For Immediate Release April 3, 2008

Media Contact: Carol Rainey
Office: 619-263-7911
Email: cgtheatre@sbcglobal.net

Common Ground Theatre pays tribute to the father of African American Theatre in San Diego, Dr. Floyd Gaffney - June 14, 2008

Common Ground Theatre's (CGT) staff, patrons, supporters and well--wishers will celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Floyd Gaffney at the Educational Cultural Complex on June 14, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. Dr. Gaffney was CGT's artistic director for 36 years and UCSD professor emeritus of Theatre and Dance until his untimely death last year.

Themed “This is Gaffney,” the event will be the first annual birthday tribute and fundraiser designed to commemorate Gaffney's birthday while raising funds for CGT's arts education programs. “This is Gaffney” was Dr. Gaffney's signature greeting and one of his most memorable lines - a constant reminder of his humor and larger-than-life personality.

Theater enthusiasts, admirers and friends remember Dr. Floyd Gaffney as a charismatic, caring and dedicated man who strove to present the very best in theater and inspired the best in others. Gifted with an uncanny ability to identify talent, Gaffney mentored student actors, directors and dancers. His mentees include, James Avery (featured TV actor in the sitcom "Fresh Prince of Bel Air"), John Houston (star of 80's television show "In the Heat of the Night") and Hasan El-Amin (noted for his role in "The Lion King”). Avery, Houston and El-Amin are slated to participate in Dr. Gaffney's tribute.

Dr. Gaffney produced more than 80 plays for the Common Ground Theatre, engaging artists and audiences in African-American stories and traditions. His productions included, “Fences” by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson (1990s); the AIDS drama “Before It Hits Home” (2002); and Langston Hughes' “Black Nativity” (2005). His vision was to produce quality performing arts events as a bridge to the diverse San Diego community and to provide an avenue for underserved youth to showcase their artistic talents.

Proceeds from “This is Gaffney” will also benefit Dr. Gaffney's beloved brainchild, CGT Youth Academy. The Academy offers free summer and afterschool programs that expose underserved youth to the performing arts and provides a positive environment for the adolescents to express themselves.

CGT Youth Academy is a testament to Dr. Gaffney's passion and unwavering commitment to the community. “We are determined to keep Gaffney's vision and dream alive by continuing his work and recognizing his powerful influence and legacy,” states Board Chair Dr. Dorothy Smith, “ We invite everyone to join Common Ground Theatre in celebrating a true giant.”

Common Ground Theatre seeks to create new works by and about people of African descent that entertain, educate and connect with all ages, cultures and backgrounds.

•  What: This is Gaffney – The 1 st Annual Tribute and Fundraiser
•  When: Saturday, June 14, 2008 at 6:00 PM
•  Where: Educational Cultural Complex, 4343 Oceanview Blvd., San Diego, CA. 92113
•  Tickets: $250, $100, $50, $25

Make checks payable to Common Ground Theatre and mail to Common Ground Theatre, 720 Gateway Center Dr., Suite G, San Diego, CA 92102 . Tickets purchased by mail will be held at Will Call. Contributions are tax-deductible. Tickets can also be purchased at the CGT office on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

For more information, please call 619-263-7911 or visit www.commongroundtheatre.org .