OPC News and Announcements: Spring 2022
MIKE LEW: WEISSBERGER AWARD WINNER
Congratulations to Mike Lew, recipient of the 2022 L. Arnold Weissberger New Play Award for his play tiny father, a slice-of-life comedy about parenthood in extremis developed during OPC's 2021 online New Works Festival. We are so happy for Mike, who also recently enjoyed the world premiere of his new musical BANGIN' IT.
WORLD PREMIERE!
KIMBERLY BELFLOWER: JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN
Now on stage at Studio Theatre in DC -- Kimberly Belflower's John Proctor is the Villain, a play within a play, set in present day Appalachian Georgia where a high school class explores the American classic The Crucible through the lens of the post Me-Too movement. It was less than three years ago when Kimberly workshopped this intensely theatrical and heart-warming play in Ojai as part of the 2019 New Works Festival.
WORLD PREMIERE!
WILL ARBERY: CORSICANA
Will Arbery's Corsicana, directed by Sam Gold, will have its world premiere at Playwrights Horizons in NYC, opening June 2. OPC was thrilled to work with Will and Sam last summer in the development of this new play about care-taking and care-giving. Will also developed Evanston Salt Costs Climbing at OPC in 2016 and became a Pulitzer finalist for his drama Heroes of the Fourth Turning in 2020.
WORLD PREMIERE!
STEPH DEL ROSSO: 53% OF
Developed at OPC in 2018, Steph Del Rosso's 53% Of -- inspired by the fact that 53% of white women voted for our 45th president in 2016 -- is slated for its world premiere production at Second Stage Theater in NYC, opening June 14.
TWO OPC PLAYS IN SOLO FEST!
ROBIN GERBER: THE SHOT
JAMES MORRISON: LEAVE YOUR FEARS HERE
Two one-person shows developed at OPC will be featured this summer in the Great Barrington Public Theatre Solo Fest: The Shot by Robin Gerber (OPC 2017), directed by Michelle Joyner and starring Sharon Lawrence, and Leave Your Fears Here (OPC 2019), written and performed by James Morrison, directed by Robert Egan. Need a great reason to head to the Berkshires this summer? Now you have two!
J. HOLTHAM: NEW BOARD MEMBER
A screenwriter, semi-retired playwright and blogger, J. Holtham is the newest member of the OPC Board of Directors, after serving on the Reading Committee and as a resident dramaturge for OPC. His TV writing credits: Pitch (Fox), Marvel's Cloak & Dagger (Freeform), Marvel's Jessica Jones (Netflix), Supergirl (CW) and The Handmaid's Tale (HULU). His theatre credits: Ensemble Studio Theatre, Williamstown Theatre Festival and Bespoke Plays. He's also a board member of the 24 Hour Plays. J. is thrilled to support OPC's mission and the development of new plays, new voices and new artists.
Don't miss the OPC GALA on June 4!
Secure your tickets to what promises to be an epic OPC event celebrating OPC's 25th Anniversary Season and Robert Egan's legacy with extraordinary artists, thrilling performances, signature cocktails and delectable food – all at the Kirk Douglas Theatre.
The Anniversary Show will feature a star-studded cast of artists and special guests highlighting some of OPC’s most memorable plays. Artists whose work will be featured include Luis Alfaro, Jon Robin Baitz, Kimberly Belflower, Bill Cain, Stephen Adly Guirgis, Danai Gurira, Zora Howard, Lisa Kron, Jiehae Park, Nikkole Salter, Jeanine Tesori and Charlayne Woodard.
PLANNING AHEAD FOR THIS SUMMER’S PLAYWRIGHTS CONFERENCE & NEW WORKS FESTIVAL:
OPC HOUSING HOSTS NEEDED!
Can You Spare a Bed and Bath? A Guest House? Tiny House? Vacation Rental?
If so, please consider becoming part of the OPC Community by hosting playwrights, directors, dramaturges and staff during the two-week Playwrights Conference & New Works Festival, July 31-August 14, in Ojai. Participants are out and busy all day; OPC provides all meals for them. All you need to supply is comfortable accommodations and a warm welcome! For more info or to volunteer as a housing host, please email OPC at [email protected]
PLANNING TO ATTEND? BOOK YOUR HOTEL NOW IN OJAI:
We'll be back in Ojai this summer for the 25th Anniversary New Works Festival, August 7-14. If you're planning to attend and coming from out of town, book your hotel NOW as most places in Ojai sell out during the summer. Playwrights and plays will be announced in early June; tickets and passes will go on sale later that month.
PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE OF FESTIVAL EVENTS:
August 7: Opening Night Intersection Event
August 11: Special 25th Anniversary Intersection Event
August 12: New Play Workshops
August 13: New Play Workshops
August 14: New Play Workshops
OPC HOST HOTELS
Three Ojai hotels are graciously offering discounts to OPC attendees!
Casa Ojai Inn
Ojai Retreat & Inn
Su Nido Inn