STUDY SESSION City Council
September 8, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jeff Boynton, City Manager
ORIGINATED BY: Jason Daunter, Theatre Director
SUBJECT: PHANTOM PROJECTS FUNDING REQUEST FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027
BACKGROUND
Phantom Projects is a non-profit educational theatre group based in La Mirada. Artistic Director Steven Cisneros and Chairman Bruce Gevirtzman created the organization while at La Mirada High School to fill the gap between adult and children's programming by producing original works with a message covering topics relevant to today's youth. Their program promotes self-control, wise decision-making, and an overall message of becoming better, more productive individuals. Each message-based production also includes an open forum discussion between the actors and the audience to encourage open lines of communication between parents and their teens on relevant topics.
FINDINGS
In the 2026-27 season, Phantom Projects plans to present three productions at La Mirada Theatre: "The House on Mango Street," "The Outsiders," and "#TheSocialMediaPlay." Phantom Projects will also conduct its annual "Young Artist Project" workshop, which will culminate in a performance at the Theatre.
Phantom Project's Fiscal Year 2026-27 in-kind funding request is for $202,720 which is an increase from last year due to the increase in value of the Phoebe warehouse.
The annual rental of the Phantom Project's warehouse space is valued at $130,520. Use of the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts is $72,200. The request is for in-kind use of the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and the Phoebe Avenue warehouse rehearsal facilities with actual costs tracked. The total in-kind donation value is not to exceed $202,720, and if it does, Phantom Projects will be required to cover the overage. Funding for this request is included in the City's Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
It is recommended the City Council review and discuss Phantom Projects' Fiscal Year 2026-27 in-kind funding request in the amount of $202,720.
AGENDA NO. 4.2
2026-2027 La Mirada Budget
Expenses Income
Production Expenses PHANTOM Field Trip Tickets
Dec 2026: House on Mango Street 15,000.00 Dec 2026: House on Mango Street 22,500.00 March 2027: The Outsiders 20,000.00 PROJECTS March 2027: The Outsiders 45,000.00 May 2027: Teens on Tour 6,000.00 theatre May 2027: Teens on Tour 6,000.00 August 2027: Young Artist Project 1,500.00
Public/Evening Tickets
Postage 6,000.00 Dec 2026: House on Mango Street 20,000.00 Printing 7,500.00 March 2027: The Outsiders 40,000.00
Marketing 4,000.00 May 2027: Teens on Tour 5,000.00
Misc 3,000.00 August 2027: Young Artist Project 2,000.00 Warehouse Rent 130,520.00
Theatre Rental 72,200.00 Donations 15,000.00
Insurance 12,000.00 City Grant 202,720.00
Health Benefits 2,000.00 Fundraisers 10,000.00
Promotion 4,000.00
Conferences/Conventions 5,000.00
E-Commerce 3,500.00
Utilities/Prop Taxes 6,000.00
Overhead 2,500.00
Workers Comp 10,000.00
Staff hours applied to LMT Season 50,000.00
Total 360,720.00 Total 368,220.00
Difference
$ 7,500.00
CITY OF LA MIRADA
BUDGET REQUEST FORM
ORGANIZATION PHANTOM PROJECTS EDUCATIONAL THEATRE GROUP PO BOX 250, LA MIRADA, CA 90637
(address)
CONTACT STEVE CISNEROS
TELEPHONE (714) 690 2900
CONTRACT AMOUNT: 2025/26 $137,950
CONTRACT REQUEST: 2026/27 $202,720
If the request is a larger amount from Fiscal Year 2025/2026, please state your organization's rationale for the increase:
The value of the warehouse doubled from last year.
Clearly state what your organization expects to provide the City of La Mirada:
In the coming year, we aim to continue to provide a unique service to La Mirada residents, students and their parents. Our season will open with The House on Mango street, the play version of the classic novel by Sandra Cisneros (no relation to Phantom's Steve Cisneros). This bilingual story is read in schools all over SoCal, and teachers are thrilled with this selection, as it's never been produced on such a large scale.
