New Operations Manager for Performing & Cultural Arts

City of Vista Promotes Shelby Caughron to Recreation & Community Services Operations Manager

The City of Vista has promoted Shelby Caughron to Recreation & Community Services Operations Manager, Performing and Cultural Arts, effective March 9, 2026. In this role, Caughron will continue to oversee the operations and administration of the Moonlight Amphitheatre as Managing Director while also leading the City's Public Arts Program and serving as staff liaison to the Vista Public Arts Commission.

Shelby Caughron

Caughron has served as Acting Operations Manager and Interim Managing Director of the Moonlight Amphitheatre since the fall of 2025 and has been a key member of Vista's cultural arts division since joining the City in 2014 as the Box Office and Front of House Manager. Over the years, she has played an integral role in shaping the patron experience and operational success of Moonlight Stage Productions.

In her leadership roles, Caughron has overseen daily operations for the City's regionally recognized outdoor theatre, coordinated closely with artistic and administrative teams, managed budgets and ticketing operations, supervised full-time and seasonal staff, and cultivated relationships with sponsors, donors, community partners, and the Moonlight Cultural Foundation.

At the Moonlight Amphitheatre, Caughron will continue to oversee the venue's operations and work in partnership with Producing Artistic Director Steven Glaudini to shape the Moonlight's annual summer season of five Broadway musicals. She will also be responsible for booking acts for the Moonlight Presents series of concerts and special events presented throughout the year, including the popular community event Jingle Terrace Nights, held annually in December.

In addition to her responsibilities at the Moonlight, Caughron will oversee the City of Vista's Public Arts Program. Public art plays an important role in celebrating Vista's history, creativity, and evolving culture. Artworks can be found throughout the community in parks, neighborhoods, and public spaces. Vista's public art spans a wide range of mediums, including the colorful Kites Over Vista installations, vibrant murals, the Vista in Bloom utility box designs, Civic Gallery exhibits, and the sculptural landmarks featured in the Paseo Santa Fe corridor roundabouts.

"Shelby's promotion reflects more than a decade of dedication, leadership, and passion for the arts in Vista," said City Manager John Conley. "She began her career with the City, helping to welcome guests at the Moonlight's front gates, and has steadily grown into a trusted leader who now oversees one of our community's most treasured cultural institutions. Shelby understands both the artistic and operational sides of the Moonlight, and her experience and vision will help continue to elevate Vista's arts and cultural programs for years to come."

Caughron holds an Associate of Arts degree from MiraCosta College and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Irvine.

The Moonlight Amphitheatre, located in Vista's Brengle Terrace Park, is home to Moonlight Stage Productions and a variety of concerts and special events throughout the year. The 2026 Moonlight Presents series kicks off on March 27 with "The Wizard of Oz" on Ice and Fortunate Son-A Tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Fogerty on March 28. Moonlight Stage Productions' 45^th Anniversary Season features the Broadway musicals "The Cher Show" (April 29-May 16), "Mean Girls" (June 3-20), "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" (July 8-25), "Guys and Dolls" (August 12-29); and "Come From Away" (September 9-26).

For more information on the Moonlight Amphitheatre, click this link; for information on the Public Arts program, click this link.