4c
CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Report: Use of City Days at the Alex Theatre for two requests - Hamazkayin Sayat Nova Choir and GUSD’s Armenian American Heritage Night
1. Council motion to approve use of one annual City Day at the Alex Theatre for Hamazkayin Sayat Nova Choir on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
2. Council motion to approve use of one annual City Day at the Alex Theatre for Glendale Unified School District’s Armenian American Heritage Night on Wednesday April 29, 2026.
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Consent Calendar
Approved for December 2, 2025 calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Community Development Department is requesting use of two of the City’s twelve annual rent-free dates at the Alex Theatre to sponsor the Hamazkayin Sayat Nova Choir and GUSD’s Armenian American Heritage Night. These requests represent the first two community sponsorship requests for the 2026 calendar year. 24c
6 4
2 4
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the motions authorizing two rent-free dates at the Alex Theatre for Hamazkayin Sayat Nova Choir, and for GUSD’s Armenian American Heritage Night.
ANALYSIS
As part of the Management Agreement, Evnsong agreed to provide the City with twelve annual days of Theatre use, free of facility rental charge. In addition to events hosted by the City, the City may sponsor community groups, who meet the minimum criteria and receive City Council approval, by providing them use of one of these twelve days. The facility rental fee is waived by the Theatre for these groups, but all other costs associated with the use of the Theatre are to be paid for by the group requesting the sponsorship.
Staff and the Alex anticipate the City will use the Theatre for reoccurring events and are cognizant not to bring forward community events which would surpass the number of allocated dates considering these anticipated date uses. The Council may direct staff to set aside additional dates for anticipated events in addition to the three below:
1. Armenian Genocide Commemoration Event
2. Glendale Tech Week
3. Women’s Equality Day
Below are the first two requests received by the City from a community group for the 2026 calendar year. If approved, in addition to the three dates of anticipated City use, there will be seven dates remaining for 2026.
Hamazkayin Armenian Cultural Association:
Hamazkayin Armenian Cultural Association was founded in 1928 and has been serving the Armenian community throughout the world through multiple chapters. The goal is to promote Armenian culture, language, theatre, art, and music. The Hamazkayin Sayat Nova Choir has performed in a number of Los Angeles County music halls including Northridge University, Glendale High School, Glendale Presbyterian Church, and Pasadena’s Nazarene Church Hall.
On an annual basis, the Choir performs to a 1,000+ audience, and one 400-600 audience. The Choir has over 50 singing members. The Alex Theatre performance is scheduled for March 21, 2026.
GUSD:
The GUSD Armenian American Heritage Night Celebration is an opportunity to honor and uplift the rich history, traditions, and contributions of the Armenian American community. This event will serve students, families, and community members of all ages, providing a welcoming space to celebrate cultural identity while fostering learning and appreciation across diverse backgrounds.
The sponsorship would allow GUSD to use the Alex Theater, the central venue that makes it possible to host a high-quality and widely attended celebration. The evening 34c
6 4
2 4
highlights student performances across all grade levels, giving young people the chance to showcase their talents in music, dance, theater, and visual arts. For many students, this is not only a performance opportunity but also an affirming experience that strengthens their cultural identity, builds confidence, and fosters pride in sharing their heritage with peers and the broader community. The event also provides a platform for collaboration with cultural organizations and community partners, giving students the opportunity to connect their classroom learning with real-world experiences and cultural expression. By centering student voice and talent, the celebration empowers youth to see themselves as leaders, culture-bearers, and active contributors to the community.
This celebration affirms the cultural pride of Armenian American students and families while inviting the broader community to participate in meaningful cultural exchange. It creates a bridge between generations, preserving traditions through music, dance, and storytelling while sparking dialogue and understanding among neighbors. Ultimately, the sponsorship will make it possible to host a joyful and inclusive event that not only honors Armenian American heritage but also strengthens the fabric of our school district and city through shared celebration and community connection. The Alex Theatre performance is scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
Marketing for the event will take place through the organization’s large base, and all regular Alex Theatre ticket marketing outlets.
Details for those interested in requesting sponsorships can be found on the City website at: glendaleca.gov/government/departments/community-development/cdd- administration/alex-theatre-sponsorship
And the Alex Theatre website at: https://www.thealex.com/sponsorship
FISCAL IMPACT
There are no costs to the City of Glendale for sponsoring this event.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
CEQA does not apply to projects where the lead agency determines "with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment." CEQA Guidelines (14 Cal. Code Regs.) § 15061(b)(3). Here, the action involves hosting a show within a built environment. There is no possibility that the action of hosting continued shows within the Theatre may have a significant effect on the environment.
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
This item is exempt from campaign disclosure requirements.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Do not approve utilization of City days at the Alex Theatre for one or more of the requests. 44c
6 4
2 4
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Bradley Calvert, Director of Community Development
Prepared by:
Tamar Sadd, Deputy Director of Community Development
Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS