Ensemble Theatre Company (ETC), a member of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT), is Santa Barbara’s sole professional Equity theater company. ETC is committed to producing the highest professional quality theater in Santa Barbara, employing accomplished professional actors and stage managers.
In its inception in 1978, ETC was the Ensemble Theatre Project and called Trinity Episcopal Church its home. As its popularity grew, ETC moved to the historic 140-seat Alhecama Theatre, a more traditional theatrical setting that hosted its productions for a quarter of a century and still provides rehearsal space today.
Set on becoming a cultural-programming cornerstone in Santa Barbara, ETC undertook the $12.6 million purchase and renovation of the Victoria Hall Theater, leading to the reimagined 300-seat New Vic Theatre that serves as its resident stage and hosts other artists representing dance, music, film, and lectures.
ETC’s success has been built upon its tremendous stability with only four executive leaders: Joseph Hanreddy (1978-1985), Robert Grande Weiss (1985-2006), Jonathon Fox (2006-2023) and Scott DeVine (2023- ). In addition, the company benefited from the contributions made by Jill Seltzer (2016-2021), who served as managing director, a role DeVine assumed when joining in 2022.
HOURS
The theater is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 1-5 p.m and opens one hour before curtain on performance days.
TIPS FOR YOUR VISIT
When visiting the Ensemble Theatre Company of Santa Barbara (ETC), parking is a breeze with convenient options such as Lot 5, accessible via Chapala Street (1200 block) and Lot 6 (Granada Garage) from Anacapa Street (1200 block). These lots are just a short walk from the theater and fall within the Downtown Public Parking District. Your first 75 minutes are complimentary, and each additional hour or part thereof is only $3. Patrons with disabilities can enjoy the first 2.5 hours for free; simply present your placard. After 6 p.m., street parking throughout downtown Santa Barbara is also free. For evening performances, the parking lot located off 100 West Victoria offers complimentary parking after 6 p.m., conveniently situated behind the Louise Lowry Davis Center.
