Get inspired by Lucky Stiff and try out these 6 upcoming opportunities
Oceanside, CA – Lucky Stiff is a frolicking musical romcom full of hilarious hijinx in which Harry Witherspoon, an English shoe salesman, longs for adventure. When opportunity knocks in the form of an all expense paid trip to Monte Carlo with a dead guy – it might not exactly be the kind of relaxing vacation he had in mind. But he takes a chance on something new – and falls head over heels. This month, Oceanside Theatre Company invites the community to take a little inspiration from the play and take a chance on one of the many activities Brooks Theater has to offer including submitting their own creative work, checking out local artists, taking an improv class, discovering an acclaimed blues artist or learning to paint.
“We know from countless studies that the arts are some of the best ways to build community. OTC is working to do just that by offering a wide range of arts and cultural experiences for Oceansiders. Our programming offers patrons an opportunity to experience something new, meet their neighbors in a dynamic context, and take pride in participating in a community that celebrates creativity and diverse cultures.”
Audiences can get inspired at Lucky Stiff performances March 3-19, 2023 running Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2 pm and 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm. (Saturday Matinees begin the second week of the run.) Tickets range from $20 for Preview Nights to $45 for Opening Night with Season Subscription and Group Rates available. They can be purchased through OceansideTheatre.org or by calling the Box Office at 760-433-8900.
In honor of Lucky Stiff, Oceanside Theatre Company invites the community to TAKE A CHANCE with these fun activities:
1. Submit creative works for a theatrical reading.
Tales of O’side: Learning to Fly – Theatrical readings with audience feedback
Tales of O’side is an opportunity for those who have been traditionally underrepresented in mainstage performances, such as lgbtq+ folks, people of color, and those who experience mental health struggles, to share their own work and perspectives. OTC’s goal is to build a literary and theater arts community fostering interactions between artists and audiences to discuss their works. For Tales of O’side’s “Learning to Fly,” OTC is looking for works about growing up, finding oneself or facing society’s expectations. Learn more at OceansideTheatre.org.
2. Discover new artists and their work and submit your paintings to our upcoming exhibits.
Artist Open House: “Take a Chance” March 3, 2023
Discover a new perspective with the dozens of artists who took a chance and submitted their paintings to OTC’s Brooks Theater Gallery for our March exhibit. Debuting before the preview show of “Lucky Stiff,” the artist open house is a free event offering live music and an artist demo as well as refreshments, and a concessions bar open for purchasing beer and wine.
Upcoming exhibitions include “Los Niños” in April and “Friendship” in May. Visit oceansidetheatre.org/home/brooks-theater-gallery to learn more.
3. Get out of your comfort zone with an improv class.
Improv at the Brooks March 7 and March 21, 2023
Get silly with improv classes taught by Chicago-trained improv teacher, Chris Shurland! Shurland is the founder of Santa Barbara’s Irreverent Improv and was a part of several house and independent teams in Chicago. He completed the training programs at Second City, iO (formerly ImprovOlympic), and Annoyance Theater and was fortunate enough to be trained by some of the nation’s best improv teachers. Improv classes meet the FIRST and THIRD TUESDAY of every month at Studio 219 of the Brooks Theater. The first class is free, subsequent classes are $10. Reserve your spot or drop-in.
4. Discover an amazing young blues artist.
Vanessa Collier Live! At The Brooks March 24, 2023
Three-time Blues Music Award Winner, Vanessa Collier is electric and sensational! As a master musician and multi-instrumentalist, Collier weaves funk, soul, rock, and blues into every powerful performance. With soulful vocals, searing saxophone, and witty songwriting, Collier is blazing a trail, racking up an impressive arsenal of honors, and has already singled herself out as an artist of distinction. A 2013 graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music, she has released four critically acclaimed albums and toured nationally and internationally. Vanessa Collier performs Live! At The Brooks on March 28, 2023 at 8 pm. Tickets range from $30-100, and are available on OceansideTheatre.org or by calling the Box Office at 760-433-8900.
5. Learn to paint.
Paint & Sip March 25, 2023
Capture the beauty of the Oceanside Pier at sunset with step-by-step instructions from artist W.B. of Cynthia’s Artistic Expression. Fuel your inspiration with a selection of alcoholic sips for those 21 and up or non-alcoholic sips for all ages. Instruction, painting supplies, and two beverages included for $60. Space must be reserved 24 hours in advance. No same day sales. Tickets available on OceansideTheatre.com.
Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC), the resident professional theater company operating the Historic Brooks Theater in downtown Oceanside, is a focal point of the Oceanside California Cultural District (OCCD). OTC’s mission is to produce professional theatrical, visual art, and musical productions for the entertainment and enrichment of the community, present educational opportunities in the arts for children and adults, and provide a safe, state-of-the-art public venue for expansion of artistic endeavors in North San Diego County and greater Southern California. OTC produces a four-show mainstage theater season in the 198-seat venue, as well as a Music Series, play readings and various other events in the adjacent black box theater, Studio 219. An important part of OTC’s mission is inspiring and sharing the arts with local youth through the Youth Theater Arts Program, which includes Summer Theater Camps and Youth Theater Arts Outreach in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside during the school year. To learn more visit www.oceansidetheatre.org.
