OPC delivers programs that support the full lifecycle of new play development while expanding access for artists and audiences.

At the center is our annual Summer Conference & New Works Festival. For almost 30 years, OPC has brought together emerging and established playwrights to develop new plays. This retreat-style incubator pairs eight playwrights with directors, dramaturgs, and actors for workshops and readings. The program culminates in a public-facing New Works Festival, featuring staged readings of five plays, discussions, and community events in Ojai, California. This environment fosters development of new plays that explore political, social, environmental, and cultural issues.

OPC extends this work through our Learning and Mentorship programs. For 25 years, the Youth Workshop Program has guided local high school students from Ojai, Ventura, and Oxnard through writing, developing, and presenting original works. The Workshop takes place during the Festival, culminating in a summer performance. Leading up, OPC offers monthly “write nights,” for local youth on a pay-what-you-can basis, creating an accessible entry point. The Internship Program provides undergraduate students with paid, hands-on experience in new play development. Interns shadow creative teams, participate in workshops, and engage with professional theatre artists, with opportunities to present their work publicly.

Through our Partnership Program, launched in 2024, OPC collaborates with Los Angeles-based theaters and national theater organizations to advance new work from page to stage. Partners include Center Theatre Group, East West Players, Native Voices, Latino Theater Company, Huron Station Playhouse, Geffen Playhouse, and Play On Shakespeare. These partnerships strengthen the California and national theater ecosystems and expand opportunities for diverse storytellers.

OPC prioritizes equitable access through a pay-what-you-can ticket model, open submission processes for artists, and community events that engage Ojai and Ventura County residents. Each year, OPC employs 75–100 artists and staff, prioritizing local hiring to ensure community engagement.