Ensemble Theatre Company

Our Mission, Vision and Values

Ensemble Theatre Company of Santa Barbara (ETC) is Santa Barbara’s sole professional Equity theater company. Producing five plays per season, it has been home to several World, American and West Coast premieres and has received recognition and accolades throughout its enduring history.

ETC’s Mission:
The Ensemble Theatre Company of Santa Barbara is committed to celebrating the human spirit with professional theatrical events that entertain, educate, provoke thought, ignite imagination, and encourage conversation.

ETC’s Vision:

To be a premier regional theatre, embracing the creation of new work as well as innovative productions of classic plays that appeal to and engage a diverse community.

Events & Talks 

To enrich your theatre experience and gain deeper insights into our productions, we invite you to explore our engaging special event nights and informative educational talks, designed to complement each performance.

Opening Night Series
Join us for our opening night performance on the first Saturday of each production! Includes a post-performance reception with the cast and complimentary food and drinks.

PreShow Talk Series
A free, lively, and informative half-hour talk in The New Vic courtyard before each Wednesday evening performance. Enhance your theater-going experience with background information on the play you are about to see.

TeaTalk Matinee Series
The final Wednesday matinee series invites you to a half-hour conversation in the New Vic courtyard before the 2 p.m. performance. Guest scholars will share their insights on topics particular to each production over a cup of tea.

Pride Night Series
Bring your friends, grab a spirit, and socialize before the show! The second Thursday of each production features a complimentary cocktail in The New Vic courtyard. 

Talk-Back Series
Immediately following each production’s final Thursday performance, meet members of the cast and participate in an informal discussion about the show.

Cocktail Night
Bring your friends, grab a spirit, and socialize before the show! The second Friday of each production features a complimentary cocktail in The New Vic courtyard.