Michael Paul Hirsch

by Michael Paul Hirsch, Executive Director Over the past year, hundreds of SBMT patrons shared what they value most, and their responses are directly shaping our upcoming seasons and audience experience. I thought I would share a few interesting insights. Our core audience continues to be local, long-time supporters, while our fastest-growing segment is a younger, more diverse community. This is why we are expanding outreach to schools, senior communities, and local service organizations, to ensure SBMT remains welcoming, relevant, and reflective of the South Bay. The vast majority of you come to see all of the main stage productions [...]

by Michael Paul Hirsch, Executive Director This past weekend, West Valley Light Opera Musical Theatre Company (WVLO) announced that their 60th Diamond Celebration, produced last November, would be their final production, bringing an extraordinary 60-year legacy to a close. For 60 years, WVLO and SBMT have produced hundreds of performances side by side at the Saratoga Civic Theater, enriching and connecting the community through the shared experience of storytelling. Though each of our companies operated independently, we have a long history of cooperation, collaboration, and a bit of healthy rivalry. Together, we have served as stewards of the Saratoga Civic [...]

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 [...]

by Michael Paul Hirsch, Executive Director Walking into a full theatre charged with the voltage of raw human energy anticipating a musical adventure is titillating, intoxicating, and just so much fun! Nothing compares to it. Over the last few weeks, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of watching well over 3,000 of you go through that very experience with our production of The Sound of Music. Almost every performance was sold out, and every performance was astounding. Here are a few takeaways that have me feeling hopeful and inspired for the future: Live theatre is as impactful as ever. Tears, cheers, [...]