Ojai Playwrights Conference New Works Festival at Ojai Playwrights Conference

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. The OPC 2026 New Works Festival will take place July 30 - August 2 in Ojai, CA.

This celebration of new plays for the American theater will include five performances of brand new work and special events celebrating artists in the OPC community. Prior to the Festival, the playwrights spend two weeks developing their plays with artistic teams and preparing them for public audiences at the Festival. 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.

Playwrights participating in this year’s Festival include Jaclyn Backhaus, Keith Bunin, Grace McLeod, Harrison David Rivers, and Mat Smart. Writers-in-Residence Juliette Carrillo, Zola Dee, and Gregory S Moss will also develop plays at the Conference and participate in Festival 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, and Writers-in-Residence.

The Last Nun At Lake Leaf Monastery by Mat Smart
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

Except That it is God by Harrison David Rivers
Sat, August 1, 3:00 p.m.

Closing Costs by Grace McLeod
Sat, August 1, 7:30 p.m.

The Loyal Opposition by Keith Bunin
Sun, August 2, 11:00 a.m.

The Collectivists by Jaclyn Backhaus
Sun, August 2, 3:00 p.m.

LOCATION
Milligan Center for the Performing Arts, The Thacher School, 5025 Thacher Road, Ojai, CA

TICKETS

Festival passes are available now and range from $80 - $400; all passes include preferred seating and meal options. Single tickets will be general admission and donation-based (pay what you can), and available two weeks prior to the Festival. More information at https://www.ojaiplays.org/new-works.