J. Sherwood Montgomery

Former co-director of Lyric Opera, San Diego

J. Sherwood Montgomery began in San Diego California as a child performer; he has a Bachelor of Arts from San Diego State University, where he began his producing career as president of the Aztec Theater Guild.  He holds a Master of Fine Arts from Goddard College, Plainfield, Vermont. 

He began his professional career, as Artistic Director at Circle Arts Theatre, and designing TOSCA for San Diego Opera.  He next went to Hollywood to work as a scenic artist in television and motion pictures. That led to a career as a set designer in regional theatres throughout the United States, from Julliard Drama division, where he worked with John Houseman, as well as The American Opera Center; the Missouri Repertory Theater in Kansas City, Missouri; the Alliance Theater in Atlanta; and as Artistic Director of the famed Resident Theatre of Kansas City.  This led to his work with Hallmark and the original designs for Crown Center.  He was tapped to be Artistic Director of The Professional Performing Company at Kennedy King College in Chicago, where he also helped to found Chicago Opera Theatre. 

For twenty years, he was Artistic Director of Lyric Opera San Diego, where he directed and/or designed over 70 productions. With General Director Leon Natker, he received The Donald and Darlene Shiley Award for Lifetime Achievement in Theater in 2008. He currently lives in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, and writes plays.