The Old Globe Honors Rosemary Pope with Center Renaming

The Old Globe has officially renamed its theatrical technical center in honor of community leader Rosemary Pope, recognizing her extensive contributions to southeastern San Diego. The announcement was made during a ceremony held on October 6, 2023, at the 30,000-square-foot facility, which has served as a hub for theatrical production since its opening in 2008.

Barry Edelstein, Artistic Director of The Old Globe, praised Pope for her role in enhancing the cultural landscape of the community. He stated, “By naming our technical center after one of the pillars of southeastern San Diego and a beloved icon of our city, we reaffirm our commitment to this vibrant neighborhood.” Pope has been a longtime advocate for seniors and low-income families, serving as the executive director of the George L. Stevens Fourth District Seniors Resource Center.

The newly named Ms. Rosemary Pope Old Globe Technical Center plays a crucial role in the theater’s operations. It is where staff members construct scenery for all productions staged at the Balboa Park venue. The center also houses specialized machinery, a scenery- and prop-painting room, and storage for costumes and props.

In addition to renaming the center, The Old Globe has announced plans to enhance its community outreach. This includes offering guided tours, workshops, and career training programs aimed at engaging local youth. The Arts Engagement program will introduce Behind the Curtain workshops led by Globe technical designers, while middle and high school students will have the opportunity to tour the facility.

Pope reflected on her decade-long partnership with The Old Globe during the ceremony. This collaboration has involved hosting theater performances at the Stevens center, distributing tickets for community members to attend productions, and facilitating hands-on workshops with Globe artists. She noted the impact of these initiatives on community engagement and the importance of art in everyday life.

“What began as a shared vision has blossomed into a decade-long journey of inspiring creativity, deepening community ties and elevating the role of theater and of arts in all of our lives,” Pope stated. She emphasized the transformative power of the arts, saying, “We’ve sparked conversation, we’ve challenged perspectives and we’ve cultivated a deeper appreciation for the power of the arts to connect and to transform.”

Pope expressed her gratitude to The Old Globe for the honor and underscored the significance of community collaboration. “This partnership has shown what’s possible when the community and creativity walk hand in hand,” she remarked. “Because of each of you, I am reminded of this one simple truth — we rise higher when we lift each other up.”

The renaming of the technical center not only celebrates Pope’s legacy but also marks a renewed commitment by The Old Globe to foster artistic engagement within the community. The initiatives announced will serve to deepen connections and provide valuable opportunities for local residents, ensuring that the spirit of collaboration and creativity continues to thrive in southeastern San Diego.