Established 1998
Our Mission
To use collaborative theater education to empower learners
and enrich their lives.
OCPA is run by a volunteer Board of Directors. Our teachers are actors and educators from the public school system, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and other local theatre companies, with impressive experience and advanced degrees in theatre and education. Some of our instructors have been with us for five years or more.
We teach the process of theatre — from understanding the text and its social context to rehearsing and staging a show. We emphasize professionalism, camaraderie, and teamwork. Our organization comprises talented professionals with a dedication to kids and the arts, and we love what we do — and that’s what makes theatre camp such a meaningful experience for our students, many of whom return year after year. They make new friends, bond with kids from other walks of life, and grow creatively in a safe and supportive environment.
We teach the process of theatre — from understanding the text and its social context to rehearsing and staging a show. We emphasize professionalism, camaraderie, and teamwork. Our organization comprises talented professionals with a dedication to kids and the arts, and we love what we do — and that’s what makes theatre camp such a meaningful experience for our students, many of whom return year after year. They make new friends, bond with kids from other walks of life, and grow creatively in a safe and supportive environment.
A Brief History of OCPA
OCPA is the longest-running educational theatre program for youth in the Rogue Valley. It got its start in 1998 when two local high school teachers felt there was a need to offer kids theatre experiences beyond what was found in the public schools, where the arts were being curtailed or eliminated. The two brought together a number of artists and teachers to introduce their concept, which evolved into the Oregon Conservatory of Performing Arts. Soon thereafter classes began.
Three years later saw the launch of the Magic of Theatre summer camps. In 2009 we presented our first Magic of Theatre Spring Break camp with 65 kids, ages 6-12. Working with local and national organizations and schools, OCPA also provides scholarships for at-risk kids and students from low-income families. More than $40,000 in scholarships has been awarded over the past few years.
Three years later saw the launch of the Magic of Theatre summer camps. In 2009 we presented our first Magic of Theatre Spring Break camp with 65 kids, ages 6-12. Working with local and national organizations and schools, OCPA also provides scholarships for at-risk kids and students from low-income families. More than $40,000 in scholarships has been awarded over the past few years.
Board of Directors
Dennis Foster, President
Jeff Tabler, Board Member Emeritus
Jeri Williams, Secretary
Cassandra Wagoner, Treasurer
Dennis Foster, President
Jeff Tabler, Board Member Emeritus
Jeri Williams, Secretary
Cassandra Wagoner, Treasurer