Last Sunday afternoon, the Phantom Projects Theatre Group reminded the community that behind every great performance is something just as powerful neighbors showing up for one another.
Volunteers gathered at Phantom Projects’ La Habra headquarters for a hands-on workday dedicated to preparing the theatre for its upcoming season. From noon to 4 p.m., community members of all ages worked side by side to clean, organize, and reset the warehouse that supports Phantom Projects’ productions throughout the year.
The scene was less like a work site and more like a neighborhood gathering. Music played, food was shared, and laughter filled the space as longtime supporters and first-time volunteers came together with a shared purpose: supporting a local arts organization that has become a cultural fixture for the region.
Each volunteer was thanked with a voucher for a free ticket to an upcoming performance, a gesture that reflected Phantom Projects’ appreciation for the many hands that help make live theatre possible. More than a reward, it symbolized the organization’s belief that the arts belong to everyone.
That spirit of inclusion has defined Phantom Projects since its founding by Steve Cisneros, whose commitment to theatre began when he launched the organization at just 17 years old. Over the years, Cisneros has produced more than 300 productions across Southern California, building a reputation for bringing high-quality, accessible theatre to local audiences.
At 19, Cisneros forged a groundbreaking partnership with the City of La Mirada to create the “Theatre for a Teen Audience” series at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. The program emphasized education-focused productions and new works for young audiences, earning national attention from major media outlets and placing local theatre on a national stage.
His professional experience also includes leadership roles at major venues such as the Hollywood Pantages Theatre and South Coast Repertory, experience that later proved invaluable when Phantom Projects took on a new challenge.
In 2021, the organization assumed operations of the historic La Habra Depot Theatre. After six months of extensive renovations, the venue reopened as the Phantom Projects Theatre at La Habra Depot with a gala celebration featuring Aloe Blacc and Maya Jupiter. Improvements included new carpeting, flooring, and state-of-the-art technical upgrades, breathing new life into a cherished local landmark.
Like many arts organizations, Phantom Projects faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the loss of two national tours. Through it all, Cisneros credits the unwavering support of staff, family, and volunteers affectionately known as the “Phantom Phamily” for carrying the organization forward.
As Phantom Projects Theatre Group moves into a new season, it remains a reminder that strong cultural institutions are built not only on talent and vision, but on community — neighbors who show up, lend a hand, and help keep the arts alive for generations to come.
Phantom Projects Theatre Group
311 South Euclid Street, La Habra, CA 90631
(714) 690-2900 | office@phantomprojects.com
thephantomprojectstheatre.com
