American Theatre Interview with South Coast Repertory’s Paula Tomei

Rob Weinert-Kendt, editor-in-chief of American Theatre magazine, caught up with Paula Tomei as she prepares to step away from her role as South Coast Repertory’s first Managing Director. Reflecting on her more than 40 year career at the Tony Award-winning regional theatre company, Paula looks back on her start within the subscriptions department in 1979 through the company’s emergence as a theatrical powerhouse.

Read more here.

Pacific Chorale Appoints Natalie Oswald Associate Director of Development

Pacific Chorale President & CEO Director Rhett M. Del Campo announced that Natalie Oswald has been appointed Associate Director of Development. Oswald comes to Pacific Symphony after having previously served as Advancement Manager of Austin Opera.

Read more here.

Mark Saville Named VP of Development at Laguna College of Art and Design

Mark Saville, who for the past two years has been Vice President of Development at the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, has been named Vice President of Development at Laguna College of Art and Design. His other experience has included being Vice President of Advancement for Long Beach Symphony and Director of Development for Fort Worth Opera.

For more information about Laguna College of Art and Design, click here.

Create CA Names Dr. Veronica Alvarez

as New Executive Director 

Create CA, California’s advocacy organization for equitable arts education, has announced the appointment of Dr. Veronica Alvarez as its next Executive Director. Alvarez had previously been Executive Director of Community Arts Partnership with a special appointment in the Critical Studies Department at California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), where she also helped create an arts education program that will launch in fall 2024.

Read more here.

Former CEO of Philharmonic Society to

Helm Lyric Opera of Chicago

John Mangum, who was President and CEO of Philharmonic Society of Orange County from 2014 through 2018, has been named President and CEO of Lyric Opera of Chicago. The seasoned arts administrator also headed the Houston Symphony Orchestra since leaving Orange County.

Read more here.

In Memoriam

The Marconi Automotive Museum and Foundation for Kids have announced the passing of its founder, Dick Marconi, at the age of 89. The Tustin museum is home to a collection of over 100 vehicles and memorabilia worth approximately $70 million. It is also a nonprofit that helps raise awareness and funds for at-risk youth in the community.

To learn more about Dick Marconi and the Marconi Museum, click here.

ArtsOC Member Event 

ArtsOC will be holding a Summer Mixer for our members on Thursday, August 15. The event will take place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Orange County Music and Dance building, located at 17620 Fitch Ave, Irvine CA 92614.

To RSVP, please email Karen Ahola at kahola@artsoc.org. 

OC Arts Awards Tickets Now Available

Tickets are now available for the 24^th OC Arts Awards, which will be held on September 24 in the Samueli Theater at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. This celebratory event brings together the entire arts community for an uplifting evening that includes an honoree and sponsor reception and dinner, an awards ceremony and an after-party for all guests.

For a list of honorees and to purchase tickets, click here.

We acknowledge with respect our presence on the ancestral lands of the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians - Acjachemen Nation and the Tongva People.