Jon Ringbom

During a formative childhood growing up in Berkeley, CA, Jon’s first exposure to opera occurred in 4th grade on a class field trip to a performance of Rigoletto at the San Francisco Opera. That may or may not have sparked an interest in the arts, which included trumpet playing in every organized group from elementary school through high school.

While an undergraduate at San Diego State University, a friend suggested Technical Theatre as a major since it combined practical knowledge of materials, flexible hours, and great parties. So began a 48-year journey through the entertainment industry, starting with a position on the faculty of the Interlochen Arts Academy.

Upon completion of an MA in Directing and Theatre History at University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, CO, he was employed at the Ft. Wayne Performing Arts Center as their resident Stage Manager for all groups using the facility, including performing arts such as dance performances, concerts, community theatre performances, and a variety of operas. The ability to read a score littered with technical clues was a big part of the required skill set.

Then it was on to Steamboat Springs as the designer/technical director/myriad positions for the Steamboat Repertory Theatre during its brief period of existence at the Depot Art Center.

Where to go from Steamboat Springs in 1980? NYC, naturally. While studying for the United Scenic Artists exam, he worked as a technical director/scenic artist/carpenter at such off-Broadway venues as Classic Stage Company, Circle Repertory Company, and Playwrights Horizons until passing the USA exam, moving him into the world of Broadway, broadcast television, and film which occupied him until retirement in 2019.  Jon moved back to Steamboat in 2020.