The Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan F. Horn And Multi-Award-Winning Entertainer Steve Martin To Be Honored At Geffen Playhouse Annual "Backstage at the Geffen" Fundraiser On March 22, 2014

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Next year's eagerly awaited "Backstage at the Geffen" will honor The Walt Disney Studios Chairman, Alan F. Horn, with the Distinction in Service Award and multi-talented entertainer Steve Martin with the Distinction in Theater Award at the ninth annual fundraiser, slated for Saturday, March 22, 2014.  The evening brings together prominent members of the artistic, entertainment, philanthropic and business communities to celebrate the accomplishments of industry leaders and raise funds to benefit the Geffen Playhouse's artistic initiatives.

Steve Carell hosts the irreverent evening of laughter, music and stories featuring personal "backstage" memories and songs by a cavalcade of stars preceding the award ceremony in the Gil Cates Theater. Honorary Co-Chairs are Robert Iger and Willow Bay and Ron and Kelly Meyer.

Funds raised are earmarked for a host of Geffen Playhouse endeavors including new play development, playwright commissions, second productions and artistic risks, as well as the theater's award-winning education and outreach programs, which help bring the excitement of live theater to more than 15,000 disadvantaged youth, seniors and veterans annually.  Last year's event raised over $1.2 million for these programs.

"Backstage at the Geffen" title sponsor, City National Bank returns for the fifth year and is joined by presenting sponsors, Audi of America and Social.

The Geffen Playhouse has been a hub of the Los Angeles theater scene since opening in 1995. Noted for its intimacy and celebrated for its world-renowned mix of classic and contemporary plays, provocative new works and second productions, the Geffen Playhouse continues to present a body of work that has garnered national recognition. Named in honor of entertainment mogul and philanthropist David Geffen, who made the initial donation to the theater, the company was founded by Gilbert Cates, and is currently helmed by Artistic Director Randell Arney, Managing Director Ken Novice, General Manager Behnaz Ataee, Chief Development Officer Regina Miller and newly elected Board Chairs, Martha Henderson and Pamela Robinson Hollander.  Proudly associated with UCLA, the Geffen Playhouse welcomes an audience of more than 130,000 each year, and maintains an extensive education and outreach program, designed to engage young people and the community at large in the arts. Visit geffenplayhouse.com.  

SOURCE Geffen Playhouse