As the holiday season draws near, so does Giving Tuesday—a global day of generosity observed on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It’s a chance for individuals and communities to come together to focus on kindness and making a meaningful difference.

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Visit our Good for Santa Barbara Nonprofit Section for everything you need to donate and make a difference this holiday season!

In this interview Noozhawk spoke with Chantel Green, Executive Director, at Solvang Theaterfest to learn more about the nonprofit’s live performing arts venue.

Solvang Theaterfest

Question: What is the name of your nonprofit, and what is its mission?

Answer: The mission of Solvang Theaterfest is to provide a unique, live performing arts venue that promotes the highest quality experience for artists and audience members in a space that is safe and accessible to all. Our goal is to connect and enrich the community while encouraging the understanding, learning and appreciation of diverse ideas and cultures.

Q: How long has your organization been serving the community, and who founded it?

A: Completed in 1974, under the leadership of Roger Nielsen, Earl Petersen, and Royce Lewellen, a site was located, plans approved, and funds raised to break ground. The community rallied behind the project and, with Erling Pohls as contractor, local crafts persons and volunteers worked virtually around the clock to complete the 700-seat Solvang Festival Theater in just 58 days – a remarkable achievement and truly a labor of love.

Q: What motivated the creation of your nonprofit?

A: In the early 1970s, a group of inspired local business people had a vision: build an outdoor theater to attract visitors and to enrich the lives of residents in the small, but growing, community of Solvang.

Q: How is your nonprofit primarily funded, and what are its biggest needs right now?

A: Solvang Theaterfest is primarily funded through ticket sales, grants, donations, and sponsorships. While ticket sales provide a portion of our income, they do not fully cover the costs of maintaining our historic venue, producing events, and supporting community programming. We rely heavily on the generosity of donors, local businesses, and grants to bridge the gap.

Our biggest current needs include infrastructure improvements to maintain safety and functionality, strengthening our volunteer base to support operations, and reinvigorating event programming to boost ticket sales. These priorities are essential to preserving our theater and enriching the cultural experiences we offer to the community.

Q: How do you allocate your funding to support your mission?

A: At Solvang Theaterfest, funding is strategically allocated to support our mission of preserving the theater and enriching the community through the performing arts. A significant portion goes toward maintaining and improving our historic venue to ensure it remains safe and welcoming. Additional funds support programming, enabling us to host high-quality performances and community events. We also allocate resources to volunteer programs and outreach efforts, fostering greater community engagement and participation. Every dollar is carefully managed to sustain the theater’s role as a cultural cornerstone in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Q: What types of events or programs do you run to engage your community and raise funds?

A: Solvang Theaterfest offers a variety of on-stage events, including concerts and special performances. The Summer Garden Series features musical performances in a relaxed, outdoor setting, allowing the community to enjoy live music in a beautiful garden environment.

In addition, Solvang Theaterfest is the designated summer venue for PCPA’s performing arts school, providing a stage for their talented productions each season. The theater also serves as a venue for local nonprofits, offering space for their events and fundraising efforts, and collaborates with the city to host public events, making it a vibrant center for community engagement.

Q: How is your team structured? Have there been any major changes in your operations since you started?

A: Solvang Theaterfest is led by an Executive Director who oversees overall operations, programming, and community engagement. The team also includes an Assistant Director, Director of Development, House Managers, and a dedicated group of volunteers who help ensure smooth operations during performances and events. Additionally, the Board of Directors plays a crucial role in guiding the organization’s strategic direction and supporting its mission.

Since our inception, there have been several major changes, including a greater emphasis on community involvement and expanding our programming. We’ve strengthened our volunteer base, and continue to enhance our infrastructure to better serve our patrons and artists. These changes reflect our commitment to growth and ensuring the theater remains a vital cultural hub.

Q: How can people get involved with your nonprofit or volunteer?

A: People can get involved with Solvang Theaterfest in several ways. Volunteers can join our Red Coat program, helping with various tasks during performances and events. We also welcome donations, which directly support our mission and programming. Individuals can become patrons or sponsors, contributing to the theater’s ongoing success and receiving special recognition for their support. Additionally, community members can attend events, spread the word about upcoming performances, or partner with us on collaborative initiatives. There are many opportunities to be part of our vibrant arts community and help ensure the theater thrives.

Q: What sets your nonprofit apart from similar organizations?

A: What sets Solvang Theaterfest apart is our unique combination of community engagement, historic venue preservation, and commitment to providing a high-quality arts experience in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. As the designated summer venue for PCPA’s performing arts school, we offer a rare opportunity to experience professional theater productions in a beautiful outdoor setting.

We also prioritize collaboration with local nonprofits, businesses, and the city to create a space that fosters artistic expression and cultural connection. Our dedication to maintaining a welcoming, accessible venue while delivering diverse and engaging programming makes us a vital part of the community.

