CONSENT CALENDAR City Council
September 22, 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 2026-27
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 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 approve Phantom Projects' Fiscal Year 2026-27 in-kind funding request in the amount of $202,720.
AGENDA NO. 7.6