Santa Ana Facility Could Become Opera Pacific’s New Base

Opera Pacific has entered into escrow to purchase a 20,000-square-foot facility in Santa Ana. The $1.5-million property will be the company’s new administrative and artistic home.

The building, at 600 W. Warner Ave. in Santa Ana, would provide space for offices, rehearsal studios, a costume shop and warehouse space for sets and wardrobe.

Escrow is scheduled to close by July 25. The company has until May 27 to make its final decision.

Now in its 14th season, Opera Pacific operates on a $6-million annual budget and is the only professional opera company in Orange County.

Last year the troupe bounced back from a financial and administrative crisis that surfaced in December 1997, when general director Patrick Veitch abruptly left his post.

In 1998, Martin G. Hubbard, a retired venture capitalist, assumed the position of executive director for a $1 annual salary. Hubbard promoted John DeMain that year to artistic director, up from his previous position as music director.

Hubbard also cut staff, moved the offices to smaller, donated space in Irvine and initiated an intense fund-raising campaign.

Last year the company made strides in reducing its accumulated deficit and registered its first budget surplus since 1997.

The company will close its current season with Offenbach’s “The Tales of Hoffmann,” which runs Tuesday through Sunday at the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa.