Founded in 2011 by Artistic Director Josh Shaw, POP produces 4-5 fully staged operas with orchestra annually. POP’s team includes 3 FT and 7 PT staff, c. 40 volunteers, and c. 150 contracted artists. With tickets starting at $15, POP’s production model attracts audiences seeking an accessible entry point while high artistic standards sustain our devoted audience base. POP’s institutional maturity is reflected in its inclusion on the LA Times “Best of 2024 in Classical Music” list.

POP’s Education & Engagement Department (est. 2021) helps youth and adults experience opera as a vehicle for human connection and creativity through free and low-cost educational school residencies and community performances.

Core Programs

1. Mainstage Programs
POP produces 4-5 staged operas each season. With a base of $15-$35 tickets, POP prioritizes access for newcomers and underserved audiences. POP’s trademark style features adventurous reimaginings of classic operas, such as our Super Mario Bros.-themed staging of Mozart’s The Magic Flute. POP continues to expand its commitment to culturally-centered storytelling through productions such as a Japanese/English bilingual Madama Butterfly 蝶々夫人, featuring a predominantly AAPI cast and creative team, and Spanish-language works by Latine creators, including Héctor Armienta’s Zorro, and Foglia & Martinez’s Cruzar la cara de la luna, strengthening engagement with Los Angeles’ diverse communities. Since 2011, POP has produced 70 mainstage productions, most livestreamed for free and available on our site with 416K+ views.

2. Youth Programs
POP’s equity-based Youth Education Programs serve K–12 students, strengthening well-being through creative expression and access to professional arts experiences. Our four in-school residencies, including a Spanish-language program, extend learning beyond the classroom through free student attendance at mainstage dress rehearsals and the option to participate in POP’s Youth Chorus.

3. Highland Park Recital Series
A culturally expansive recital series at POP’s Highland Park headquarters, showcasing emerging artists.