Our Mission
Ensemble Theatre Company (ETC) is Santa Barbara’s premier professional theatre and the region’s sole professional Equity theater company. As a member of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT), ETC is committed to producing the highest quality professional theater, employing accomplished actors and stage managers recognized by the Actors’ Equity Association.
At its heart, ETC believes theatre is about connection—the stories we tell, inherit, and pass on. We foster community engagement through initiatives like Community Pay-What-You-Can-Night and Pride Night, ensuring great theatre remains accessible to everyone. ETC has been home to world, American, and West Coast premieres throughout its enduring 47-year history, bringing accomplished theatrical professionals to Santa Barbara while serving as a cultural cornerstone for the region.
2025-2026 “Truth and Illusion” Season
ETC’s 47th season explores the art of storytelling through five captivating productions that examine the delicate balance between truth and fiction:
- War of the Worlds: The Panic Broadcast recreates Orson Welles’ infamous 1938 radio drama that convinced America an alien invasion was real, exploring storytelling’s power to spark wonder and fear.
- The Complete Jane Austen, Abridged distills the wit, romance, and wisdom of Austen’s greatest works into a fast-paced, hilarious celebration of timeless love stories.
- The Shark Is Broken offers a razor-sharp, behind-the-scenes look at the chaotic 1974 filming of Jaws, featuring three actors battling egos and artistic frustration on a malfunctioning set.
- A Night with Janis Joplin delivers an electrifying concert experience celebrating the soul-shaking voice and fearless spirit of the rock icon who changed music forever.
- Every Brilliant Thing invites audiences on an interactive journey through life’s highs and lows, discovering joy in simple things through a child’s growing list of what makes life worth living.
“This season celebrates moments when reality bends, when fiction feels more real than life, and when storytelling creates transformation,” says Executive Artistic Director Scott DeVine. “In a world where truth and illusion often blur, theatre offers a unique opportunity to connect with our shared humanity.” www.etcsb.org.
