Oceanside Theatre Company Welcomes Ted Leib as New Artistic Director

Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC) named Ted Leib as their new Artistic Director, effective March 1, 2017. Leib will direct PICNIC, by William Inge - the final production of OTC's 2016/2017 Season running from May 5 - 21 and will be announcing the company's 2017/2018 Season in April.

Ted received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees at SDSU. His passion for current events and community led him to an undergraduate degree in Political Science followed by focused artistic study with a graduate degree in film and television. Leib went on to direct, perform and design sound and lighting at venues across San Diego and Orange County - working with Moonlight Theatre, Intrepid Theatre, Vista's Broadway Theatre, Scripps Ranch Theatre, Fullerton Civic Light Opera, Musical Theatre West, Hunger Artists, Stagestheatre, OC Pavilion Theatre and Lamb's Players Theatre.

A San Diego native, Leib and his family have long been active in the San Diego Theatre community. Leib discovered his love for theatre as a child performing at San Diego Junior Theatre in Balboa Park. He is thankful to his mother and grandfather - both actors - for instilling a love and value of the arts at a young age as well as the influence of his uncle and aunt, Don and Bonnie Ward - who ran Starlight Musical Theatre for many years.

Leib said "The shared experience of theatre was always a natural part of my family culture, and I am forever thankful for that. It taught me to examine, question and discuss themes that affect our society as reflected on stage. I see a swinging back of the pendulum by people who are seeking this kind of connection. Many are overwhelmed by the disconnect and accessibility of technology in their lives - and seek the human connection and reflection that theatre offers. I've directed and performed many times at OTC and long admired the quality of work being produced at this historic 198 seat house in the heart of Oceanside. I'm honored and excited to be asked to step into the artistic leadership role at this vibrant organization that has a history of strong artistic leadership. Oceanside is a community experiencing wonderful growth and transition. Culturally we want to be in step with that transition and continue to provide a source of artistic value to the community."

OTC Board President, John McCoy added "We are thrilled to have Ted join us as Artistic Director of OTC. The board and I have long admired his directing and performing abilities as well as his long history with the San Diego theatre community. We embrace the artistic vision he has for OTC and its continued growth into the Oceanside community and beyond."

Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC) was formed in January of 2011 and was awarded management of the Brooks Theatre by the City of Oceanside. Their mission is to create professional quality theatre for a vibrant and diverse population. OTC produces a 4 show mainstage season in their 198 seat venue as well as on-going play-reading and music series in their blackbox theatre - Studio 219. Passionate for community outreach and sharing the arts with youth, OTC runs a four week Youth Academy during the summer. To learn more, visit www.oceansidetheatre.org.