Oceanside Theatre Company to Honor Visionary Arts Leaders at Annual Gala Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025

Christopher Willams, Tracy Williams, and Colleen O’Harra to be honored for their work in the arts at OTC’s Garden Party Gala at El Corazon Senior Center in Oceanside

(Oceanside) July 21, 2025 – Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC) will celebrate three visionary community arts leaders at its 2025 Garden Party Gala on Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 3 to 6 PM at El Corazon Senior Center (3480 Village Commercial Drive, Oceanside). Christopher and Tracy Williams will receive the third annual Kathy Brombacher Lifetime Theatre Achievement Award in recognition of their visionary leadership and foundational role in OTC’s development. Colleen O’Harra will be honored with the second annual Hattie “Sunshine” Brooks Award for her longtime dedication to Oceanside’s civic and cultural advancement. The gala will include entertainment, refreshments, and both silent and live auctions. Early bird tickets available for purchase starting at $150 per ticket, and $1,000 for table of eight until August 15, 2025.

This year’s honorees embody the foundational spirit of OTC at the Brooks. As founding members of Oceanside Theatre Company, Christopher and Tracy Williams have been instrumental in shaping OTC into a vibrant cultural institution. As founding Artistic Director of OTC, Christopher Williams launched the company’s inaugural production, Jacob Marley’s A Christmas Carol, in December 2011 following the company’s formal management of the historic Sunshine Brooks Theater. Christopher’s commitment to artistic excellence, mentorship, and community engagement laid the groundwork for OTC’s emergence as a cornerstone of North County’s professional theatre and arts education.

Tracy Williams, a founding member of OTC’s Board of Directors, has been a vital advisor and leader from the start. Drawing on her extensive experience with the Arizona Shakespeare Festival and Southwest Shakespeare Company, she helped guide OTC’s artistic vision and keep the company grounded through its early challenges. Beginning in 2011, Tracy played a hands-on role in revitalizing the Sunshine Brooks Theater—rolling up her sleeves for everything from cleaning the facility to coordinating props and set dressing. She also directed acclaimed productions like Parallel Lives and introduced innovative fundraising strategies such as subscription parties.

In addition to her board role, Tracy serves as OTC’s key liaison with MiraCosta College, helping to foster a close partnership that offers valuable professional opportunities for theatre students—whether on stage, behind the scenes, or in administration. Her ongoing involvement ensures OTC remains a vital bridge between education and the professional arts community.

“Christopher and Tracy turned a vision into reality at the Brooks Theater. Their hard work and heart created a home for artists and audiences alike, and their dedication continues to resonate in every show we produce and every student we serve,” explained OTC Board President John McCoy. “It’s a privilege to celebrate their legacy and the future they made possible.”

The Kathy Brombacher Lifetime Theatre Achievement Award, named after OTC’s long-time supporter, Advisory Board members and Founder of Moonlight Stage Productions, was created in 2023 to honor outstanding contributions to theatre in Southern California. 

Colleen O’Harra will be honored with the second annual Hattie “Sunshine” Brooks Award in recognition of her decades of service to the Oceanside and her instrumental role in shaping the city’s cultural landscape. A former City Council member from 1992 to 2000, O’Harra championed the city’s effort to purchase the Sunshine Brooks Theater and was a founding member of the Oceanside Museum of Art—key decisions that helped lay the foundation of  Oceanside’s downtown renaissance and its designation as a California Cultural District.

Beyond her public service, O’Harra has been a lifelong advocate for community institutions. She co-founded the Women’s Resource Center in 1974 and the Oceanside Charitable Foundation in 2008, and has served on nonprofit boards, including the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, Tri-City Hospital Foundation, and the Oceanside Museum of Art, where she continues to volunteer. O’Harra’s dedication to civic engagement has earned her many accolades, including induction into the San Diego County Women’s Hall of Fame in 2019. 

“From championing our historic Sunshine Brooks Theater to co-founding essential local organizations, Colleen’s commitment to Oceanside has left a legacy that will benefit generations to come,” OTC Vice President Leann Garms reflected. “We are honored to celebrate her tireless work and enduring love for this community.”

Last year’s honoree for the Kathy Brombacher Lifetime Theatre Achievement Award was San Diego acting legend, Ralph Johnson. The inaugural Hattie “Sunshine” Brooks Award was awarded to CJ Di Mento for her commitment to the arts in Oceanside.

Sponsorships and underwriting opportunities for the Garden Party Gala are available beginning at $1,500.

Event Details
Oceanside Theatre Company’s 2025 “Garden Party Gala”
Sunday, September 21, 2025
3:00-6:00 PM
El Corazon Senior Center
3480 Village Commercial Drive, Oceanside, CA 92056
Tickets: OceansideTheatre.org/garden-party-gala
760-433-8900

Tickets:
$150 Early Bird Seat Until August 15, 2025
$175 Per Person After August 15, 2025
$1,000 Early Bird Table Sponsor Until August 15, 2025 (Seats 8, Limited, Premium Location)
$1,500 Table Sponsor After August 15, 2025 (Seats 8, Limited, Premium Location)

About Oceanside Theatre Company

Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC), the resident company of the historic Sunshine Brooks Theater in downtown Oceanside, is a cornerstone of the Oceanside California Cultural District. OTC presents professional theatre, live music, and visual arts, along with year-round educational programs and youth outreach initiatives. Learn more at oceansidetheatre.org or follow @oceansidetheatrecompany on social media.