Oceanside Theatre Company

Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC) is a prominent cultural institution based in Oceanside, California, dedicated to enriching the local community through the arts. As the professional production company in residence at the historic Brooks Theater, OTC is a beacon for arts education, culture, and the performing arts in North San Diego County. The company is a California nonprofit public benefit corporation and a federally recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization, with a mission to produce professional theatrical productions, present educational opportunities in the arts for children and adults, and provide a venue for artistic endeavors in the region.\n\nOTC’s history is intertwined with that of the Brooks Theater, a building with a storied past that has served various purposes including a butcher shop, a drug store, a barbershop, and a billiard parlor before becoming a theater. The theater's journey began in 1936 as the Margo Theater, a name derived from the Rancho Santa Margarita Theatre but shortened due to marquee space restrictions. The theater was a project of pride for the community, as expressed in the Margo Theatre dedication program of 1936.\n\nFrom 1936 to 1948, the venue operated as the Margo before being renamed the Towne Theater. It was one of three downtown movie houses through the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. In 1993, the City of Oceanside acquired the theater from Hattie Hazel \"Sunshine\" Brooks, and it was subsequently renamed the Sunshine Brooks Theater. The Pacific Coast Players, a local group of thespians, took residence in 1995, and after a period of construction, the New Vision Theatre Company managed the Brooks for six years.\n\nOceanside Theatre Company was officially formed in January 2011, taking over the management of the theater. A new OTC Board of Directors and Artistic Director were appointed in 2016, and in 2017, the company underwent a rebranding with a new vision, mission, and strategic plan. OTC has since been a part of the theater's revitalization, aiming to fulfill the original dream of bringing brightness to the town and establishing the Brooks and OTC as a regional cornerstone for the arts.\n\nThe company's leadership includes a Board of Directors led by President John McCoy and an Artistic Director, Ted Leib. The staff and advisors comprise dedicated individuals who contribute to the company's operations and strategic direction.\n\nOTC's commitment to the community is evident through its diverse programming, which includes a range of shows and events such as \"Songs For A New World\" and past productions like \"Into The Woods\" and \"A Christmas Carol: A Radio Play.\" The company also emphasizes youth outreach, offering educational opportunities such as the Summer Youth Theatre Camp.\n\nThe Oceanside Theatre Company continues to honor its rich history while looking to the future, striving to maintain artistic excellence, community collaboration, integrity, diversity, and good stewardship. With a new 20-year lease with the city and the appointment of a managing director, OTC is poised to remain a vital part of Oceanside's cultural fabric for years to come.