The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company Web Site

This year The Unusual Suspects (US) celebrates its birthday by spotlighting 15 voices from the last 15 years. These voices represent the community of youth, artists, staff, volunteers, funders and partners that have been such an important of our history. Keep your eyes open for the next 15 Years, 15 Voices and make the next 15 years as transformative as the last by helping us reach our goal of raising $150,000 the next 15 months!

Interview with Paula Litt
By Amy Ellenberger

Paula Litt has a long history of supporting change-makers like The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company. As a member of the Board of Directors at the Liberty Hill Foundation, she has been a key component to the growth and development of US over the last 15 years.

Paula was first introduced to The Unusual Suspects when she did a favor for a friend. She was put in contact with founder Laura Leigh Hughes, who at the time was seeking advice on how to set up a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Paula was immediately inspired by Laura Leigh’s commitment and dedication to working with at-risk youth in response to the 1992 L.A. riots. Paula commented, “The minute I met Laura Leigh, I was incredibly impressed and wanted to help her in whatever way I could.” That meeting was the beginning of an important journey with US.

Since then Paula has helped The Unusual Suspects by consulting with the staff on fundraising and board development issues. In addition to becoming a donor herself, she has encouraged others to give to the organization privately and through the Liberty Hill Foundation.

The Unusual Suspects and The Liberty Hill Foundation share a common goal of advancing social justice in Los Angeles. Liberty Hill has been a progressive voice in supporting change since it opened its doors in 1976 by giving away nearly $23 million to community organizations in L.A. County. Paula has been an integral part of bringing Liberty Hill’s expertise and passion for equality and opportunity to the Unusual Suspects over the years.

“US provides important programming for at-risk youth, which in turn benefits L.A. Art in general and theatre in particular can provide an important outlet for youth to achieve direction and build self-esteem. US is a model organization that other groups in Los Angeles and across the nation can learn from.”

Paula is being honored for her service to The Unusual Suspects at the Inaugural Spring Gala “Speak Easy, Do Good!” on May 28, 2009 at the Oviatt Penthouse in downtown Los Angeles. US will recognize her contributions at the event, along with an Unusual Suspects alum and David Henry Hwang, playwright and finalist for the 2008 Pulitzer Prize.

“When my memory takes me back 15 years to when I first met Laura Leigh, I get a smile on my face thinking of how far US has come!”

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