Q: Can you share a fun fact or little-known detail about your nonprofit that would surprise people?

A: A fun fact about Solvang Theaterfest is that the venue itself has a rich history, having been built in 1974 and originally designed to resemble a traditional Danish barn, fitting perfectly into the charming town of Solvang. What may surprise people is that the theater’s iconic design and intimate setting offer a unique acoustic experience, making it one of the best outdoor venues for live performances in the region.

Many local residents and visitors alike are unaware of how much the theater has contributed to preserving the town’s cultural heritage while continuing to provide top-notch entertainment.

Q: Could you share a story or two about individuals whose lives have been positively impacted by your organization?

A: At Solvang Theaterfest, we often hear stories of how our events have touched the lives of individuals in meaningful ways. One of the most heartwarming stories from Solvang Theaterfest is about a couple who met while performing at PCPA, right here at our venue. They were both part of a production many years ago and quickly formed a connection over their shared passion for the arts. Their love story came full circle when they chose Solvang Theaterfest as the place to get married.

The couple often shares how the theater, which played such a key role in their meeting, became the perfect backdrop for their wedding day. It’s a beautiful reminder of how the arts create lasting bonds and special memories, and how Solvang Theaterfest can be a part of people’s most significant life moments.

Another story comes from a long-time volunteer who joined our Red Coat program after retiring. For years, they had enjoyed attending shows, but after becoming involved, they found a renewed sense of purpose and connection to the community. Their involvement has not only helped the theater but also given them lasting friendships and a chance to contribute to something meaningful.

These stories highlight how Solvang Theaterfest is not just a venue for performances; it’s a space where people find inspiration, make connections, and grow through the arts.

Q: How do you share your nonprofit’s impact and updates with the public?

A: Solvang Theaterfest shares its impact and updates with the public through a variety of channels. We send out regular email newsletters to our mailing list, keeping patrons informed about upcoming performances, special events, and community involvement. Our social media platforms are also used to share behind-the-scenes glimpses, highlight individual stories, and celebrate successes. We post event updates, volunteer spotlights, and stories of impact to engage our followers.

Additionally, we provide updates through our website, where people can learn about our programming, upcoming events, and ways to get involved. The Staff and Board of Directors also help spread the word through community connections, ensuring our reach extends beyond just those who attend our events.

Q: What makes your organization trustworthy for donors, and are there other ways people can support your cause beyond donations?

A: Solvang Theaterfest earns the trust of donors through our transparency, accountability, and commitment to the community. We provide clear reports on how funds are allocated, ensuring that donations directly support programming, facility improvements, and community outreach. We are dedicated to maintaining a positive relationship with our donors, keeping them informed about the impact of their contributions and involving them in our ongoing efforts.

Beyond financial donations, there are several other ways people can support our cause. Volunteering is a key way to get involved, whether by helping during performances, assisting with events, or joining our Red Coat program. Additionally, people can support the theater by attending events, spreading the word to others, and partnering with us on community initiatives. Sponsorship opportunities also allow local businesses to get involved and showcase their commitment to the arts. Every contribution, whether in time, resources, or advocacy, plays a vital role in sustaining and growing Solvang Theaterfest.

Q: Can you highlight one immediate goal and one long-term vision your nonprofit aims to achieve in the next year?

A: One immediate goal for Solvang Theaterfest is to expand our volunteer base and strengthen community engagement. By recruiting more volunteers, we aim to enhance the experience for patrons and ensure the smooth operation of events, particularly as we ramp up our programming for the upcoming season. This will also help build a more sustainable volunteer network for future years.

In the long term, our vision is to continue to preserve and improve the venue while expanding our programming to include more diverse cultural events and performances. We aim to become an even more integral part of the local arts scene by increasing partnerships with regional organizations and supporting more local artists. This will allow us to foster a deeper connection with the community and ensure that the theater remains a vibrant and accessible space for the arts for years to come.

Q: Is there anything important or unique about your nonprofit that we haven’t covered yet?

A: One unique aspect of Solvang Theaterfest is our dedication to preserving the venue’s historic charm while continually improving it to enhance the audience experience. The theater’s distinctive Danish-inspired design, combined with modern upgrades, creates a memorable atmosphere for all who visit.

Additionally, our close collaboration with local organizations, schools, and businesses sets us apart. We not only provide a stage for professional productions like those from PCPA but also serve as a versatile space for local nonprofits to host events and fundraisers. This fosters a strong sense of community ownership and ensures that Solvang Theaterfest remains accessible to all, whether for a local gathering or a major performance.

These elements reflect our mission to be a vibrant cultural hub in Solvang and the broader Santa Ynez Valley.

Click here to support Solvang Theaterfest’s mission to provide a unique, live performing arts venue that promotes the highest quality experience for artists and audience members in a space that is safe and accessible to all.

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.