San Diego Junior Theatre Announces New Executive Director

Returning to his roots, Director, Actor and Playwright James Saba is slated to head up San Diego Junior Theatre as the new Executive Director beginning September 1, 2013. More than three decades ago, Saba was one of the organization’s students for 10 years. After a long career in the arts, Saba is returning to Junior Theatre to oversee the vision of Junior Theatre as it enters its 65^th year.             

“I am a product of San Diego Junior Theatre’s rich past,” he says. “It’s now an honor for me to be a part of its present, vibrant days and help it flourish in the future.”  

San Diego Junior Theatre is committed to the region’s youth of all abilities by encouraging the development of their creativity, self-esteem and enjoyment of theatre arts. Year round, its professional staff teaches and guides students in stage productions, camps and classes.  

Saba is no stranger to the field of education.  Most recently, Saba served for 10 years as artistic director of the Hope Summer Repertory Theatre’s Children’s Performance Troupe in Michigan. He has also worked in the educational programs at The Old Globe, La Jolla Playhouse and San Diego Opera. Additionally, his background includes staff positions at the San Diego Blood Bank and Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego.

Bruno Lemaître, President of San Diego Junior Theatre’s Board of Trustees is enthusiastic about Saba’s return to the Junior Theatre family, “We’re delighted about Jimmy’s homecoming. My fellow board members, our staff and I, are eager for him to share his knowledge and talent with us so that we may continue and heighten our success inspiring young people throughout San Diego.”

Saba’s acting and directing credits include local performances with The Old Globe and North Coast Repertory Theatre. He has also performed with the Cleveland Play House, Actors Theatre of Louisville and San Jose Repertory Theatre, among many other stage companies.  He earned a bachelor of fine arts degree from Southern Methodist University. Saba was also an apprentice of the award-winning children’s playwright, Susan Zeder.

San Diego Junior Theatre is one of the oldest, continuously producing youth theatre groups in the United States. Created in 1948, the non-profit organization thrives through show ticket sales, class and camp enrollments and the generosity of its alumni and community members. Contributions to San Diego Junior Theatre are tax-deductible.