2026 NEW WORKS FESTIVAL
JULY 30 - AUGUST 2
OPC’S 2026 New Works Festival will include presentations of fresh new work and unique events designed to foster connections between the playwrights of today, the artists of tomorrow, and YOU.
LOCATION: Milligan Center for the Performing Arts at The Thacher School, 5025 Thacher Road, Ojai, CA
**2026 Playwrights will be announced late spring/early summer 2026. Take a look below for last year’s featured playwrights.
Playwrights receive a two-week workshop to develop their new plays, culminating in a public performance of their work at OPC’s New Works Festival, July 30 - Aug 2. For the Festival, five writers will be joined by professional actors and production teams who help bring their vision to life; all eight of the playwrights will participate in events as part of the OPC artist community. MORE 2026 PLAYWRIGHTS COMING SOON!
Please join us in Ojai to experience these artists, their voices, and the future of the American theater!
Festival passholders receive unique benefits and become part of a community of people investing in OPC and our efforts to build connections and access for all. To provide access for a more expansive audience, we are again thrilled to share that all single tickets for the 2026 Festival are donation-based, or PAY WHAT YOU CAN.
Festival Passes and Single Tickets are available now!
Read on for info about the public events of the Festival, or click below if you’re ready to purchase your passes or single tickets now.
FESTIVAL PLAYS & EVENTS
SCHEDULE
IN CELEBRATION
Thursday, July 30, 7:30 p.m.
An evening highlighting new work from across the OPC artist community, including the Youth Workshop and Intern programs.
TBD by TBD
Fri, July 31, 7:30 p.m.
IN CONVERSATION
Sat, August 1, 1:30 p.m.
A discussion with the playwrights led by OPC Producing Artistic Director Jeremy B. Cohen
TBD by TBD
Sat, August 1, 3:00 p.m.
TBD by TBD
Sat, August 1, 7:30 p.m.
TBD by TBD
Sun, August 2, 11:00 a.m.
TBD by TBD
Sun, August 2, 3:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Milligan Center for the Performing Arts at The Thacher School, 5025 Thacher Road, Ojai, CA
General parking is just past the school entry gates on your right. The theater is a short walk up the hill on the left.
Accessible parking: There are several handicapped spaces across from the theater. If full, there are several reserved spaces just beyond the theater or guests can also be dropped off directly in front of the theater.
Box office: Please arrive with plenty of time to park and make the short walk to the box office, located in front of the theater.
FESTIVAL PASSES
Festival passholders receive unique benefits and become part of a community of people investing in OPC and our efforts to build connections and access for all. We look forward to seeing you in Ojai!
OPC FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE
This all-access pass includes preferred seating for all events (Thursday-Sunday, July 31-Aug 3), an exclusive champagne toast with the artists before the first performance on Friday evening, and the option to include a *meal between performances on Saturday and Sunday.
Events include In Celebration on Thursday evening, five performances throughout the weekend, and In Conversation, a discussion with the 2026 playwrights, between the two readings on Saturday.
$320: all events w/o meals
$400: all events w/meals (Reserve by July 25)
A DAY WITH OPC
This one-day pass includes preferred seating for all events on Saturday, August 1: two performances (3:00 pm and 7:00 pm); OR for all events on Sunday, August 2: two performances (11:00 am and 3:00 pm) and In Conversation, a discussion with the 2026 playwrights, in between the two readings.
$80: day pass w/o meal
$120: day pass w/meal (Reserve by July 25)
*THE MEALS:
Saturday, August 1, 6pm: Artists Dinner - Join us for a Dinner with the OPC 2026 Directors & Dramaturgs
Sunday, August 2, 1pm: Playwrights Lunch - Join us for Lunch with the OPC 2026 Playwrights
SINGLE TICKETS: PAY WHAT YOU CAN
We believe that the power of theater lies in its collective experience. And in the development of a new play, the opportunity to have a broader audience witness the work can make a significant impact.
To provide access for a more expansive audience, we are again thrilled to share that all single tickets for the 2026 Festival will be donation-based, or PAY WHAT YOU CAN.
We are grateful to our single-ticket buyers who pay the suggested donation of $35 (or more) when making their reservation, as well as to our Festival passholders. Your generosity helps cover the cost of others who pay what they can.
Single tickets are general admission and on sale now.