About
Us
The West Coast Jewish Theatre is a California non-profit corporation devoted to the quality
production of dramatic and comedic plays, musical theatre, revues and special performances.
MISSION
Our mission is to portray Jewish history, philosophy and culture through theatrical productions
dealing with Jewish life in days past, present and future. Through these presentations we hope
to foster a respect for and understanding of the Jewish heritage.
In carrying out this mission, the West Coast Jewish Theatre has the following objectives:
1. To keep alive dramatic works of the past, and to promote and encourage new and
contemporary playwrights whose plays deal with Jewish themes;
2. To reach out to members of the Jewish community and their children and offer them an
opportunity to connect positively with their roots, their ethnicity and their family; and
3. To portray to the non-Jewish community the unique qualities of the Jewish people,
and those qualities shared with everyone that make us all equal in the family of man.
In accomplishing these objectives through entertaining and enlightening theatre, we hope
to be a source of pride to both the Jewish community and the community at large.
HISTORY
The West Coast Jewish Theatre was founded in 1993 when Naomi Karz Jacobs assembled a
group of friends with Yiddishkeit and love of theatre in their hearts. They wanted to find a way
to start a permanent Jewish theatre in Los Angeles. At that time, Los Angeles was the second
largest Jewish community in the United States, with a pool of the most talented people in the
film, television and theatre industries and was the home of major Hollywood studios. Yet it had
no Jewish theatre. Furthermore, there were over forty-five Jewish theatres throughout the
United States and Canada, including smaller communities like San Antonio, Texas, which has
three Jewish theatres.
Despite the fact that several previous attempts by others had failed, Naomi garnered support
from many talented, dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers of all ages who felt strongly about
this need and its importance to Jewish cultural continuity. They wanted to carry on Jewish
traditions through the arts, specifically Jewish theatre. Education was also a major objective.
For those who may not be affiliated with Jewish organizations or synagogues, the opportunity
to experience provocative theatre can broaden perspectives and interests in Jewish culture.
PRODUCTIONS
The West Coast Jewish Theatre began with staged readings, musical and comedic performances.
Always with an eye on quality, the productions involved talented performers and directors
such as:
About
Us 
Board and Advisors