Part 2
Jennifer Bradford feels that stepping into an organization that is so loved and has such a rich legacy and history is a big step. “Why wouldn’t I be involved and be part of the next chapter? It’s exciting; there is so much more to come, and I’m excited to be part of what’s next,” she said.
Mike Bradford feels Kollar Smith is a theatrical visionary. “For us to be able to support that is really exciting. We did so many things that were exciting and were Colleen’s idea. She had a vision for things; we came together to make it happen. It’s exciting for us to do it… We can come in and put our spin on all the good things that are already happening here,” he said.
Kollar Smith said she and the Bradfords are very passionate about education, not just for young people who want to perform, but looking at how they may be able to contribute to the work already happening in Coronado — both with the pipeline of talent and the next audience members. She mentioned the Junior Arts League, CoSA, and the Coronado Playhouse. “All of them have a role to play in the theatrical ecosystem, and for us we can look at how we can support that and offer some other opportunities that will help benefit those organizations,” she said.
Jennifer Bradford said a big part of her role at Moonlight was community partnerships. The three of them value creating relationships, and in her new role she wants to look at places “where our organizations intersect, how can we support one another, collaborate on events, share resources,” she said. “Our goal next year is to align with a nonprofit partner for each of the shows, give them access to tickets, and amplify what they are doing, and for the audiences to learn about what they are doing.”
Kollar Smith announced there will be an open call audition in early October, which means patrons can expect to see familiar faces on stage. But there are also a lot of actors who want to work at Lamb’s, and the team is excited to continue to welcome new faces. For Mike Bradford, it’s important to not only get to know the performers but the staff. “We learned very quickly that the staff is an incredible team of people from backstage, box office, patron services, offices. It really is a well-oiled machine, and as a team we want to get to know them better and support them,” he said.
Jennifer Bradford explained that just like Lamb’s, every theatre is looking to build new audiences. Everyone is attracting younger audiences, and the team will be looking at accessibility for younger families and how they can help to make that possible.
“No one can deny the quality of anything that happens on the stage. We want to carry that forward… recognizing human connection, share experiences… only in that moment. That’s what theatre has always been about. Now, with more technology, there is more of a need for that connection,” Kollar Smith explained. Part of the human connection experience was having a bar on stage during one of the shows, which patrons could access before the play and at intermission, to get a drink and snacks. As part of the programming, Lamb’s will expand on that concept and hold a trivia night before a show; for another play, attendees will experience the feel of checking in to a cruise ship. This is done in the hope that the unique experience will have people talking about it, sharing it with others to encourage them to see it for themselves.
A celebration to honor the outgoing team is planned for Monday, Nov. 30 at the Del, and more information will be available in the near future. Kollar Smith would love for the community to show up to honor the work they have done over the 50 years. “It is a moment that is happening… deserving of recognition. When you look at the impact that they have had on so many different communities. The National City days, the ensemble days, the ability to adapt over time…all 50 years, the economic challenges …the artists community with hundreds and hundreds of artists,” she said.
Kollar Smith said currently all mid-sized theatres are navigating the economy, particularly with AI, which can’t replace art. “It can’t replace the feeling of sitting across from a human… it pushes what we are doing as a need and a necessity for it,” she said.
Jennifer Bradford explained that theatres are balancing the desire to present stories as a mirror that addresses hard-to-talk-about issues with the desire to present stories through entertainment. The theatre is a respite, a place to come and enjoy the experience.
“It’s a responsibility to create something that is worthy of people having to leave their homes, and the simplicity of sitting in front of a screen or television, and come and see live performances,” added Mike Bradford.
Kollar Smith is aware of the challenges of the high cost of living in San Diego. The team wants to make sure performers can continue to stay and work. “We feel a responsibility to take care of our artists; that is a similarity across all the theatres. We want to make sure people can live here, and we don’t lose incredible talent, because they can’t afford to live here,” she said.
On that note, Jennifer Bradford pointed out that during COVID, a support system got started among the many theatres in San Diego to help one another with many resources. That conversation has continued. By helping each other, theatres don’t have to shoulder the same financial burden. For example, with props, sets, and costumes. Theatres are open to those types of conversations. “The only way we are getting through it is together,” she said. The theatre world feels very collaborative and not competitive. “A rising tide raises all boats,” added Mike Bradford.
Jennifer Bradford said that in her fundraising role she looks forward to continuing to meet people in the community, taking on Kerry Meads’s role in development, “who has had such wonderful relationships with people that have been here for decades. Get to know all the patrons, but specifically this wonderful donor community,” she shared.
Mike Bradford also looks forward to meeting people, especially the staff. “Getting to know them as people, sometimes you are with them more than you are with your family. The feeling of responsibility [we have] taking care of them, getting to know them better and know what makes them excited,” he said.
For Kollar Smith, it’s a different feeling working at Lamb’s. “I’m really excited for the season; there is something really profound having started my career here,” she said. Her career so far has been in executive leadership, but now as artistic director she will focus on art, which is really exciting. Part of the excitement is supporting all the artists who will work at the theatre.
She also wants to make the outgoing team proud, especially Robert Smyth. “In my early 20s he saw something [in me] and helped me nurture that, and gave me remarkable opportunities,” she said. Kollar Smith thinks of the time Smyth will see a show at Lamb’s and have that moment where he feels proud of her accomplishments. An “Atta girl” moment.
Jennifer Bradford looks forward to the time after the seven-month transition, when it all comes to fruition, and the team is on its own. “I’m very excited to see it happen,” she said. The team has planned an exciting season that will feature a regional premiere and a world premiere. Audiences can look forward to a musical, an experiential concert, a revue, a comedy, a drama, and a holiday show. “A nice balance for long-time patrons and subscribers, but if you have never experienced Lamb’s, the hope is that you’re going to come back,” she said.
VOL. 116, NO. 42 – Oct. 21, 2026