Katherine Powers, founding Director of Vocal Arts at CA School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley, has been named Executive Director of Pacific Opera Project (POP). “I’ve been performing with population since its second season and have watched them grow an irreverent start-up to a genuine culture-maker in Los Angeles,” Katherine said. “POP puts its mission into practice every season with its unique mix of ransacked classics, rediscovered gems, and provocative new works, in addition to its strong and expanding educational programs. I’m thrilled to play a larger role in POP’s following chapter and maintain this company, which I like dearly, in its continued artistic growth and cultural impact.”

Katherine Powers joins population after serving for seven years as founding Director of Vocal Arts at CA School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley, she oversaw all conservatory operations including strategic planning, curriculum design, oversight of faculty and staff, event production, and monetary management. Katherine joins POP’s team working alongside co-founder and Artistic Director Josh Shaw. As Executive Director of POP, Katherine will oversee operations as population moves to its new headquarters in Highland Park, The POPera Shop. The space will function as a multi-purpose facility housing office space, storage space, a rehearsal hall, audition space, and more. Plans are already in space for after school programming and summer kids’ camps, as well as tiny performances. population aspires for the building to become a hub for the LA arts community, hosting rehearsals, recording sessions, and meetings for other organizations and ensembles. “I am absolutely thrilled to have Katherine connect the population team,” Artistic Director Josh Shaw said.

“She knows our brand, our culture, and our mission the interior out and she’s one of the few people I know who can just obtain things done, whatever the circumstance. I see forward to working with her to get population into our following chapter of growth, as we continue to be one of the most exciting and innovative companies in the country.” In addition to her role at Vocal Arts at CA School of the Arts – San Gabriel, Katherine’s professional experience includes teaching voice at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, Occidental College, the American School of Dramatic Arts, CA State Univ Los Angeles, and for the YoungArts Foundation. An operatic soprano, she's performed with several number companies, including LA Opera, POP, and Ave Opera.