Patricia L. Frank is a distinguished scenic and lighting designer with over 40 years of experience in the theatre industry. She is currently serving as the Co-Chair and resident designer for the Theatre Group at Santa Barbara City College (SBCC), where she contributes her expertise to numerous productions. Her award-winning career includes over 200 designs in both theatre and dance, with notable projects across Santa Barbara's leading venues, such as the Lobero, Arlington, and Garvin Theatres. Her designs have earned her multiple accolades, including the prestigious Independent Award for Best Set Design for Treasure Island (2024) and several Best Scenic and Lighting Design awards for her work with the SBCC Theatre Group.

Patricia's education background is rooted in both dramatic and visual arts, holding a Master of Arts in Dramatic Art from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a Master of Fine Arts in Visual Arts from the University of North Dakota. She also earned dual Bachelor’s degrees in Visual Arts and Communication Arts from Minot State University. Her formal training laid the foundation for a multifaceted career, which has included teaching various fine art courses—ranging from drawing and watercolor painting to ceramics—at the high school and university levels.

Throughout her career, Patricia has also been a key contributor to the technical aspects of theatre, with extensive experience in stagecraft and design. She served as Technical Director for the SBCC Theatre Group from 1986 to 2010 and held similar roles at Westmont College and the Mouse River Players in Minot, North Dakota. Her work as an art director and designer extends beyond traditional theatre, including technical direction, graphic design, and even concert lighting for artists such as Melissa Etheridge and June & Jean Millington. Patricia’s talents are diverse, spanning skills in scenic painting, carpentry, photography, and digital lighting systems.

In addition to her work in the theatre, Patricia has been involved in several professional organizations, including USITT and the Santa Barbara Dance Alliance, and served as an advisory member for Ballet Santa Barbara. She has also contributed to numerous boards, including Contemporary Music Theatre and the Santa Barbara Dance Alliance, further solidifying her role as a key figure in the arts community.

Her design work is characterized by its ability to transform spaces and create immersive environments that captivate audiences. From classic plays like Murder on the Orient Express and Treasure Island to modern pieces such as The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Legally Blonde, Patricia’s designs reflect her deep understanding of both the technical and artistic aspects of theatre. With her rich history of designing for various productions, she remains a respected and influential figure in Santa Barbara’s vibrant theatre scene.