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In this interview, Noozhawk sat down with Marianne Clark, Administrative Director of the Lobero Theatre Foundation, to learn more about how they provide the Santa Barbara Community with quality productions in music, dance and theatre.
Lobero Theatre Foundation
Question: What is the name & mission of your nonprofit?
Answer: The mission of the Lobero Theatre Foundation is to operate and improve the historic Lobero Theatre as a performing arts center and cultural asset to the community, and to present the highest quality productions in music, dance and theatre.
Q: How long has your nonprofit been in service and whom was it started by?
A: The Lobero Theatre Foundation was established in 1938 by a group of dedicated community members who were committed to insuring a home for local theatre performances.
Q: Why is your mission important to you?
A: The mission of the Lobero is all about the community. This theatre is important to so many individuals. It has been the home of first dance recitals, first dates, marriage proposals, and unforgettable performances. When you walk through its arches, you feel at home in a way that only a community theatre can feel. The Board and staff care about those experiences and we work hard to make sure the Lobero continues to be a welcoming home for personal connections to the performing arts.
Q: In what ways does your nonprofit utilize it’s funding?
A: One important aspect of our fundraising is maintaining and improving this large, historic building. Recent efforts have focused on reducing our carbon footprint while still providing quality service to our constituents. Projects have included a new energy-efficient LED lighting system, new concession systems that utilize re-usable kegs rather than bottles, and in the coming year we will install solar panels to help increase the Lobero’s (and Santa Barbara’s) renewable energy resources.
Q: What is one best kept secret or fun fact about your nonprofit that not everyone knows?
A: In 1925 after the earthquake that leveled so much of downtown Santa Barbara, the Lobero incurred minimal damage and, in fact, served as a shelter for many residents whose homes were destroyed. There was one exterior wall that required repair, and the community leaders of the time decided to take the opportunity to ensconce a time capsule, as reported by the Santa Barbara Daily News. Unfortunately, the exact location of that time capsule was neither marked nor recorded. To this day, despite research, metal detecting, and punching holes in likely walls, the time capsule has never been found.
Q: Can you tell us one success story from your nonprofit?
A: The 2013 Encore Capital Campaign brought about so many positive changes at the Lobero. Wider seats with more legroom, the theatre’s first-ever air conditioning, and significantly larger restrooms have increased audience comfort. A new hearing loop system works seamlessly with t-coil hearing aids. The Esplanade in front of the theatre accomplished George Washington Smith’s original design, and also makes it much easier to enjoy a pre-show drink with friends. And finally, the interior of the theatre was restored and refreshed with meticulous attention to detail. Of course all of this was possible through the support of our community, a tradition that dates back to 1924.
Q: What makes your nonprofit different from others?
A: The Lobero is unique in its role as both a “community theatre” and a world-class venue. As one Board member quipped, it’s “part town hall, part Carnegie Hall.” You might see Mikhail Baryshnikov on its stage one night, and your three-year-old’s dance debut as a snowflake the next. So many Santa Barbarans have memories of performing at the Lobero or seeing a loved on do so. There’s nowhere else quite like it.
Q: How do people get involved/volunteer for your nonprofit?
A: The Lobero has a robust usher program of well-trained volunteers who serve our audience members at each performance. More information about this and other opportunities available at Lobero.org/support/get-involved.
Q: How does the work of your nonprofit get communicated to the public??
A: You can find out more about the Lobero’s programs and activities at Lobero.org. There you can read our latest issue of Backstage at the Lobero, find out what’s on our calendar of events, and sign up for our e-newsletter to receive early notification as new events are announced..
Q: How is your nonprofit primarily funded and what are your greatest needs?
A: Approximately 55% of our income is earned revenue, but we rely on generous local foundations, corporations and individuals for the other 45%. The Lobero was built by the community of Santa Barbara, and its Board and staff have worked hard to earn the continued support of those who give annually to this historic landmark.
Click here to support The Lobero Theatre Foundation.