Team OSB, 2024, photo: Zach Mendez
THE COMPANY
Team OSB
We are a team of enthusiastic overachievers with a passion for innovation and the desire to strengthen our company’s bond with the Santa Barbara and Central Coast community. Our goal is to consistently exceed our patrons’ expectations for programs, experiences, and communications, and build a work culture of empowerment, inspiration and trust
KOSTIS PROTOPAPAS
Artistic & General Director
[email protected]
With OSB since 2015, named General Director in December 2017.
Kostis is OSB’s Chief Executive, Artistic Director, and Chief Marketing and Fundraising Officer. Originally trained as a pianist and conductor, he served on the music staffs of several major US opera companies, and over time developed a passion for the business side of the non-profit arts. In addition to his artistic duties, Kostis writes most of OSB’s marketing communications, collaborates with our grant writer, and serves as our in-house data analyst. As OSB’s leader he focuses on creating an inspiring and efficient work environment that leverages the talents and passion of our artists and staff to create amazing audience experiences in a financially sustainable manner.
Artistic and General DirectorHELENA KUUKKA
Director of Production
[email protected]
With OSB since 2022
After 20+ years as a freelance Lighting Designer, Helena was excited to accept her old friend Kostis’ invitation to run the production department at OSB. Helena’s job is to get the physical production from conception to opening night. She is in charge of scheduling, organizing, budgeting and contracting all physical elements of OSB’s productions, including scenery, costumes, props, personnel, equipment and venues. She is also the liaison between OSB and guest designers, contractors and vendors. She is passionate about sharing her love for live music and theater with our community, and works closely with Kostis and Tim to ensure our productions meet the most stringent artistic standards.
Director of Production
TIM ACCURSO
Chorus Master & Head of Music
[email protected]
With OSB since 2018
Tim is Kostis’s right hand in all things Artistic and Education: he is the OSB Chorus Master, Principal Pianist, Music Administrator, Director of the Chrisman Studio Artist Program, Education Coordinator, Orchestra Librarian, and contractor for both the OSB Chorus and Orchestra. Beyond his artistic and musical duties, Tim has a great head for developing marketing, development and community engagement strategies. He is also our in-house website editor. A virtuoso pianist with a graduate degree from the University of Illinois, Tim has been with OSB longer than anyone except Kostis, and exemplifies Team OSB’s passion, tenacity, and passion for learning new things.
Chorus Master & Head of MusicJESSICA HETRICK
Executive Administrator
[email protected]
With OSB since 2023
Jessica is the nerve center of Team OSB, creating clear communication paths, optimizing processes across all departments, and keeping a birds-eye view on OSB’s mission. She also serves as OSB’s event planner, development manager, board liaison, & artist housing director while also aiding in patron services, finance, playbill creation, record archiving, and much more. You will find her at all shows answering questions, visiting with patrons, and setting up our fantastic afterparties. Originally trained as an opera singer, Jessica is Kostis’ indomitable partner in all things administration, clearing a path for our Artistic teams to do amazing work.
Executive Administrator
Julia Lieberman
Admin & Marketing Associate
[email protected]
With OSB since 2023
After earning her bachelor’s degree in Creative Industry Studies and Design, Julia joined OSB as a Production Intern in last fall’s production of Carmen, after which Team OSB unanimously decided to bring her on full-time. Her responsibilities include administrative and marketing tasks, content creation for social media, and graphic design. During production she shifts gears to support Helena and our production teams in the rehearsal room and the theater. Julia’s smiling face is there greeting patrons at social events, and her youthful communication style is reflected in the thank-you donor letters that she drafts for Kostis. Her optimism, good spirits, and impeccable style keep Team OSB smiling even in the most hectic of times.
JOYCE FAMILARA
Communications Consultant
[email protected]
Joyce Familara is a Los Angeles native who now makes Santa Barbara her home. She graduated from UCSB and later St. Mary’s College of California for her MFA in Creative Writing-Non Fiction. Joyce worked as a Content Marketing Manager for various small businesses throughout SB county. She started at Opera Santa Barbara as its first Digital Content Manager in 2018 and later became Director of Marketing from 2019-2021…
TODD JARED
Technical Director
[email protected]
Todd Jared’s affiliation with Opera Santa Barbara began with the company’s debut production of Die Fledermaus at the Lobero Theatre in 1993. He served as Technical Director and Production Manager for Opera Santa Barbara’s first 21 productions and has been continuously associated with the company ever since.
Technical DirectorSTACIE LOGUE
Costume Manager
[email protected]
Stacie Logue’s relationship with Opera Santa Barbara goes back to the 2004 production of Faust. Since then Stacie has worked worked on many OSB classic productions as costume coordinator, design assistant, wardrobe dresser & stitcher. In 2013 she designed the costumes for Don Pasquale, has been the company’s main wardrobe coordinator since 2017, and was promoted to Costume Manager in 2018.
