Welcome to Rae Dorough Speaker Series!

Join us at the Bankhead Theater for an up close and interactive experience that is not possible in larger venues. The intimacy of the Bankhead brings our guest speakers and audiences closer together providing a unique opportunity for dialogue that is appreciated by both.

Each presentation concludes with an opportunity for attendees to ask questions in what often turns into a lively give and take on the topical subjects presented, which range from literature, history and journalism to technology and cutting edge science. Speakers typically make themselves available for continued discussion and to sign books in the lobby of the theater.*

Come experience an unforgettable and enlightening evening that will illustrate why Rae Dorough Speaker Series has become a mainstay of Tri-Valley’s vibrant cultural life.

Origin of Rae Dorough Speaker Series

In August of 2008, Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center (LVPAC) and the Bankhead Theater created the Rae Dorough Speakers Series (RDSS), named for long-time Livermore resident and community activist Rae Dorough. Rae was professionally known in the community for over 30 years as active participant in and supporter of charitable organizations and City commissions concerned with health and social issues.

The mission of RDSS is to present renowned commentators discussing interesting and timely topics ranging from iPhones to dark matter – in Livermore at the Bankhead Theater. The RDSS goal has been to ensure that the general admission tickets for these renowned speakers are at reasonable prices, high school students in cooperation with the Livermore Joint United School District are admitted free, and other students are admitted at the Bankhead’s reduced young person price.

RDSS speakers have included engineers, scientists, fiction and non-fiction writers and historians, entrepreneurs, comedians and entertainers, diplomats, astronauts, journalists, and a Secretary of Defense.

Board of Directors

Karin Bunnel, President

Don Johnston, Vice President

Anne Kennedy, Secretary

Uma Kale, Treasurer

Colleen Faith

Nadine Horner

Charles Hartwig

Evonne Hopkins

Jane Ann Lamph

Brian Mayall

Lynn Seppala

Judy Wheeler

Heather Whitley