Playwrights’ Arena to Honor Leaders in Los Angeles Theater

Playwrights’ Arena, Los Angeles’ oldest theater dedicated to original works by local playwrights, will present its annual HOT BRUNCH IN THE CITY on Sunday, May 3, 2026, honoring four individuals for their contributions to the Los Angeles theater community. The event will be held at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, 1125 N. McCadden Place, Hollywood, from 11 AM to 3 PM.

Lee Melville Award Recipients

This year, the Lee Melville Award will be presented to Leilani Chan and Ova Saopeng, the co-artistic directors of TeAda Productions and Armando Molina, artistic director of Company of Angels. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to the Los Angeles theater community.

Leilani Chan is the Founding Artistic Director of TeAda Productions, a Los Angeles-based theater of color (TeAda Productions). She previously served as Co-Chair of the National Asian American Theater Conference and Festival and was a founding Board Member of the Consortium of Asian American Theaters and Artists (CAATA). Her recent works include Nothing Micro About Micronesia and Masters of the Currents.

Ova Saopeng is the Associate Artistic Director and Producer of TeAda Productions (TeAda Productions). A refugee from Laos, Saopeng is an accomplished actor, teaching artist, and playwright focused on elevating the refugee and immigrant experience on the American stage. His work with TeAda Productions includes Masters of the Currents, Refugee Nation, Global Taxi Driver, and Native Immigrant (HowlRound Theatre Commons). He received a B.A. In Theater from the University of Southern California (HowlRound Theatre Commons).

Armando Molina is the Artistic Director of Company of Angels.

Henry Ong Community Leader Award

The Henry Ong Community Leader Award will be presented to Gustavo Herrera, Chief Operating Officer of ARTS for LA, recognizing his outstanding leadership in the Los Angeles theater community.

Event Details

Artistic Director Jon Lawrence Rivera stated, “It is thrilling to celebrate unsung heroes of our community at our gala. These four honorees have done, and continue to do, incredible work to uplift and support work that reflects our city.”

The HOT BRUNCH IN THE CITY will feature secured underground parking across the street from the Los Angeles LGBT Center. The dress code is elegant brunch attire.

Reservations can be made at www.playwrightsarena.org.