Eduardo Estrada
Board Member
ED ESTRADA is Director of Production at the San Diego Symphony, one of the largest and most significant cultural organizations in San Diego, which offers a wide variety of programming at its two much-loved venues, the Jacobs Music Center’s Copley Symphony Hall in downtown San Diego and the one-of-a-kind waterfront concert venue, The Rady Shell at the Embarcadero Marina Park South. Ed brings more than 37 years of experience to his current position, including key leadership roles in opening two state-of-the-art performing arts centers, as well as the successful relaunch of a renovated theater. In addition to working at venues, he has consulted in venue management and has toured globally as Production Manager for Diavolo Dance Theater.
Previously Ed served as Vice President of Operations for the McCallum Theater in Palm Desert (CA), managing approximately 140 performances each season, as well as educational, cultural and community events. For Federal Way Performing Arts & Events Center (WA), he led the transformation from hard-hat construction site to performing arts stage as Director of Events and Technical Services Manager, establishing the production department from the ground up and playing an active role in programming and contract management. The $32 million venue provided a significant new arts space for the Seattle/Tacoma area with its inaugural season in 2017.
As Director of Production for Livermore Valley Arts (CA), Ed oversaw all aspects of production from before the opening of the Bankhead Theater in 2007, through its 10th anniversary season. From 2013-2015 during a period of major organizational transition, he concurrently stepped in as Interim Theater Manager, acting as board liaison and supervising operations across the organization, as well as being directly involved in programming.
Ed toured globally with Diavolo as it grew from a small regional dance group to recognition by the City of Los Angeles as a “Cultural Treasure.” His roles ranged from road manager, technical director, and stage manager, bringing together touring and local staff and volunteers, as well as mentoring students in affiliated educational programs. At his first performing arts center in El Cajon (CA), Ed spent nearly 20 years learning every aspect of production management in increasingly responsible roles.
Ed holds a B.S. from San Diego State University and an M.S. in Arts Administration from Drexel University.
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