Happy Thanksgiving! As Giving Tuesday approaches, it’s a perfect moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate the generosity that strengthens our community.
Santa Barbara County is full of nonprofits doing remarkable work year-round, and the holiday season reminds us how even the simplest act of kindness can spark meaningful change.
At Noozhawk, we’re honored to highlight these organizations in our Good for Santa Barbara County nonprofit section, helping readers connect with causes that inspire them.
We encourage you to explore our Giving Guide and consider supporting neighbors who may need a little extra care during this time of gratitude.
In this interview, Noozhawk spoke with Fenna Roukema, Executive Assistant at State Street Ballet, to learn more about the nonprofit’s mission to create meaningful art through imaginative programming, exceptional artistry, quality dance training, and community engagement.
State Street Ballet
Question: What is the name of your nonprofit, and what is its mission?
Answer: State Street Ballet strives to create meaningful art through imaginative programming, exceptional artistry, quality dance training, and community engagement, ensuring a dynamic future for our organization, Santa Barbara, and beyond.
Q: How long has your organization been serving the community, and who founded it?
A: State Street Ballet is a renowned international dance company based in the vibrant city of Santa Barbara, California. Established in 1994 by Founding Director Rodney Gustafson, the company embodies artistic excellence, drawing exceptional dancers from around the globe to create captivating performances that push the boundaries of traditional ballet.
Under the leadership of Artistic Director Megan Philipp and Executive Director Cecily MacDougall, State Street Ballet has become a hub for dance on the Central Coast, providing a home for our twenty international artists, professional trainee program, annual summer intensive, and educational outreach initiatives.
Our focus on exceptional artistic and educational programming ensures that each season presents a dynamic blend of timeless classics and innovative new works, both in Santa Barbara and abroad.
Q: How is your nonprofit primarily funded, and what are its biggest needs right now?
A: State Street Ballet is primarily funded through individual donations, foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, and earned income from performances and training programs, with contributions making up more than half of the organization’s annual budget.
The company’s current greatest needs are sustaining annual donor support, which helps provide livable contracts for our exceptional artists and staff; securing sponsorships for our season and touring productions, which enables ever-greater artistic excellence; and funding our education and outreach programs, which inspire the next generation of artists and art appreciators.
Q: How do you allocate your funding to support your mission?
A: State Street Ballet allocates its funding to support both artistic excellence and community impact. Most resources go toward productions, including dancer salaries, choreography, sets, and costumes, while a significant portion fuels education and outreach.
Programs like the Summer Conservatory and the 32-week Professional Track Program train the next generation of dancers, while school and community initiatives reach over 10,000 students each year, offering interactive performances, workshops, and exposure to the arts to children who may not otherwise have access.
Administrative and operational costs are carefully managed to ensure every dollar maximizes access to dance and transformative experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Q: What types of events or programs do you run to engage your community and raise funds?
A: State Street Ballet brings the magic of dance to life to over 40,000 people each year. We connecting deeply with our community in Santa Barbara and on tour through performances, educational programs, and special events.
From beloved mainstage productions like The Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliet, and The Little Mermaid, to school outreach for local students, sensory-friendly performances for families with special needs and young children, the Summer Conservatory for aspiring young dancers, and the Professional Track Program for pre-professional artists, we strive to make dance accessible to all.
Our behind-the-scenes rehearsals and signature annual gala offer unique, immersive experiences, giving audiences a rare glimpse into the artistry and dedication behind every performance. Each of these programs is designed not only to inspire and delight but also to sustain the company’s artistic vision and broaden its impact across the community.
Q: How is your team structured? Have there been any major changes in your operations since you started?
A: State Street Ballet is guided by Executive Director Cecily MacDougall and Artistic Director Megan Philipp, supported by dedicated administrative staff, production teams, and a roster of over 30 professional artists.
From its beginnings as a small local company, it has grown into an internationally recognized ensemble, expanding touring, educational programs, and community outreach. Community support has grown steadily as audiences and donors recognize the company’s artistic excellence.
Strengthened administrative and fundraising operations now allow for larger productions, longer seasons, more competitive contracts for artists, and greater access for audiences across the region.
Q: How can people get involved with your nonprofit or volunteer?
A: People can get involved with State Street Ballet by attending performances, promoting our educational programs, or supporting the company through donations and sponsorships.
Our volunteers group is composed of our Guild, who assist at events and support administrative or production activities.
We also have opportunities for artist housing sponsors who are interested in hosting our guest artists. Interested individuals can learn more and sign up by emailing us at contact@statestreetballet.com or visiting the “Volunteer” section on the State Street Ballet website.
Q: What sets your nonprofit apart from similar organizations?
A: State Street Ballet stands out for its combination of artistic excellence, innovative choreography, and deep community engagement.
As the only professional ballet company on the Central Coast, it attracts world-class dancers while maintaining strong local connections through education, outreach, and accessible performances.
Its commitment to both high-quality productions and broad community impact makes it distinctive among regional and national dance organizations.
Q: Can you share a fun fact or little-known detail about your nonprofit that would surprise people?
A: State Street Ballet is truly an international company: its roster of over 30 professional dancers comes from around the world, bringing diverse styles and experiences to every performance.
Each year, the company tours both nationally and internationally, sharing its artistry with audiences in places like China, Japan, and Chile.
To find its next generation of stars, the company holds an annual audition tour across 11 cities, giving talented dancers from near and far the chance to join the ensemble.
Despite this global reach, State Street Ballet remains deeply rooted in the local community, offering programs that make world-class dance accessible to everyone.
Q: Could you share a story or two about individuals whose lives have been positively impacted by your organization?
A: State Street Ballet’s programs reach audiences of all ages and abilities, creating meaningful and memorable experiences. One parent shared their experience at a sensory-friendly performance:
“It was amazing!! I took my 6-year-old autistic daughter to the show and she loved it. I loved everything about the show, how there was an intro about the story, reminders about the sensory-friendly show, the audience feeling comfortable for being themselves, how friendly the dancers and orchestra were, etc. Thank you so much for doing this show for kids with special needs and younger children!”
Stories like this highlight the transformative power of dance, giving children and families a chance to experience art in an environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and joyful. These moments are at the heart of State Street Ballet’s mission to make world-class dance accessible to all, inspiring the next generation of artists and art appreciators.
Click here to support State Street Ballet’s mission to create meaningful art through imaginative programming, exceptional artistry, quality dance training, and community engagement.
Check out Noozhawk’s Guide to Giving for a full list of nonprofits to donate to this giving season.
If you would like to include your nonprofit in our Good for Santa Barbara section and Giving Guide click HERE.