When the American Musical Theatre of San Jose announced the appointment of two new members to its board of directors last week, Sobrato's name appeared next to that of Scott Menard.

The nonprofit AMTSJ is one of the Bay Area's best known theater companies, producing top quality musical theater for 70 years and counting. Sobrato, who brings years of community involvement and business expertise to the table, says he is excited to support such a fine organization.

"I'm delighted to join the board of such a dynamic local arts organization that adds greatly to the quality of life in the Silicon Valley," he says. "The AMTSJ leadership has done a tremendous job in bringing stability to the group through its presentation of top quality, professional shows."

Sobrato is the general partner of Sobrato Development Companies, managing the firm's day-to-day operations and large portfolio of commercial and residential properties. Sobrato is also known for his philanthropic endeavors. He currently serves as president of the board of Catholic Charities of San Jose, chairman of the Board of Fellows of Santa Clara University and he has served as the president of the board of the San Jose Repertory Theatre. Sobrato Development Companies also founded the Sobrato Foundation, which grants office space to local nonprofit organizations, runs a cash grant program for worthy causes and collaborates with and donates to many charitable organizations such as United Way Silicon Valley and the Strategic Alliance Fund for the restructuring of health and human services and arts organizations.

"I look forward to building upon [AMTSJ's] success by increasing community support through the expansion of the organization's local production capabilities and presence in our community," Sobrato says.

"We are delighted to have [Sobrato and Menard] join our outstanding board of directors and board of governors," Michael Miller, CEO and executive producer of AMTSJ, says. "They further represent AMTSJ's longstanding commitment to the community and presentation of unsurpassed quality entertainment."

AMTSJ's 2005-06 season runs from September to June and will include The Wizard of Oz, Little Women, West Side Story, Mama Mia!, The Lion King, Gypsy, Stomp! and Hairspray.

Visit www.amtsj.org.