Title: Associate Director of Operations
Company: The Granada Theatre
Location: Santa Barbara, California, United States
Shawn Franklin, associate director of operations at The Granada Theatre, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in performing arts.
Establishing himself as a leader in theater and performing arts, Mr. Franklin currently excels as the director of operations at The Granada Theatre, a role he has held since 2024, previously serving as the house manager at the same institution from 2021 to 2024. Before joining the team at The Granada Theatre, he worked as an artist educator at the non-profit theater company Kentucky Shakespeare. The Granada Theatre, a renowned performing arts venue established in 1924, is home to seven resident production companies, including Opera Santa Barbara, State Street Ballet, and UCSB Arts and Lectures. While acting as house manager and onsite coordinator, he was responsible for contacting and answering questions from presenters interested in using the venue and served as the highest escalation point for any customer service issues. Managing a team of 15 to 35 volunteer ushers and front-of-house staff, he also ensured the team met the needs of the presenters and the theater during performances and addressed any safety concerns. As director of operations, he oversees the house manager and hospitality and concessions programs and ensures the safety of the theater and compliance with OSHA practices.
From a young age, Mr. Franklin developed a passion for acting and theater, participating in school plays and developing a deep appreciation for the art form. While attending Hanover College, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in theater in 2016, he was attracted to the collaborative nature of the arts. He believes that adopting a collaborative mindset has led to his success in other aspects of his career, allowing him to maintain composure, listen actively, and understand clients and guests. In light of his impressive undertakings in the industry, he was recognized with a 40 Under 40 Award in 2023.
In the coming years, Mr. Franklin is dedicated to remaining active in the theater industry. He is open to exploring new opportunities to advance his career while continuing to collaborate, network, and learn from his colleagues. When advising aspiring professionals in the field, he says that in theater, it is important to have fun and not take yourself too seriously. He points out that it is easy to get bogged down in details, but it will show if you are not enjoying your work. He emphasizes that embracing the fun will open doors and that there is always something more to learn from others.
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