Solvang Theaterfest has appointed Chantel Green as its new executive director, effective in June. Ashley Esdaile will step into the role of assistant director.

Green has been with Solvang Theaterfest for the past three years, serving as assistant director and development director under the retiring executive director Scott Coe.

Esdaile has served the organization as executive assistant and bookkeeper for the past year.

Solvang Theaterfest owns and operates the outdoor Solvang Festival Theater. In July 2022, it completed a $5.2 million renovation project that ensured the theater’s structural integrity, safety, and accessibility.

The renovation included new electrical and technical capabilities, enhancing lighting and sound. The overall design improved the audience experience and comfort with a higher wall, acoustical improvements, and new seating.

Since the project’s completion, Theaterfest has increasing ticket sales and patron visits by more than 100 percent over pre-pandemic levels.

The facility is also used by local groups for fundraising events and performances, including Los Olivos Dance Gallery, the city of Solvang, and Friendship House.

“Join us this summer for the Music in the Garden series and our fantastic fall season, with more exciting events to come,” Green said. “I am excited to continue fostering a culture of amazing music and entertainment in the Santa Ynez Valley.”
 
The Music in the Garden series, which began June 2, continues throughout the summer.

The summer PCPA schedule opens at the theater on June 12 and runs until the first week of September.

Theaterfest’s fall series features American country artists Eli Young Band, Sept. 10; comedian Kevin Nealon, Sept. 18; Latin Grammy-nominated Mariachi Herencia de Mexico, Oct. 12; and KT Tunstall and Shawn Colvin together onstage, Nov. 3.
 
Tickets for all the fall concerts are on sale at www.solvangtheaterfest.org .
For more information, contact Green, chantel@solvangtheaterfest.org or 805-686-1789.