Center Stage Opera

Based in Los Angeles County's San Fernando Valley, Center Stage Opera brings only the highest quality operatic productions to diverse audiences in the Valley and beyond. CSO offers unique outreach, educational and senior programs throughout Southern California, as well as professional development programs that enable singing actors, instrumentalists and technicians working in the operatic genre to gain valuable experience.



CSO performs its mainstage productions at the beautiful Madrid Theatre, located in the heart of Antique Row in downtown Canoga Park, California. Our season is normally comprised of two fully staged operas and one orchestral concert each year.



All productions are led by CSO Music Director and Principal Conductor, Brian Onderdonk and feature the acclaimed Center Stage Opera Orchestra. Maestro Onderdonk has been with CSO since its founding in 2005, and has conducted internationally as well as locally.



CSO Artistic Director and Founder, Dylan F. Thomas, brings his unique vision to some of the most beloved stories in opera with captivating and intriguing stagings for the novice or seasoned audience member. His background includes directing and singing in opera, musical theater and jazz , as well as extensive training in acting. In addition to his work with CSO, he currently directs for the Pacific Symphony, and was the Outreach Stage Director for Opera Pacific until its recent closure.



Center Stage Opera operates under the umbrella of Will and Company, an official 501(c)3 organization, and is working to become a fully independent nonprofit organization. CSO programs reach the diverse populous throughout Southern California, connecting with children and adults from age 4 to 100 , with a goal to continually expand its programs to engage residents in cultivating a life-long interest in opera.