Equity. Opportunity. Excellence. Community.

OPAT Artist Investment Scholarship Program

Investing in the Next Generation of Theater Makers

Announcing

Three scholarships are available in the OPAT Artist Investment Scholarship Program. These aim at strengthening Ojai's creative community by removing financial barriers to professional theater training. Funding passionate local artists to pursue the programs they need but can't afford. In return, recipients commit to a Community Return Plan, sharing their new skills through teaching, mentoring, or supporting local productions. Nominations open on September 15th.

Joan Kemper Technical Theater Scholarship

💵 $2,500 for formal training, mentorships, or apprenticeships in:

  • Stage Management

  • Producing

  • Lighting, Sound, or Costume Design

  • Crew Roles / Tech Direction

  • Production Coordination

Ideal nominee: Someone already making the magic happen backstage who could lead, teach, or mentor with the right training.

High School Emerging Artist Scholarship

💵 Up to $2,500 for professional summer training programs

🎯 Ages 14–18

Ideal nominee: A teen with serious promise—already performing or designing in local shows—who would thrive in a top-level program but can't afford it.

Nominations open on September 15th.

Over-18 Artist in Transition Scholarship

💵 Up to $2,500 for advanced study, internships, or certifications

🎯 Ages 18+

Ideal nominee: An adult artist performing, directing, teaching, or creating in Ojai who wants to grow their craft and keep contributing locally.

We're looking for artists who are:

🎭 Already onstage or backstage, giving their time, talent, and heart to the Ojai arts scene

🎓 In need of professional-level training but blocked by financial limitations

🤁 Eager to give back to the community once they've leveled up their craft

This includes:

  • High school students performing in local theater or music programs

  • Adult performers who light up the stage but haven't had access to formal training

  • Technical wizards holding shows together behind the scenes

  • Creatives who want to deepen their skills to mentor others, start programs, or elevate community productions

Nominees do not need to be OPAT-affiliated—but they must live in Ojai or have strong ties to the community (such as attending Nordhoff High School, working regularly with local arts organizations, or being longtime community members who participate actively in Ojai's cultural life).

"Professional-level training shouldn't depend on privilege or luck."

The Community Return Plan in Action

Every nominee must commit to giving back to the community. This scholarship is a two-way street.

If selected as a finalist, nominees will be asked to submit an Ojai Impact Plan—a simple outline of how they'll use what they learn to enrich the Ojai arts community.

📌 Examples:

  • Teaching youth theater or technical workshops

  • Mentoring young performers or crew members

  • Supporting an OPAT or community production

  • Starting an inclusive or experimental performance group

These scholarships are an investment in Ojai's creative future.

Black and white photo of an elderly woman with curly hair, wearing a white shirt and dark vest, holding a photograph or book, smiling at the camera.

“Performances don't happen without the people backstage. These artists deserve just as much recognition, support, and investment.”

-Joan Kemper OPAT Founder