At home behind the curtain

SHE IS:

Keeping theater vital in Laguna.

It has been said that scent is a powerful reminder of memories and

feelings tucked away in the subconscious. For Laguna Playhouse

trustee Sindi Schwartz, the smell of the theater -- that perfume of

makeup, costumes and magic -- reawakens the anticipation she once

felt as an actress.

Although her work with the Playhouse takes place on the other side

of the stage, she is driven to keep that expressive spirit alive for

future generations.

“It made me want to try out for a play,” she said, looking out the

windows of her gracious South Laguna home. “But I do well on this

side. I can do so much more to make sure the theater does well.”

WORKING ON THE OTHER SIDE

Together with her husband, Ron -- who serves as president of the

board of the directors -- Schwartz began supporting the Playhouse

shortly after moving to Laguna in 1989.

Maintaining the caliber and breadth of programming partly falls

into the hands of trustees.

“I don’t think a theater with so many performances a year that is

not in a large urban center can rely on ticket sales alone,” she

said. “The board of directors provide sound business perspective to

the theater.”

As chair of the 2003 gala committee, Schwartz is aiming to raise

funds for the proposed 225-seat second stage theater and educational

space that the playhouse hopes to build next to the Moulton Theatre.

FRIENDS ACROSS THE OCEANS

Her work has brought her into an intimate circle that includes

acclaimed playwrights, young up-and-coming actors as well as the

legends such as Julie Harris, Charles Nelson Reilly and Sally

Struthers.

One of her most cherished results of her work is her friendship

with Irish playwright Bernard Farrell, whose plays have had their

U.S. premieres at the Playhouse for the past two years.

“The Playhouse is a place to come together,” Schwartz said. “We

all have this in common, this love of theater.”

-- Story by Mary A. Castillo; photo by Don Leach