The Oklahoma Community Theatre Association Festival (OCTAfest) is a state-wide biennial play festival that is the organization’s signature event. In accordance with OCTA’s mission to encourage excellence in theatre arts, the festival provides an opportunity for theatres to present their best artistic productions to the state, be adjudicated by nationally known theatre experts, and for audiences to see the best of community theatre performances. It is the first step in the national American Association of Community Theatre’s festival, in which the winners are invited to perform internationally. Two advancing plays are chosen during OCTAfest to advance to the regional festival, where one of those will be chosen to advance to the national festival. Oklahoma theatres have performed at international festivals in Monaco, Canada and Germany. The first Oklahoma state theatre festival was held in 1970 and has continued every two years after that date. In 2004 the festival moved to the month of July. Community Theatre enthusiasts from all over the State of Oklahoma, Past Presidents and Board Members, former OCTA members, all those currently interested in Oklahoma Theatre, and Students and Youth of future theatre gather together for an OCTA conference every ‘odd’ numbered year. The location is close to central Oklahoma to make travel easy for everyone statewide. The day consists of morning workshops, award luncheon, followed by afternoon workshops. Registration dates are announced in advance, but anyone can attend the day of festivities. What greater reason to have a Celebration than to bring Oklahoma Theatre people together in Fellowship? And in addition, what a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the exciting work that Theatre and Volunteers have done throughout the year! There is so much to brag about! OCTA offers workshop days during the year for anyone to attend. The location varies depending on community theatres across the state that offer to host and use their facility. Registration includes the entire day of workshops plus lunch. Subjects depend on what our members have requested help with or expressed interest. Youth Workshops are held yearly on the OSU Stillwater campus the last few days of Spring Break each year. Professional presenters share their knowledge and teach the youth what theatre is all about!! RECIPIENT OF
THE 2014 SPECIAL RECOGNITION GOVERNOR ARTS AWARD
AND THE 2015 NATIONAL DISTINGUISHED MERIT AWARD BY AACT
