Industry News

CA Arts Council ArtWorks! Feature

The California Arts Council's website is featuring an article on Lula Washington Dance Theatre, and includes CP's own Adam Philipson. From the article: "Lula’s work in the community of Santa Clarita was the brainchild of Adam Philipson, Managing Director of the Santa Clarita Valley Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons. Philipson, booked Lula’s critically acclaimed dance company for its 30th anniversary season adding a residency component with local schools. Afterwards Mr. Philipson commented, Today I had the chance to be at two Saugus District schools and watch Lula Washington — an award-winning choreographer — work with more than 170 4th and 5th grade students. What an amazing opportunity for kids in our local schools. " Read the full article.

City of Thousand Oaks Names
New Cultural Affairs Director

The City of Thousand Oaks has announced that Barry McComb has been named the new Cultural Affairs Director for the City of Thousand Oaks, replacing Thomas Mitze who retired in December.

Formerly Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the historic Alex Theatre, Glendale Arts Board, Mr. McComb comes to the City with a broad spectrum of experience in the performing arts, theatre facility management, communications, and business. MCComb worked in that roles since 2001.

Prior to his appointment as CEO of the Alex Theatre, Barry McComb was owner and president of Barry McComb Entertainment, a company that secured entertainment for corporate events. During this time, Barry perfected his skills in financial and performance management, marketing, and operations.

Christine Sandin Named Managing
Director of Sunset Cultural Center

Appointed in February 2011, Ms. Sandin brings a fitting combination of skills and experience to the position, including service as Sunset Center’s marketing and development consultant over the last year.



Ms. Sandin brings a fitting combination of skills and experience to the position, including service as Sunset Center’s marketing and development consultant over the last year. During this time, Sandin identified and implemented several new marketing strategies which resulted in a 10% increase in tickets sales. She was also instrumental in researching and identifying new areas of revenue generation and expanded facility utilization, resulting in the successful marketing of Sunset Center as a wedding site venue beginning in early 2010.

While theater operations remain a vital part of the overall management strategy, diversification of revenue streams is also a high priority for the SCC Board of Directors. Board Chair Jim Price notes that “Christine’s selection was carefully made after considering the Sunset Center strategic plan, her capabilities and her knowledge of the Carmel area. We look forward to her experienced leadership for meeting the City and community goals for Sunset.”


Ms. Sandin and her family moved to the Peninsula in 2007 when she was recruited by the Monterey Bay Blues Festival for the position of Executive Manager. During her two seasons with MBBF, Sandin negotiated and secured some of the biggest names in blues talent that the 23-year old event had ever presented (B.B. King, Etta James, etc.), effectively re-positioning the Festival and attracting greater and more diverse audiences. While there, she gained invaluable experience in the management of a non-profit organization, including oversight of a $1.2 million annual budget, capital campaign planning, staff and board development.
Sandin is a 1989 graduate of Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts with a dual concentration in Entrepreneurial Studies and Marketing Communications. There she was formally trained in business plan creation, one of which was published in the academic manual The Start-Up Guide (3rd Edition, © 2001) by David H. Bangs Jr. (titled “World Beat Tours”).