Our second production is The Outsiders, based on the classic book and movie of the same name. This one remains a favorite as its still one of the most read books in middle school and high school classrooms and features a cast of over 30 performers bringing the story to life.
Our annual TEENS ON TOUR program continues with #TheSocialMediaPlay. This production tackles the dangers and consequences that more and more teens deal with as their lives are on constant display; Cyber bullying leads to youth taking their lives in increasingly large numbers. Features an all-youth cast and an post-show discussion.
The Annual YOUNG ARTIST PROJECT wraps up our year, as a creative sandbox for young people who get just 14 days to create an original production. They explore artistic creativity in the warehouse, culminating in a performance at the La Mirada Theatre. Each year, our participants come from further and further away, as the legend of this program grows. Young artists have learned that YAP in La Mirada provides an incredible opportunity to develop their skill set.
Ensuring accessibility is a focus every year, we will once again offer free tickets to all La Mirada students for our evening performances at LMT and free tickets to ALL students for our TEENS ON TOUR production.
Our educational and literary school tours are slated to return, which brings our TEENS ON TOUR program into LA/OC Middle and High Schools. The show tackles racism, bullying, prejudice, violence, and the overall value of human life. The all- teen cast performs the show, followed by a talk-back with the teen audiences.
We also present CHARLOTTE'S WEB to local schools as part of a PAGE TO STAGE program in K-5 environments.
Each year, we donate $60,000 in free tickets and performances to underserved communities, underfunded schools and non-profits.
Effectiveness Questionnaire
Agency Name: Phantom Projects Theatre Group
Contact / Title: Steve Cisneros, Producing Artistic Director Phone: (714) 690 2900
1. What is the purpose of the agency as it relates to La Mirada residents? *The purpose of Phantom Projects is to be a resource schools, non-profits, teens and their parents, together, to be exposed to the arts, while at the same time, learning from the productions they are viewing.
*To provide ways to make live theatre affordable to the community.
City funding ensures the following:
• Offer discounted field trip performances as low as just $10. • Offer free tickets to our evening performances to all students with a La Mirada address and/or any student of the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District.
• Make our TEENS ON TOUR performance (this year about Cyber Bullying) free for ALL students.
• Our school tours can continue to impact youth in our local communities. *To provide a safe environment for young people involved in TEENS ON TOUR. Many are dealing with situations that are prominent in young lives and Phantom Projects is a "home" to these teens who are often struggling with and dealing with serious life issues.
Through our TEENS ON TOUR program that travels to schools, and also performs annually as part of our LMT Season, we develop and train these young people to become leaders and mentors to their peers and in their schools, allowing them to use their voice to directly impact their own community.
*To donate, underwrite, and provide free tickets to schools and non-profits. Each year, we donate over $60,000 in free tickets and performances to schools and local non-profits. *To work with schools to make their lesson plans come to life, by staging literature-based and teen-oriented message-based dramas at an underwritten, discounted, affordable price. *To provide a training ground for young actors to grow and learn through our ongoing classes.
*To rent professional quality costumes at an affordable price to schools and non-profits.
2. How does the agency measure its effectiveness? What formula is used? We use surveys and e-mails, sent to patrons and school groups after our performances. In addition, many conversations are had with teachers and community members who continue to bring their students to our shows. Their continued patronage and obvious enjoyment of the shows tells us they are finding value in what we offer. Monthly, we receive letters and e-mails from students, parents, and educators who view our shows, commending us for the work we do, and the services we provide.
3. What does the measure mean? What does it tell us?
Our surveys are consistently returned with high ratings for all areas of our work.
When schools become repeat visitors to our productions (some for 8 or 9 years running), it means they feel our productions are valuable learning tools for their students. Many parents become donors and supporters of ours after seeing their own child impacted by their participation. We've had teachers make personal donations to us after seeing our shows. We've had groups who were given free performances and insist on paying after the show because they wanted to contribute to the program.
