Recently, I indulged in two of our county’s most iconic cultural experiences: the opening season of the Stockton Symphony and a performance of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” at the Stockton Civic Theatre.
Both performances received standing ovations and filled me with pride and excitement, reminders of the immense talent we have in this town.
The Stockton Symphony, the third-oldest in California, will soon celebrate its 100th anniversary. The Stockton Civic Theatre, in operation since since 1950, is the longest consecutive running community theater in the nation and a crown jewel of our community.
These institutions play a vital role in our cultural fabric — they are county royalty — but we must remember they are nonprofits, dedicated to enriching the arts while contributing to the local economy. Nonprofits like the Stockton Symphony and SCT not only provide entertainment but also spur business, support jobs and attract tourism. The National Endowment for the Arts reports that the arts contributed $13.3 billion to the U.S. economy, with 17% growth in a single year. This sector employs nearly 4 million people nationwide, a clear indication that the arts are a significant industry and far larger than most realize.
Besides these beloved local institutions, San Joaquin County boasts a rich history of creative placemaking through its many arts-based nonprofits. From museums like the Haggin to galleries, poets, opera and dance, these organizations beautify our cities, enrich our minds and contribute to the community’s economic vitality. The arts foster social cohesion, health, diversity and overall community well-being, the NEA reported in 2021.
For nearly 30 years, the larger-than-life Peter Jaffe has served as the Stockton Symphony’s musical director and conductor. His dynamic presence onstage is as captivating as the performances he leads. As he raises his baton, the symphony’s strings, brass, woodwinds and percussion blend together in a harmonious burst of sound, transporting audiences into another world.
Equally breathtaking was the SCT season opener production of “Beautiful,” which sold out nearly every night of its nearly monthlong run. Chrissy Contino, who played Carole King, delivered a stunning performance, perfectly capturing King’s voice, look and spirit. Directed by James Reed, each show earned standing ovations and thunderous applause. To quote one of King’s hits, I truly “felt the earth move under my feet” that night.
Both organizations rely on a dedicated team of leaders to keep the arts alive. Scott Watkins, executive director of the Stockton Symphony, has increased ticket sales by 28% in his first year in the job. His goal is to make the symphony the hottest ticket in town, and he’s working alongside Jaffe to attract younger audiences through innovative programs, including performances in schools, shelters, wineries and workplaces. Each performance infuses more than $4.2 million into our local economy.
Similarly, under the leadership of SCT’s artistic director, Dennis Beasley, local theater continues to thrive. The theater’s productions are a testament to the hard work of its staff, volunteer actors and behind-the-scenes crew. SCT produces live performances year-round, including shows in the Pam Kitto black box theater. Reed, who directed “Beautiful” and has been with the company for 20 years, is a charismatic leader and advocate for the theater, proudly referring to SCT as a “gem.” He delights in seeing audiences leave with smiles after every performance.
SCT operates on a $600,000 budget and follows a complex business model. Producing a show like “Beautiful” requires a significant investment — $15,000 for the rights alone. The production included six weeks of rehearsals, a four-week run with multiple performances a week and an ensemble cast of 20 actors, all of whom volunteer their time and talent for the love of the craft. Their reward is not financial, but in the applause and appreciation of the audience.
The arts are more than just entertainment. They beautify our cities, unify our communities and strengthen the economic prosperity of our county. If we Mind What Matters, we must recognize that institutions like the Stockton Symphony, SCT and all of our arts institutions are vital nonprofits that deserve our ongoing support.
Kristen Birtwhistle is a multigenerational Stocktonian, president and CEO of United Way of San Joaquin County and founder of the Nonprofit Leadership Collaborative and the Nonprofit Capacity Building initiative. She spent three decades with Kaiser Permanente as a healthcare administrator and advocate for our community nonprofits.