by Michael Paul Hirsch, Executive Director
I am no soothsayer or diviner, but I am empathetic and perceptive enough to sense a shift carrying us toward a far more optimistic trajectory in 2026. From my discussions with you in the lobby of the theater, I know you feel it too.
Last week, Doug Hughes, our Marketing Director, wrote about reflecting on SBMT’s remarkable 2025. This week, I thought I would talk a bit about what is to come in the New Year and why I am feeling so hopeful.
First off, the obvious: the season we are actively producing is tremendous. Little Women and In the Heights are incredible shows that have never been produced by SBMT before and On the 20th Century hasn’t been done since 1982. That means these classic shows will feel fresh, surprising, thrilling, and deeply inspiring.
There are many other promising leading indicators I look to. After a few years of volatility, attendance has been increasing, feedback for the work we do has been overwhelmingly positive and encouraging, volunteerism is rebounding, patrons have been giving willingly, and fewer things feel like emergencies. This is what sustainability feels like.
My staff is stellar. They care about finding ways to make every aspect of the theatre going experience first rate. From our production values, marketing, interactions on the phone, in the aisles, or in the lobby, they strive to serve and provide a heightened, welcoming experience.
We have new board leadership as well as several new board members with such vast, diverse and relevant experience. I can’t wait to work with them on new ideas and new ways to connect and serve the community.
We have an excellent relationship with the Saratoga city staff and are grateful for the partnership and trust they put in us making the Civic Theater our home.
There are a few more things best kept obscured for now, like any proper oracle would do.
In the end, you decide our fate. And together, we’ve already set something auspicious in motion.
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