4. Why is the measure used? (i.e. requirement of principal funder) Communication is crucial; schools appreciate that we reach out to them to find ways to make our productions useful to their lesson plans and curriculums. Our goal is to stay ahead of the curve, and produce shows that are meaningful to schools/educators/parents.
If we didn't solicit feedback and have open lines of communication, we wouldn't be providing a valuable service to our groups.
5. Do similar agencies use the same measure? If not, why? What do they use? Surveys are a big part of a theatre company's structure. It is likely that most theatre groups use their audience reactions, comments, and ticket sales as their main source of audience preference. If audiences dislike musicals and yet a theatre troupe continues to produce musicals, then they are not responding to the needs and wants of their ticket- buyers. Schools seek us out year after year, having knowledge of our reputation, affordability, and quality of service.
6. Does the agency follow up with clients after services delivery? How? After every performance, a survey is sent, allowing room for feedback. We ask for and are provided with honest and candid feedback. We consider all suggestions when discussing upcoming events and performances.
7. How many people from La Mirada did you refer to another agency or you were full to capacity or could not help the client in the past year? We believe heavily in cross-promoting and being a resource for the theatre and the City, and our staff is trained to promote all of LMT's shows to everyone we come in contact with. We train our team to be knowledgeable of not just our shows, but all of the theatre's offerings so that when we attend conventions, exhibits, conduct media interviews, or travel across the country with our shows, we are able to talk about everything La Mirada Theatre has to offer.
Many individuals (no formal count is able to be conducted) are introduced to La Mirada Theatre's other offerings by getting involved with Phantom Projects. McCoy Rigby's professional series is promoted heavily at events we attend in which the theatre's Season Brochure is displayed. We never try to convince a ticket-buyer that our show is more appropriate for them if another show in the venue is better for them. We have recommended Programs for Young Audiences productions over ours, Concerts, and Special Events, etc., if we felt the subject matter of our performances was too "hcavy" for a particular group but still want to find a way to get them to La Mirada. Phantom Projects brings the La Mirada Theatre name to ncarly 60,000 individuals a year through conferences, promotional materials, and events that we attend and are involved with.
8. What is the agency's cost to serve one person? Over what period of time? $4.05 from July 1 to June 30.
Note: the goal is to have a clear measurable performance data to determine whether programs and services are accomplishing their intended purpose.
CITY OF LA MIRADA
SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCY ASSETS & LIABILITIES FORM
AGENCY NAME: Phantom Projects Theatre Group
Minimum Eligibility YES NO
Can the agency provide proof of non-profit status?
Can the agency provide proof of service to La Mirada residents? Funding request amount for FY 2026/2027 [$202,720
Funds will serve what purpose? To cover La Mirada Theatre useage fee $ 72,200.00 To cover Phoebe warehouse rent $130,520
Is there a reasonable correlation between funds requested and residents served? Cost to serve each client?: $4.05
Can the agency provide proof of fiscal soundness?
Can the agency provide clear and concise program/service definition? Target population: Describe service(s) provided:
Middle School and High School Students Produce and present high-quality productions How long has service been provided?: Since 1997. with an educational value to them for teens in Where is the service provided?: La Mirada and surrounding communities.
La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and local In addition, the touring of educational plays Elementary, Middle School and High Schools (Bullying/Racism/Self-Image/Social Media) Explain why the service is needed: to local middle schools, high schools, and To expose new audiences to live theatre while still churches. We also provide a theatre training providing an educational element. ground to young actors and actresses through our We help to round-out the theatre's current season classes and educational workshops. offerings. In addition to the experience for audiences, DOES
NOT
Finances YES NO APPLY
Can the agency provide proof of current non-profit status? 501 [c] 3?
Joint Powers Authority?
Does the agency have an annual budget, approved and monitored by the board, which includes all program and management expenses and all sources and uses of funds? Statement of expenditures? xx
1 DOES
NOT
Finances (continued) YES NO APPLY
Does the agency prepare monthly financial statements which compare actual revenues and expenses to the approved budget?
