| 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 over the last
40 years the Scenic Studio has created over 40 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 list of stages that our scenery has
been on include almost all of the level “A” companies
in North America, a few in Europe, Latin America and even
Japan. We have built scenery for over 100 operas in our 40
year history.
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 Dinner Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Gaslamp Theatre,
Old Globe Theatre, and dance companies including the 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.
Team: At present we have a
core staff of six department leaders, most of whom 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, was hired in 1993 as Director
of Production for San Diego Opera. He has produced over 60
operas for the company including 9 new productions and 9 co-productions.
He oversees the San Diego Opera Scenic Studio and the San
Diego Opera Costume Shop as well as San Diego Opera's onstage
productions. Ron is the ultimate overseer of the shop and
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, overseeing the technical
aspects of San Diego Opera's presentations. His training in
theatrical Design and technology have 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. Previous
to that she was Charge Scenic Artist at the famed Old Globe
Theatre, painting productions for a virtual who's who list
of set designers. During that time, numerous of her efforts
went on to become Broadway successes.
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Craig Brittingham, Master
Carpenter, returned to SDOSS after a successful
career touring with various National Touring attractions.
During this time, he gained extensive experience as both Road
Carpenter and Automation Control. He has been Master Carpenter
since 1990, overseeing a wide variety of projects.
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Leticia Lowe, Master Draper,
took over the Drapery and Crafts department in the
mid 80's. Since then, she has marshaled that aspect of the
Studios' work to an ever expanding client base. Trained as
a Dancer/Performer, she has a keen appreciation of the performers'
needs.
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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. The job of repairing their
tools and assuring that the work spaces are safe and secure
falls on the shoulders of Greg Adams. 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 1987, 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,
joined San Diego Opera recently after many years
of stage managing throughout San Diego. As Office Manager
she spends her time tending to the daily financial workings
of the Scenic Studios. Caren is your contact for contracts,
invoicing, and payments.
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