Sheldon Epps wins
James Irvine Foundation prize

Sheldon Epps of the Pasadena Playhouse was among six recipients of $125,000 awards from the James Irvine Foundation, which honors organizations that tackle state issues, according to a press release. California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was on hand to congratulate the winners at a July 16 ceremony.

Epps joined the Pasadena Playhouse in 1997 and is credited with jump-starting the company's renaissance. Poor attendance had threatened to close the playhouse more than once, but Epps, one of the few African-American artistic directors in a major American theater, led the company to its current stature as a high-grossing landmark of diversity celebration. (The Advocate)