abundant."
Laura Battle
Board Member

 

“Creating live theatre is like blowing bubbles.  They burst into the wind, vibrant, colorful and exciting, and then they disappear. All that is left are memories of the experience.  One of the most wonderful rewards of The Luke is being able to walk in, again and again, and see the outcome of our hard work and passion…to be able to touch the tiles and curtains and kiosk and seats…and know it will be there to inspire future generations when I am gone.”
Rod Lathim
Board President

 

What our audience members say:

“This is the most beautiful theatre in Southern California.”

“I can’t believe this theatre is on the campus of a junior high school!”

“The staff is so supportive and professional!”

“The attention to detail is amazing!”

“The sound system is incredible!”

“The best leg-room in town!”