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partnering with "private developers who have vision and financial resources to repurpose our buildings and then operate them as a long-term tenant for us." So far, the project has raised 86 percent of its $43.5 million fundraising goal. Performances of Stephen Sondheim's Follies runs through October 5. is year also includes the comedy Vanya and Sonya and Masha and Spike (October 8 to November 2), a fresh twist on the classic A Christmas Carol (November 26 to December 28), and A Magical Holiday: Christmas at e Joan (December 10 to 28). Next year's schedule includes Somewhere Over the Border (February 18 to March 15); e Lehman Trilogy (March 25 to April 19), a drama which won a 2022 Tony Award for Best Play; and e SpongeBob Musical ( June 10 to July 5). Cygnet also plans to invite San Diego Ballet and other dance groups to perform at e Joan. "ey have quite a mix of programs," says Jacobs. "You want to attract a variety of audiences." 619.337.1525, cygnettheatre.org something that can often be a barrier for audiences. Liberty Station is the perfect antidote to another night at home, binge-watching Netflix. It's a destination for people who want to be engaged, active, and inspired. e creative energy is everywhere, making it a natural fit for live theater, art, and dance." In its previous longtime home in Old Town, Cygnet's operations including offices, rehearsal, and theater spaces were spread out. "Now, with everything under one roof, we've been able to streamline operations. Another exciting feature is having two distinct theater spaces instead of just one: a large mainstage and a flexible studio theater. is versatility will give us the ability to expand our programming in new and exciting ways," adds Schmidt. Johnson says both public and private funding made the move to Liberty Station possible. It included $10 million from the State of California, $687,000 from e National Parks Service, a small grant from San Diego County, tax credits, conventional financing, and OPPOSITE Philanthropist Irwin Jacobs, surrounded by family members, at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center, nicknamed "The Joan" LEFT Irwin and Joan Jacobs with son Gary and Mayor Todd Gloria at the groundbreaking ceremony for The Joan in 2024 BOTTOM LEFT The Joan, once known as Building 178 at the former Naval Training Center, has been transformed into two state-of-the art performance spaces BELOW The stage is now set at Cygnet Theatre, which includes the 280-seat Joseph W. Clayes III Theatre and The Dottie Studio, a 150-seat flexible studio space in the Arts District Liberty Station PORTRAITS L-R: Lisa Johnson is chief executive officer and president of The Arts District San Diego in Liberty Station; Executive Director Bill Schmidt and Creative Director Sean Murray are at the helm of Cygnet Theatre at Liberty Station >> @ranchandcoast RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2025 59 THE JOAN EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR: PHOTO BY KARLI CADEL