Eduardo Estrada
Board Member
Ed Estrada has an extensive career in the performing arts and venue management. He most recently served as 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 Rady Shell at Jacobs Park.
Ed possesses more than 37 years of experience in the venue management field, 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 his work at venues, he has consulted in venue management and toured globally as Production Manager for Diavolo Dance Theater.
Previously, Ed served as Vice President of Operations for the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert, California, managing approximately 140 performances each season along with a wide range of educational, cultural, and community events. For the Federal Way Performing Arts & Events Center in Washington, he led the transformation from hard-hat construction site to a fully operating performing arts stage, serving as Director of Events and Technical Services Manager. He established the production department from the ground up and played 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 in California, Ed oversaw all aspects of production from the opening of the Bankhead Theater in 2007 through its 10th anniversary season. From 2013 to 2015, during a period of major organizational transition, he also served as Interim Theater Manager, acting as board liaison, supervising operations across the organization, and contributing directly to programming.
Ed toured globally with Diavolo as it grew from a small regional dance group to recognition as a City of Los Angeles “Cultural Treasure.” His roles ranged from road manager to technical director and stage manager, bringing together touring and local staff and volunteers while mentoring students in affiliated educational programs.
At his first performing arts center in El Cajon, California, Ed spent nearly 20 years mastering every aspect of production management in progressively responsible roles. He holds a B.S. from San Diego State University and an M.S. in Arts Administration from Drexel University.
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