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About

Big Bear Theatre Project

Our Story

The Big Bear Theatre Project (BBTP) was founded in 2011 to provide an elevated forum for Big Bear theater. In light of recent changes to the local theater landscape, and a continued desire to increase awareness and appreciation for performing arts, BBTP board members and selected volunteers met in 2018 to produce the following preliminary strategic thinking.

What we believe

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Our Mission

“Telling inspirational stories that reflect upon our shared humanity, the Big Bear Theatre Project champions inclusive dialogue and diversity of thought through unique
interpretations of new and classic works.”

Our Vision

“Innovative and diverse performing arts that create a legacy
of exceptional and sustainable regional theater.”

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our Strategy

“Produce exceptional theater experiences, education, and
programming that attract and retain talent and patrons
through reputation and relevance.”

Board of Directors

Board Members

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Cassandra Ybarra-Babcock

Board Secretary

Cassandra grew up in an artistic community in the Bay area and has been performing for most of her life.  She holds a BA in Theater Arts, with an emphasis on Performing & Directing.  She has worked in web series, films and commercials, theatre and within the LA theater scene.  She appeared as a leading actress in the BBTP 2019 season.  She is currently an actor with Pure Praxis, a social justice theater company dedicated to cultural change.



Matt Gardner

Matt Gardner

Board Member

Matt is an actor, California State University Fullerton alumni (Bachelor of Fine Arts - Acting), and a Big Bear native. He has been involved in theatre for 30 years, and has appeared in dozens of performances in the Big Bear Valley and has played several lead roles for BBTP.  Now a Los Angeles resident, he has performed for a variety of audiences around the world.

Christine Benjamin

Christine Drew Benjamin

Development & Grants Director and Artistic Director

Christine Drew Benjamin is a versatile writer, photographer, and content creator. She has over thirteen years experience working in external relations and new play development with non-profit organizations including Geffen Playhouse, Sundance Institute, and the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center. Christine is committed to developing compelling stories through words and images that captivate audiences, deepen engagement, and ultimately connect us.

Mike Rotman

Mike Rotman

Special Projects Director

Mike Rotman is an Emmy nominated comedy writer, producer, and director.  He has written, produced and directed hundreds of hours of television throughout his career including:  Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher (Primetime Emmy nominee), The Simple Life (Fox), South Park (Comedy Central), Will and Grace After Party (NBC). Mike also created one fo the first independent streaming networks and live streaming companies along with a wide variety of online shows.  Mike has been active in the Big Bear Lake community since he bought his cabin in 2014 and eventually formed the company Rustic Retreats of Big Bear.  He is also a member of the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce.

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Chelsea Boyd

Board Member

Chelsea Boyd is an actor, writer, producer and theatre maker based in Los Angeles. Chelsea is Artistic and Producing Director of Bottle Tree Theatre Company in Los Angeles which has become a creative playground for artists to produce new original work. Chelsea has been a theatre artist for more than two decades. She is committed to creating reflective and inclusive work that cultivates community.

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