Every summer, theatre professionals and enthusiastic audiences from Southern California converge in Ojai Valley to participate in the development of new plays for the American theatre. Under the direction of Artistic Director/Producer Robert Egan, carefully selected playwrights from all over the world join together for an intensive two-week, in-residence workshop program that culminates in OPC’s popular public workshop series – known as the “OPC Summer New Works Festival.”
In addition to the presentation of new play workshops, prominent artists from the theatre community appear in engaging public forums for an exchange of ideas on a range of cultural and artistic subjects in the “Intersections Series.” The Ojai Playwrights Conference is also committed to nurturing the writing talents of Southern California youth.
The Ojai Playwrights Conference (OPC), one of the most acclaimed new play developmental programs in the country, announces its 19th season with an exceptional program of playwrights, new play workshops and special performance events from August 7 through 14.
The OPC Summer New Works Festival will feature eleven events over five days with established and up-and-coming playwrights. Seating is limited for the OPC Summer New Works Festival, and tickets ($30) may be purchased online at www.ojaiplays.org.
The Ojai Art Center Literary Branch and Ojai International City of Peace Founders Group invite you to write and submit your Dream for Peace. This is the second annual 75-word Peace Essay Contest, open to all ages. Each essay – prose or poem – will be read and judged for originality and clarity. The deadline for submission is August 10th. On September 17th, in the Ojai Art Center’s Gallery Room, 13 essayists will be honored to read their selected essays at a reception open to the public. Copies of the essays will be displayed in the Art Center’s lobby for International Peace Day (September 21st). Send your essay with $5 and your contact information to: Ojai Art Center Essay Contest, 113 S Montgomery, Ojai
Explore fascinating private collections in the Ojai Valley Museum’s newest exhibition. From Italian motorcycles to vintage bicycles and skateboards, ViewMaster reels to mid-century souvenir paintings, you are invited to view an eclectic group of collections. Why does one person collect insecticide sprayers and another decorative eggs? Beer steins, movie costumes, Depression glass, Caucasian Mountain rugs, and Frank Sinatra memorabilia round out the treasures on display. The exhibit will be on view through September 25
The Ojai Valley Museum is located at 130 W. Ojai Avenue in Ojai. Free parking is available behind the museum, off Blanche Street. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday noon to 4 pm. Group or school tours available by appointment.
For more information, call the museum at 640-1390, ext. 201, email [email protected], or visit the museum website at OjaiValleyMuseum.org.