Does the agency follow accounting practices which conform to standard practices? Is an independent audit or review of the agency's financial condition conducted annually? Independent audit? Term: to
Independent review? X Term: July 1-June 30
Annual Exempt Statement?
Is a written statement of the organization's financial position (i.e. a financial statement) available to potential funders and donors?
Can the agency identify which programs are running at a surplus or loss and why? Can the agency identify its primary funding sources and whether or not they are secure for the next few years?
Does the agency differentiate between restricted and unrestricted income? Is the agency running a deficit?
If it has a deficit, is there a plan to eliminate it within the next fiscal year? Does the agency have a financial surplus?
If there is a surplus, is it unrestricted money and is it repeatable? Does the agency receive more than 30% of its operating budget from one source? Please note, the altached budget reflects only services as related to our LMT/Warehouse useage/services.
If yes, is the money unrestricted? 00X
If yes, is this funding renewable over the mid- to long-term? DOES
NOT
Personnel YES NO APPLY
Does the agency have a Board of Directors?
Does the agency have an adequate number of active board members? •OC Does the agency have board representation from La Mirada? •OC Does the agency have board members who are recognized leaders in the community? 0OC Does the board provide clear leadership within the organization? Does the board participate in fundraising?
Do board members have relationships that can help leverage additional resources for the organization? •OC
2 DOES
NOT
Personnel (continued) YES NO APPLY
Is the board stable? (e.g. is there orderly turnover of board members, with adequate training of new board members?)
Does the agency have a stable volunteer base?
Is there a system for recruiting, training, and recognizing volunteers? Does the agency effectively match the skills and interests of volunteers with the work to be done?
88E
Are the volunteers trained to be effective "ambassadors" for your agency? Do volunteers have relationships that can help leverage additional resources for the organization? •OC
can volunteers be used more effectively to meet the personnel needs ot your organization? (e.g. if staff has been cut, can volunteers fill part or all of the gap? Does the agency have adequate staff to implement current programs? Does the agency have adequate administrative and support staff? Does the agency have adequate fundraising staff?
Is there staff leadership that works effectively with the board to implement goals and objectives?
Does the agency have dynamic program staff who could assist in fundraising (motivators, recruiters, speakers)?
DOES
NOT
Credibility YES NO APPLY
Does the agency have documented evidence of community support? Are community leaders on the board of directors?
Does the agency receive financial contributions from individuals? Does the agency receive cash or in-kind donations from local businesses? How many clients were served agency-wide last fiscal/calendar year? 50,000 How many La Mirada residents were served last fiscal/calendar year? Approx 8,000 Does the agency receive recognition by the press, government, other agencies? Is an active volunteer base involved with the agency?
Are positive testimonials from clients, members, volunteers, etc.on file? 3 DOES
NOT
Credibility (continued) YES NO APPLY
Is there a measurable performance evaluation process provided (e.g. number of clients served, or units of service)?
Has the agency documented program success?
Can the agency demonstrate the results of the services it provides (e.g. changes in their clients as a result of services)? Patron letters attest to effectiveness Is there continuity in the successful provision of these services (e.g. history plus track record)?
Is there evidence of good organizational health?
Is the organization financially stable?
Does the agency operate with board-approved by-laws?
Does the board give money, as well as time, to the organization? Is the agency getting funds from a diverse array of funders/donors? If so, where? Individuals/volunteers/Federal Grants
Is the agency's staff and board well-qualified?
Does the agency work collaboratively with other agencies? If so, which agencies?
Does the agency demonstrate a high standard of professional service? Service and Value to La Mirada YES NO
Is the service accessible to La Mirada residents? # of miles to city:
Is there a continuing La Mirada resident demand for the agency's service(s)? Does the agency provide a unique service in the La Mirada service area? X Does this agency's service duplicate another service provided to La Mirada residents? X If yes, how?
Is the funding request reasonable for the number of La Mirada clients served? • C For City of La Mirada use only:
Is the funding request consistent with similar services funded by the City? Can the City afford the service?
Will the service have a minimal impact on staff time?
Evaluator:
4