“Open A New Window!”
Explore behind the scenes at South Bay Musical Theatre by reading our blog. Here is where we will discuss upcoming shows, announce casting decisions, and debut new promo videos. Each blog post will also be linked from our social media sites, so if you don’t want to miss a thing, be sure to “Like” and “Follow” us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Running a Theatre Company
by Michael Paul Hirsch, Executive Director Since stepping in to SBMT's Executive Director position in July, I have been delving into documents and spreadsheets, agreements and archives to compile, organize, and analyze over 60 years of SBMT producing theatre here in the South Bay. My goal was to become [...]
SBMT’s AI Policy: Protecting People, Creativity, and Integrity
by Michael Paul Hirsch, Executive Director and Walter M. Mayes, Artistic Director At South Bay Musical Theatre, every costume stitch, scenic brushstroke, musical note, and marketing image tells a human story. These are crafted by artists, technicians, and volunteers who pour their time and talent into creating something authentic [...]
Season’s Pleadings: Selling Season 63
by Doug Hughes, Marketing Director As Marketing Director for South Bay Musical Theatre, my job is to sell you on our upcoming season. That usually means hyping the shows, teasing the titles, and dazzling you with reasons to subscribe. Easy, right? Well—this year, there’s a twist. I can only [...]
Board Minutes for July 2025
Start: 3:08pm End: 4:53pm Present (via zoom): Ann Lucena, Andy Switky, Tipu Purkayastha, Michael Hirsch, Ray Smith, Doug Hughes, Walter Mayes, Dan Singletary, Steve Sammonds, Dick Robbins, Lashonda Eagels, Marcy Bates Minutes from our previous meeting are approved. After a short discussion we decided to continue publishing the board meeting [...]
Performance dates announced for double-cast actors
This week, we happily announced which of our double-cast children in The Sound of Music would be performing on which dates. (The six youngest Von Trapp children are double cast, with each actor assigned to half of the performance schedule.) Based on a variety of factors, the performers were [...]
What It Takes To Plan a Season
by Walter M. Mayes, Artistic Director What if I told you that the next season’s story begins before the curtain rises on this one? While audiences are anticipating the Abbey bells, singing nuns, and adorable Von Trapp children of our 2025/26 season-opener, The Sound of Music, I’m already deep [...]
Why The Sound of Music at SBMT is the smart choice
Broadway Quality, Affordable Prices by Doug Hughes, Marketing Director If you’ve been dreaming of seeing The Sound of Music, you have two options in the coming year: wait until mid-2026 and pay over $100 per person to nab good seats for a touring production—or experience the magic much sooner, [...]
Why We Do This: Our Common Humanity
“I am not a robot” by Michael Paul Hirsch, Executive Director Why do we gather in a darkened room to watch people sing, dance and step into someone else’s shoes? Because theatre reminds us who we actually are and inspires us to be who we can become. In a [...]
Hirsch named SBMT Executive Director
South Bay Musical Theatre Names Michael Paul Hirsch as Executive Director Performer, tech leader, and longtime volunteer to assume full-time leadership role July 1 Saratoga, CA, June 30, 2025 — South Bay Musical Theatre (SBMT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Paul Hirsch as its new Executive [...]