It was an ordinary day that turned extraordinary for Trulette Clayes. While driving to an appointment, she found herself slowing down by a construction site – and there it was: the budding Cygnet Theatre in Arts District Liberty Station. That unexpected moment would soon blossom into a deeply personal connection with a place that promised to be much more than a building – it was soon to be a haven for creativity and community.
Trulette’s theatrical involvement is both familial and lifelong. Her late uncle, a man who trained at the local Naval Training Center and cherished theatre, left an indelible mark on her. A childhood love of theatre resonated with her later discovery of Cygnet Theatre. A close friend from the theatre world, Steve Romande, filled her in on the magic behind the scenes and urged her to take a closer look. The moment when the new space was christened “The Joan” in honor of Joan Jacobs was something Trulette found profoundly moving. “It was so special to witness that announcement,” she shares.
In September, the curtain rises on Cygnet Theatre’s brand new home at The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center at Arts District Liberty Station. Nicknamed “The Joan” for the late local philanthropist Joan Jacobs, the state-of-the-art complex will include a 280+-seat proscenium theater, as well as a 150-seat flexible studio space, acoustic elements, ADA accessible seating, a rehearsal space, open air lobby, two elegant bars, three landscaped patios, ample restrooms, and parking. The world-class venue is a result of a unique nonprofit partnership between Cygnet Theatre and NTC Foundation, who joined forces in 2017 to renovate and restore historic Naval building 178 at Liberty Station. The project broke ground in early 2024 and has resulted in a stellar cultural center ready to serve more patrons than ever before.
Trulette’s years as Controller at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego – over two decades of working amidst the vibrancy of artistic expression – cemented her belief that the arts are the heartbeat of a community. Trulette recognized art’s role in uniting people, offering a space for shared experiences. “An evening at the theatre lets you escape and connect with others,” she shared with GB Magazine. It is a reminder that art is not just seen or heard – it is felt.
With that spirit in mind, Trulette made a generous endowment to Cygnet Theatre. This gift is a strategic investment in the theatre’s future, guaranteeing its capacity to provide live performances and community experiences for generations. “A financial gift like this makes a big difference in the long-term health of a not-for-profit organization,” she adds.
Looking ahead, Trulette envisions Cygnet Theatre as a warm gathering place – a stage not just for actors but for the entire community. Whether it is sharing a laugh, shedding a tear, or sparking a conversation that lasts long after the final curtain call, she wants every visitor to leave with a sense of belonging and inspiration.
For Trulette, supporting the arts is simple advice for everyone: seek out what moves you, and share that passion – be it through a financial gift, a few hours of volunteering, or simply spreading the word. With Trulette’s legacy lighting the way, the future of Cygnet Theatre is sure to be filled with vibrant creativity and endless inspiration.
