About Us
In 1965, a newly created San Diego Opera opened the new Civic Theatre with a gala production of La bohème. The sets were freshly built and painted in the Opera's scene shop, located in what was then known as the Ford building, in Balboa Park.
We moved to our current facility in 1972, but during the last 40+ years the Scenic Studio has created well over 50 new productions for San Diego Opera. When you mix in our co-productions and those operas we have constructed for other companies, such as Lyric Opera of Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, and Florida Grand Opera the number of opera sets surpasses 100. The list of stages that our scenery has been seen on includes almost all of the level “A” companies in North America, a few in Europe, Latin America, and even Japan.
Aside from opera, we have built stage sets for a variety of theatrical arts organizations including the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles, Nevada Dance Theatre, and the Alabama Ballet. Local organizations often contract our services. These include The Welk Resort Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Gaslamp Theatre, Old Globe Theatre, and dance companies including Malashock Dance, California Ballet, and Black Mountain Dance. We have also produced a variety of industrial and trade shows for local and national companies.
Mission Statement
We at San Diego Opera Scenic Studios pride ourselves in providing only the highest quality products and supplies. Our experience and expertise assure that your project will be delivered on time and within budget. Our skilled craftsmanship is evident at all stages of the process, from concept to completion. Only the best materials are used to assure that the final product is durable, safe, and reliable.
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Team
Most of our department leaders have been with the company fifteen or more years. This talented group of artists and crafts persons brings a collective experience of almost 150 years in professional theatre.
Ronald G. Allen
Director of Production, became Director of Production for San Diego Opera in 1993. He has produced over 60 operas for the company including over 10 new productions and 10 co-productions. Ron is responsible for the San Diego Opera Scenic Studio and the San Diego Opera Costume Shop as well as San Diego Opera's onstage productions. He approves all the contracts and payment schedules.
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John David Peters
Production Carpenter, started building scenery with the company in 1969 and was promoted to his current position in 1977. Since that time he has overseen the production of over 50 Grand Operas, for an assortment of companies nationwide. In addition to his responsibilities to the Scenic Studios, he spends considerable time onstage, managing the technical aspects of San Diego Opera's presentations. His training in theatrical Design and technology has helped to chart the course for the Scenic Studio's transition from a local concern to an internationally acclaimed organization.
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Debrah Kaye-Jolgren
Charge Scenic Artist, joined the team in 1997. Previously, she was Charge Scenic Artist at the San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre. During her 10+ years, she has painted more than 120 productions for a virtual who's who list of set designers. Several of her Globe efforts went on to become Broadway successes.
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Greg Adams
Facilities & Safety Manager, maintains the facilities including building, painting, sculpting, sewing, and finishing for a crew of up to thirty or more. He is responsible for the maintenance of the tools and the safety of the work spaces. In his spare time, Greg also supplies us with a wealth of electrical expertise that we apply to various scenic endeavors.
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Douglas Resenbeck
Production Welder,gained his expertise in welding during his stint in the Navy, where he attracted the moniker "HotRod". Since joining the team in 1986, Douglas has spearheaded the growth of our metalworking capabilities, transforming us from a shop that reluctantly used steel, to one that can't quite imagine life without it.
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Caren Heintzelman
Office Manager,is the newest member of the team and manages the office and all of its daily business operations. Her prior years of stage management, electrician, and microphone runner experience give her insight into how productions work. She is your first contact at the Studio particularly regarding contracts, rentals, and accounting.
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