Friends of the Theater

Mission Statement

Friends of the Theater, San Leandro High School, is dedicated to supporting the theater and performing arts programs at San Leandro High School. Under the guidance of the San Leandro Education Foundation (SLED), Friends of the Theater works to raise funds for the ongoing management of the theater building, ensuring that performing arts programs continue to flourish in our schools and community.

Calling All Volunteer Ushers for Theater Events!

Friends of the Theater is recruiting community volunteers to help as ushers for upcoming shows and events at the Arts Education Center, located on San Leandro High's campus. No experience is necessary. Volunteers will receive training and will be assigned to events that fit with their schedules. Ushers are required to arrive at least one hour early and stay at least through intermission.  If seats are available, volunteer ushers may enjoy the show for free.

Upcoming Events Include:

• Dec. 1 – “Holidays with Lenny Williams”
• Dec. 2-4 – “A Broadway Holiday with CANTARE!”
• Dec. 7 – San Leandro High School Choir/Orchestra winter concert
• Dec. 8 – San Leandro High School Band winter concert
• Dec. 16-18, Dec. 22-24 – “A Christmas Carol,” The Musical

Interested in being an usher at the theater? Contact Friends President Jeni Engler at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

P.S. The venue is available to rent! Help support programming at the AEC by choosing the facility for your next event. Learn more at sanleandroaec.blogspot.com.

Stand Up for the Arts in San Leandro by Taking a Seat!

How the Program Works (download PDF-theater brochure)

San Leandro is a community that has long cherished the arts and recognizes the importance the arts play in its cultural vitality. As a result of the successful passage of Measure B, our community has a beautiful new Arts Education Center at San Leandro High School. In addition to classrooms and a sound studio, the new center has a 550-seat theater for school and community use.

The Seating Campaign is a fundraising program sponsored by Friends of the Theater. Under the guidance of SLED, Friends of the Theater has established a fund for the ongoing management of the theater building. The success of the campaign will ensure our theater is used and enjoyed by students and the community for years to come.

This is your opportunity to be part of history by purchasing a seat inscribed with your name. Not only will you have the pleasure of seeing your name (or other inscription) in the theater, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you played an important role in its continued success.

For a tax-deductible donation of $250, $500 or $750, an inscription of your choosing will be engraved on a nameplate attached permanently to the armrest of a theater seat. The map indicates where your donated nameplate will be located.

Endowment Categories

$750: Front Orchestra
$500: MIddle Orchestra
$250: Rear Side and Back

Top Ten Reasons to Name a Seat Today

1. You love the arts.

2. You support excellence in      public education.

3. You need to find a perfect gift for someone.

4. You want your name displayed on a brass plaque.

5. You want to honor a special person or event.

6. You believe every child deserves a quality education.

7. You want to make a meaningful contribution that is tax-deductible.

8. You plan on spending a lot of time at the theater so you might as well name a seat.

9. You love music, bands, orchestras, musical theater, drama, comedy, and/or anything that might take place on a stage.

10. You know this is a great opportunity to support future generations of San Leandro children.

For more information about the Take a Seat Campaign or other ways to support the San Leandro Arts Education Center, contact Friends President Jeni Engler at 510-352-8473 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Articles:

• "Friends of the Theater Plans Gala Fundraiser," San Leandro Patch
• "Education Foundation to Fund High School Theater Director," San Leandro Patch
• "Curtain Goes Up On San Leandro High's New Theater," San Leandro Patch
• "Community Gets Sneak Peek at New High School Theater," San Leandro Patch

Current Seat Patrons

A.E. de Pace
Alice Lai-Bitker
Alta Mira Club
Bill and Laurel Quirk
Bonnie and Lawrence Peterson
C.M. Rosario
Chad Pennebaker
Christine Lim
Colin Busby
Cynthia Yang
Dale Gregory
Debbie Wong
Dennis and Susan Criswell
Diane Russell
Doris Marx
Evelyn and Juan Gonzalez
Ivan Cornelius
Jane and Paul Davis
Jeni and Jerry Engler
Jerry and Arlene Lewis
Jill Raimondi and Jason Proctor
Joanne Schultz
Karen Koizumi
Kate Miller
Keri Breedlove
Martin Vitz
MaryAnn Frates
Michael Pretto
Nancy and Gerald Guarino
Patty Fishbaugh
Pauline Cutter
Ron and Linda Carey
San Leandro Lodge No 113
Saul and Carla Schultheis-Gerry
Shelia Young
Shig and Namie Naito
SLHS Class of 1955
SLHS Class of 1958
Stephen and Amy Cassidy
Tom and Donna Burpee