Jose Balistriere and Claire Kaplan in OnStage Playhouse's production of Blue Period - Photo by Devin Scott

The San Diego Theatre Alliance is a professional theater service organization that serves the greater San Diego area. We are a membership-based organization that promotes and supports the growth and development of the local theatre community.

The Theatre Alliance serves as a forum and resource that identifies and implements initiatives that address the needs of the San Diego theatres and community. We provide a variety of services to our members, including professional development opportunities, networking events, and marketing and publicity support.

The Theatre Alliance is currently focusing on initiatives that promote Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity (EDI) and mentorship. We are committed to promoting equity, empowerment, and the common good within our community.

The San Diego Theatre Alliance is a wing of the San Diego Performing Arts League

SAN DIEGO THEATRE ALLIANCE LEADERSHIP

The San Diego Theatre Alliance is governed by a board of directors, composed of individuals who have been elected to represent the organization's membership. The board is responsible for setting the overall direction and policies of the San Diego Theatre Alliance, as well as implementing the programs and services that the Theatre Alliance provides. The leadership is committed to promoting and supporting the local theatre community and providing valuable resources and services to its members.

Susan Clausen

Co-Chair

Susan is an Independent Public Relations Professional. With a 20-year history in San Diego in nonprofit Public Relations and Communications, her focus is working with organizations in advancing and messaging their missions and increasing special event and production attendance. Susan works with clients in areas ranging from strategic planning to grassroots outreach and media relations. She finds the heart of her client's mission - and shares that throughout the community via press relations and community outreach. Clients - past and present - include The San Diego International Film Festival, Joey Travolta's Inclusion Films, San Diego Repertory Theatre, La Jolla Symphony & Chorus, Bfree Studio, ABC Youth Foundation, Save Starlight, National Comedy Theatre, Unscripted Learning, Scripps Ranch Theatre, Cygnet Theatre, CITY Opera, Oceanside Theatre Company, The PGK Dance Project, San Diego Junior Theatre, Write Out Loud, Welk Resort Theatre and Trinity Theatre Company. Susan also teaches individuals on the autism spectrum via Joey Travolta's Film Camps and Unscripted Learning's Connections program. She also regularly performs on stage and in film and voice-over projects. 

Phil Johnson

Co-Chair

Phil Johnson is the Artistic Director and proud founding member of The Roustabouts Theatre Co. As an actor/writer, his solo show, A Jewish Joke (co-written with Marni Freedman) ran locally, regionally, as well as Off-Broadway in March 2019. His other shows include Roosevelt: Charge the Bear, Withering Heights, She-Rantulas from Outer Space in 3D!, and The Hound of the Baskervilles. Phil played in Les Misérables on Broadway and on tour, in the Canadian production of Sunset Boulevard, and in the 1st National Co. of Miss Saigon. He is a two-time winner of the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle Craig Noel Award for acting. He regularly performs at local theatres including North Coast Rep, The Old Globe, Diversionary Theatre, Lambs, and Cygnet Theatre. Local directing credits include SD Playwrights Project and Scripps Ranch Theatre. He teaches and produces a Solo Show Workshop and Celebration of New Writers readings for writers/performers that are part of The Roustabouts season. philjohnson.net

Wendy FaRris

SDPAL Membership Specialist

Wendy provides administrative support for Theatre Alliance. She carries a passion for arts education and in 2015, she established a musical theatre program at her children’s school, where she served as producer, budget and volunteer manager, and mentor. For the past seven years, she has been Treasurer and business operations coordinator for Carlsbad Community Theatre. Wendy holds a Doctorate in Education from USC focusing on the psychology of learning and motivation in the workplace. She is grateful for the opportunity to support SDPAL programs and the performing arts community in San Diego.