Sue Solomon – A Lifelong Champion for Arts Education and Community

At Raising The Curtain Foundation (RTCF), we are fortunate to have leaders whose passion and dedication light the way for our mission. Few embody that spirit more than Sue Solomon. Her decades-long devotion to arts education, her relentless advocacy for students, and her tireless work to bring the Newhall Family Theatre for the Performing Arts to life have shaped both our foundation and our community in profound ways.

A Spark That Never Dimmed

Sue’s love for theatre began early, at just seven years old, when she performed in her first play, a Halloween production at Poinsetta Park in Hollywood. She was drawn to comedy, inspired by the brilliance of I Love Lucy and Carol Burnett, and enchanted by the magic of live performance. A field trip to see Hansel and Gretel at the Shrine Auditorium solidified her belief in the power of storytelling to stir emotions and connect people in ways nothing else can.

Restoring the Heart of the Community

Sue’s journey with the Newhall Family Theatre began with a vision to transform a shuttered auditorium, damaged by earthquakes and repurposed as a warehouse, into a world-class performing arts venue. Alongside community leaders like Patty Rasmusen, Kimberly Wooten, and Laurene Weste, Sue helped lead the charge to secure a new warehouse location, paving the way for the theatre’s restoration.

What started as a $1 million dream grew into a $20 million reality, thanks in part to Measure E, a capital project that provided the funding necessary to create the earthquake-safe, fully equipped venue we know today. Sue’s steadfast advocacy ensured the theatre would not only serve as a performance space but also as a cultural hub for students and local artists.

The Birth of Raising The Curtain Foundation

Sue recognized that the theatre needed more than bricks and mortar; it needed a heartbeat. That heartbeat came in the form of a nonprofit dedicated to supporting its programming, accessibility, and outreach. The result was the creation of what is now Raising The Curtain Foundation, founded in 2018. From the start, Sue championed diversity of thought and experience on the board, knowing that a variety of voices makes for stronger leadership and deeper community impact.

Why Arts for Children Matter

For Sue, this work has always been about more than performances. It is about helping children “find their magic.” She sees theatre as a place where imagination thrives, confidence grows, and empathy deepens. Whether it is stepping into the shoes of a character, learning to tell a story, or seeing the world through a new perspective, the arts give young people tools they carry for life.

As Sue often says, “Life is a musical,” and through music and theatre, children can discover their own unique song.

Leadership Through Listening

Sue’s extensive background in PTA leadership, state-level advocacy, and school board service since 1999 has taught her the power of listening. She has a gift for hearing diverse perspectives, recognizing potential, and bringing the right people together to achieve a shared goal. Among her many contributions, she is especially proud of helping to create the Newhall School District’s Arts Education Master Plan, which cemented a lasting commitment to the arts in our schools.

Looking Ahead: A Conservatory Dream

Sue envisions a future where the Newhall Family Theatre becomes home to a full conservatory program in partnership with institutions like CalArts, local colleges, and the William S. Hart Union High School District. This program would give students hands-on experience not only in performance but also in directing, design, costuming, and technical theatre. It would ensure that every young person who walks through our doors can find their place in the arts.

An Invitation to Join the Story

Sue’s advice for anyone wanting to make an impact is simple: get involved. Parents, she says, are one of the greatest resources schools have. Whether by sharing your skills, bringing your connections into arts programs, or volunteering with RTCF, your voice and your presence matter.

As president of Raising The Curtain Foundation, I can say without hesitation that Sue’s work and vision continue to inspire our board, our partners, and our community. Her legacy reminds us that when we invest in the arts, we invest in the heart of our community. That impact is truly limitless.

To learn more about our programs, upcoming events, and how you can help keep the magic of the Newhall Family Theatre alive for generations to come, visit www.raisingthecurtainfoundation.org.

— Nickie DeTolve, President, Raising The Curtain Foundation