Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Shaw.
Josh, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Pacific Opera Project was founded in July of 2011. When we began, it was really just about trying to produce so quality opera at an affordable price with the hopes of providing all the talented singers in LA more quality opportunities where their time and talents would not be wasted. Since that time, POP has grown into something much more. Now in our 26th production, we’ve become known for our quirky updated spins on operas (but that’s not all we do). The mission is to produce accessible, affordable, and ENTERTAINING opera.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
All depends on your perspective I suppose. It’s always a struggle — we have to house and provide cars for our out of town artists, we’re raising about $100K per year now through donations, there is a constant venue search, and up until last week all or some storage of costumes, sets, props, and lights has been at my house. But overall, we’ve been very lucky. It’s hard to believe all this started just six years ago.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Pacific Opera Project – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Pacific Opera Project produces intimate opera (typically under 300 seats) with the best young talent in the US. We are most well-known for our creative updates and settings of classic operas — Star Trek Abduction from the Seraglio, Hipster La boheme, etc. Most of shows are done cabaret style with table seating including food and wine. And our tickets are cheap. Four people can sit at a table, within 50ft of the stage, with food and wine for $30 a person most of the time. You can’t get that experience, with the kind of talent we have, for that price anywhere else — Los Angeles or otherwise.
Who else deserves credit – have you had mentors, supporters, cheerleaders, advocates, clients or teammates that have played a big role in your success or the success of the business? If so –who are they and what role did they plan / how did they help.
Stephen Karr was my co-founder and music director for the first five years. He’s leadership at the piano and on the podium played a huge role in our early success. Our board of directs plays a huge role not only in fund-raising, but also in day to day logistics.
Maggie Green has been our costumer since 2012. The amount of work she puts into POP is staggering. She’s somehow managed to costume casts of up to 50 people, and always on a tiny budget.
Most of all, it is our artists. We would be nowhere without the incredibly talented artists we somehow manage to get.
Pricing:
- Table seating with food and wine ranges from $30pp up to $50pp
- General admission seats start at $15
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pacificoperaproject.com
- Phone: 323-739-6122
- Email: info@pacificoperaproject.com
- Instagram: pacoperaproj
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pacificoperaproject/
- Twitter: @pacoperaproj
Image Credit:
Martha Benedict Photography
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