Photo Credit: MAHTING Photography

Things have come full circle for Karen Wood Williams, The Granada Theatre’s newest board member. A childhood visit to the historic theater started her lifelong love of the arts and set the direction for her career.

“I’ve had the honor of performing at theaters around the world, but The Granada holds a special place in my heart,” said Williams. “If not for The Granada sparking a passion in me for the performing arts, the entire trajectory of my life would be different. I’m so excited to be able to give back to the theater for all it’s done for me.”

International Performing Career

After her inspiring experience at The Granada, Williams joined the Fiesta Children’s Strolling Chorus and SB Youth Theatre Productions, setting the stage for a long career in the arts.

At just 18, she began touring nationally as a pianist and singer with National Youth Touring Choirs. In the 1980s, she added acting, modeling, and production to her repertoire. Some of her most memorable stage experiences include performing as a classical vocalist at Carnegie Hall twice, touring Italy, singing with The Santa Barbara Choral Society, and joining the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall in their iconic Holiday Spectacular as an instrumentalist with Handbell Musicians of America.

Locally, Williams performed in Carmen with the Music Academy of the West, sang with the Santa Barbara Symphony, and co-produced American Masters for the 25th anniversary of State Street Ballet and the 70th anniversary of the Santa Barbara Choral Society.

Promoting Other Artists

While Williams was a talented performer, she also enjoyed her behind-the-scenes roles in talent coordination and production. She parlayed her experience in those areas into launching a successful talent management agency, responsible for booking talent for TV, movies, and print advertisements.

Williams actively nurtures new talent in the Santa Barbara area. For 13 years, she directed Villa Week, an immersive student art camp, and taught music at Providence School for eight years.

Local Philanthropy

As long-time Santa Barbara residents, Williams and her husband, UCSB alumnus Ross Williams, actively give their time and talents to many non-profit organizations in the area. Williams has chaired several galas, served on several boards, and was most recently President of the Board of Directors of the Santa Barbara Choral Society.

Her continued dedication to arts education and community engagement aligns seamlessly with The Granada Theatre’s mission, and she will be a meaningful asset in her contributions as a board member of the theater.

“We are excited to have Karen join The Granada Theatre Board of Directors,“ said Palmer Jackson, Jr., Executive Chair of The Granada Theatre. “Her lifelong love for The Granada Theatre and her dedication to the arts will be a tremendous asset as we look to continue enhancing the theater’s impact on the community and carry its legacy into the future.”