Category: Uncategorized
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Five Initiatives for SBMT’s Future
Over the past several weeks, I have written about changes coming to South Bay Musical Theatre, the reasons we believe change is necessary, and what we hope to accomplish. Now it is time to talk about what we are actually going to do. At our August board retreat and September board meeting, SBMT’s executive team…
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A Modern Performing Arts Company
In my last blog, I talked about why I’m proposing changes to SBMT in the future. I cited several reasons for some of the changes such as the fragility of the arts ecosystem, rising costs, the importance of community connection, changing audience demographics, and SBMT currently being in a state where we are strong enough…
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What Comes Next for SBMT
SBMT is… expanding? In a few weeks, the SBMT Board and executive team will gather for our annual Board Retreat. This is a chance to step away from the daily work of running a theatre company and think about the future. This year, the executive team will present three initiatives that could significantly expand what…
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“What do you need?”
When I’m chatting with you in the lobby before a show, during intermission having a snack, or immediately afterwards when you’re still aglow from experiencing an outstanding performance, these are some of the questions you’ve asked recently regarding donations: “What do you need?” “How much should I be giving?” “How much do people normally give?”…
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California Recognizes Performing Arts as Essential
This week, Governor Newsom signed California’s 2026-2027 state budget, which includes $12 million for the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund (PAEPF). While that falls far short of the $40 million arts advocates have been encouraging lawmakers to invest, it remains an important commitment to California’s arts workforce and recognition that the performing arts are essential…
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The Arts Are Essential Infrastructure
Funding The State’s Creative Economy Strategic Plan Last Thursday, I drove up to Sacramento to represent SBMT at the presentation of the 2026 Creative Economy Strategic Plan with Senators Ben Allen and Susan Rubio. The California Joint Committee of the Arts is requesting $50 million for the California Arts Council to expand local assistance grants…
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Full Speed Ahead
At last weekend’s On the 20th Century fundraising concert, in a theater filled with glorious music, tap dancing, and riotous laughter, we asked a simple question: Where do you want to go with us? You answered clearly: full speed ahead! Thanks to a $6,000 matching fund from Friends of SBMT, your generosity didn’t just meet the moment;…
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Patron Survey Insights
Over the past year, hundreds of SBMT patrons shared what they value most, and their responses are directly shaping our upcoming seasons and audience experience. I thought I would share a few interesting insights. Our core audience continues to be local, long-time supporters, while our fastest-growing segment is a younger, more diverse community. This is…
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The Cost of Live Theatre: Part 2
Ticket prices are going up starting next fall, and we want you to understand why. It includes an increase in ticket prices that better aligns with the reality of the cost of producing live musical theatre. (Season subscriptions save you up to 25% if you are budget conscious). Back in November, we answered one of…
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Patron Survey Insights
Over the past year, hundreds of SBMT patrons shared what they value most, and their responses are directly shaping our upcoming seasons and audience experience. I thought I would share a few interesting insights. Our core audience continues to be local, long-time supporters, while our fastest-growing segment is a younger, more diverse community. This is…
