Thater Made is a planning and design studio for galas, brand activations, private celebrations and weddings. Every project is led by both founders, Jacob and Alex, from the first conversation to the last guest out the door. We take on a limited number of projects each year so each one gets our full attention, in San Diego and wherever the event takes us.
A Creative Event Studio in San Diego
We're Thater Made
PLANNING. DESIGN. PRODUCTION.
Jacob Thater (right) and Alex Madarang (left), Your Creative Guides.
Two founders, one team, and every project led by both of us.
Jacob founded Thater Made in 2021. He studied psychology at UCSD, worked events across Southern California, and spent a year and a half in Dubai with Emirates, where luxury hospitality is treated as an art form. That mix shapes everything we do. We design around how people feel, and we plan with the precision of a five-star hotel.
Alex came to events from accounting and San Diego hospitality, then taught himself event and graphic design. He's the reason our big ideas come with budgets that hold, and he designs many of the custom details clients remember, from monograms to signage. Between us, we've traveled to more than 55 countries, and we bring what we've seen home to every event.
The Spark of Thater Made
The Spark
of Thater Made
Where it all began
No templates, and nothing recycled from the last event.
Built From Scratch
We plan around how people move through a room and what they'll remember.
Designed for Guests
We'll tell you what's worth the budget and what isn't.
Straight Answers
What You Can Expect
Five things guide every project we take on, whether it's a 500-person gala or a dinner for twelve. They're why clients come back, and why venues like working with us.
We only take on projects we're genuinely excited about, and it shows in the room.
01. Passion
No templates and nothing recycled. Every concept starts from scratch, built around your guests and your goals.
02. Creativity
From a place card to a full-room installation, the small details get the same attention as the big moments.
03. Craftsmanship
We work closely with you and a trusted team of vendor partners, many of them women, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ owned, so the vision holds all the way through install.
04. Collaboration
Straight answers about budget, timing and what's worth it. If something isn't right for your event, we'll tell you.
05. Integrity
What We Believe
OUR VALUES
What's on our board lately.
Tell us what's on yours.
03. Sculptural Installations
04. Sculptural Installations
What We're Pinning
01. Tropical Elegance
04. Modern Minimalism
03. Modern Minimalism
02. Dramatic Ambiance
Thater Made plans, designs and produces galas, brand activations, private celebrations and weddings.
We take on a limited number of projects each year, and every one is led by Jacob and Alex. See exactly how we work, step by step.
Thater Made plans, designs and produces galas, brand activations, private celebrations and weddings. We take on a limited number of projects each year, and every one is led by Jacob and Alex. See exactly how we work, step by step.
What we offer, how we deliver
We take on a limited number of projects each year so every one gets both of us, from the first call to the last guest out. Preferred vendor at Hotel del Coronado, Rancho Valencia and other top Southern California venues. Now booking 2027, with select dates still open in late 2026.