What is the OC Theatre Guild?

The OC Theatre Guild is a growing and diverse group of theatre professionals whose mission is to nurture, support and promote live theatre in Greater Orange County.

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Our strategy is to advocate for our deep rooted local theatre community while at the same time providing the public with information, access and opportunities relating to live theatre events in Greater Orange County. We are committed to answering the question: "What can we do together that we can't do on our own?"​

 

How did the OC Theatre Guild begin? 

In August of 2015, OC Theatre Guild was organized and created by Sharyn Case and Brian Page after many years of recognizing the need for a more united local theatre community. It provided a platform for theatre leaders to discuss business challenges as well as share ideas and season information.

 

How did year one go with the new organizational structure?

We learned a lot and got plenty done. 

 

January 6, 2019 OC Theatre Guild had the first meeting of the Founding Board Council that included Amanda DeMaio (President), Kristin Campbell (Vice President), Tamiko Washington (Treasurer), Oanh Nguyen (Secretary), Jeff Lowe, Brian Newell, and Brian Page. Wade Williamson acted as our minute-taker.

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February 1, 2019 - Our program inserts began circulating in our organization's productions.

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April 18, 2019 - OC Theatre Guild officially became a not-for-profit 501(c)3.

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April 27, 2019 - The first meeting of the full board met which included the Board Council and Board Elect members: Sharyn Case, Katie Chidester, and Rose London.

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June 8, 2019 - The first full membership meeting.

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June 29, 2019 - The first OCTG Regional Auditions.

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December 16, 2019 - We received our first corporate donation. Thank you to The Capitol Group Companies Charitable Foundation.

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January 1, 2020 - Kickoff of our inaugural season for the OCTG Awards Program. 

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January 3, 2020 - Published our first preview article for a production from one of organizational members. Thank you Joel Beers for an incredible start. 

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As we continue to explore what it means to serve this incredible theatre community, we can't help but be excited about the possibilities. We hope you’ll join us.

 

What cities are considered part of Greater Orange County?

We use the term Greater Orange County to include all areas surrounding Orange County to ensure that any person or organization that may benefit from our services is welcome.

 

What is the difference between the Board Council and the Board Elect?

Members of the Board Council and the Board Elect make up OC Theatre Guild’s full board of directors.  The full board is the governing body responsible for the sustainable future of the organization.

 

The Board Council is a dedicated volunteer group of theatre leaders responsible for the  mission and vision of the OC Theatre Guild. They are also responsible for the daily management of the organization.

 

The Board Elect are volunteer members of the board who have been elected by the membership. Their primary responsibility is to represent the membership, collaborate with Board Council, and support the OC Theatre Guild mission and vision.

 

With the aim of membership representation, members of the Board Elect serve two year terms and must be re-elected for each term, only one associate from an Organization Member may serve on the Board at any one time (an associate is defined as a formal role such as resident artist, company member, staff member, or board member), and all future Board Council members must be selected from current or past members of the Board Elect.

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Who can join the guild?

All individuals can join the guild as an individual member.     

 

All theatre organizations aimed towards producing professionally oriented, scripted productions for the public can join the guild as an organizational member. At this time, we are not able to serve improv companies, youth organizations, educational institutions and corporate or industrial companies.

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Why should I/my organization join?

Joining the OC Theatre Guild is the best way to support our mission: to nurture, support and promote live theatre in Greater Orange County. In turn, joining the guild means that you are supporting the vibrant and eclectic live theatre community that exists in Orange County, California. One of the ways to fund this effort is to join through annual memberships.

 

Individual members will be eligible to vote in the selection of the Board, receive discounted ticket offers from member theatre companies, and gain access to special events and networking opportunities throughout the year. There are also opportunities to get involved and volunteer with the guild directly.  

  

Organizations will be able to participate in cross promotions, annual auditions and have access to post on the OC Theatre Guild's social media. Organizations will also be eligible to vote in the selection of the Board and benefit from an expanded network of theatre artists.

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To learn more about the benefits of joining, please visit our membership page.