Our Mission

To present a wide range of work from the experimental, contemporary and rarely-performed classical repertory in the operatic, classical and ethnic music, and theatrical genres;  works which remain relevant to contemporary life and challenging to professionals and audience members alike, both on the level of technique and art and on the level of life and living.  To create an intimate setting for the experimentation and exploration necessary to execute high-quality performances, so that professionals and audiences may attain an all-encompassing theatrical experience.  To train young people in the above-mentioned performing arts.  To help them to make lasting and meaningful connections between the performing arts and their daily life.

Cinnabar Arts Corporation was established in 1974 by Marvin and Jan Klebe to operate the theater and to provide an umbrella organization under which all the various projects and companies could operate.

Today Cinnabar Arts Corporation, in addition to producing Drama, Opera, Choruses and the Young Repertory program, also produces the annual Petaluma Summer Music Festival, the Opera in the Schools program, and the work of Fred Curchack.

Opera Cinnabar began as an opera company and continues to mount professional operas at prices amenable to all our patrons. Since 1973, Cinnabar is the only company of its type in Sonoma County. Using professional talent from throughout the Bay Area, Cinnabar presents the finest in rare, new and classic operatic and music theater. It also produces operas and musicals especially designed for presentation to the youth of the North Bay Area. In order to ensure that the operatic experience is also a fulfilling theatrical one, everything is sung in English. Cinnabar has commissioned operas and musicals and has staged American and West Coast premieres.

Artistic Directors: Elly Lichenstein and Nina Shuman

Drama Cinnabar is dedicated to original, experimental and challenging performances. Since 1997 a mixture of contemporary, experimental, and classic nonmusical and cabaret-style plays are chosen for their relevance to today's struggling culture, with an eye for the future and a deep appreciation for the past. Rare classics are presented side by side with the newest plays by known and lesser-known artists. Cinnabar has been the home to several world premieres, including work by renowned playwright, John O’Keefe.

Artistic Director: Elly Lichenstein

Young Rep Since 1985, Cinnabar Young Rep provides a full, year-round program of classes, workshops, performance opportunities, summer camps and festivals. Students ages 4+ learn all aspects of stagecraft, from American musicals to Baroque opera, from comedy improv to Shakespeare, depending on each child's needs and interests. Scholarships and work trades make it possible for all youngsters to participate. Several fully staged productions are mounted annually on the Cinnabar stage, utilizing the talents and energy of the Young Rep performers.

Education Director: Kate Magill

Cinnabar Choruses bring fine vocal music to the community.

In January of 1996, members of the community formed the choral group, Petaluma Sings! for the purpose of supporting choral music in the Petaluma area. In August, 2001, the group became part of the Cinnabar family and now operates under the name “Cinnabar Choruses.” The ensemble continues to provide a quality choral music experience for children and adults, with emphases on excellent repertoire, artistic interpretations and the development of a free and open voice. The Choruses strive to serve the greater community by producing public concerts and special events, advocating for the arts; providing opportunities in music through voice and musicianship instruction; operating in an atmosphere that values all participants, and allowing singers and audiences alike to grow through their interaction with fine vocal music.

Artistic Director: Nina Shuman