SCR

A first-generation Iranian American who grew up in Orange County, she worked in various capacities at the Costa Mesa theater and credits the SCR production of Amy Herzog’s “4000 Miles” with inspiring her to pursue playwriting rather than enroll in law school.

In 2011, SCR’s Board of Trustees established the Emmes/Benson Founders Endowment in their honor.

In 1988, SCR received the Regional Theatre Tony Award for Distinguished Achievement from the American Theatre Wing, highlighting its achievements in new play development.

Upon directing South Coast Repertory’s first show — Moliere’s “Tartuffe,” staged at the Newport Beach Ebell Club — Benson went on to helm a total of 119 SCR productions over the next six decades.

He closed his SCR directing career with the 2020 production of John Patrick Shanley’s “Outside Mullingar.”