Oceanside Theatre Company Partners With California State University San Marcos, Palomar College, and MiraCosta College for Stages Apprenticeship Program
OTC Creates New Workforce Development Program Offering Local College Students Hands-On Experience in Professional Theatre
(Oceanside) January 7, 2025 – Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC) has created a new partnership with California State University San Marcos (CSUSM), Palomar College, and MiraCosta College, to offer college students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in professional theatre production while earning academic credit. The Stages Apprenticeship Program will debut with OTC’s production of Once on This Island, running from March 28 – April 13, and will continue with Spring Awakening, which runs from August 29 – September 14, at the historic Sunshine Brooks Theater in downtown Oceanside (217 North Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA 92054). Students from CSUSM, Palomar College, and MiraCosta College will have the opportunity to contribute in various roles, including acting, technical positions, marketing and more, as part of OTC’s commitment to supporting the next generation of theatre professionals.
“Partnering with these local colleges for the Stages Apprenticeship Program marks a significant milestone for Oceanside Theatre Company,” shares OTC Managing Director, Alex Goodman. “This collaboration embodies our commitment to nurturing future theatre professionals by providing them with invaluable real-world experience, while also enriching the cultural fabric of our community. These partnerships expand and enhance our existing education programs for local elementary, middle and high school students.”
Through this internship program, students will participate in every phase of the production process, from rehearsals to technical work and live performances. In exchange for their contributions, students will earn academic credit, helping them advance their academic and career goals while gaining valuable professional industry experience. OTC will provide mentorship and guidance throughout, ensuring students receive the necessary support to succeed in a professional setting.
“At OTC, we believe that fostering the next generation of theater professionals goes beyond providing experience—it’s about offering meaningful mentorship and creating an inclusive, supportive space where students can thrive,” explains OTC Artistic Director, Kevin “Blax” Burroughs. “This collaboration with our local colleges gives students the chance to engage with professional artists who actively work in the industry, where they can share their values and contributions to help nurture the growth of the students. We are excited to help shape their journey and empower them to build the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the arts.”
OTC Announces Final Lineup for 2025 Season
OTC would also like to inform the community that the production of The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity, originally scheduled for 2025, will now be postponed until 2026. This decision was made to provide the company with additional time to prepare for a more ambitious and impactful presentation of the production in 2026. The remaining shows of their 2025 main stage season, Once on This Island, Latin History for Morons, and Spring Awakening have adjusted their performance dates and times as follows:
ONCE ON THIS ISLAND – March 28 – April 13, 2025
Special Events:
Preview Night – Friday, March 28 at 8 pm
Opening Night – Saturday, March 29 at 8 pm; Pre-show reception at 7 pm, Champagne toast after performance
Military Matinee – Sunday, March 30 at 3 pm
Artist Talkback – Saturday, April 5 at 3 pm
Industry Night – Monday, April 7 at 8 pm
LATIN HISTORY FOR MORONS – May 23 – June 8, 2025
Special Events:
Preview Night – Friday, May 23 at 8 pm
Opening Night – Saturday, May 24 at 8 pm; Pre-show reception at 7 pm, Champagne toast after performance
Military Matinee – Sunday, May 25 at 3 pm
Artist Talkback – Saturday, May 31 at 3 pm
Industry Night – Monday, June 2 at 8 pm
SPRING AWAKENING – August 29 – September 14, 2025
Special Events:
Preview Night – Friday, August 29 at 8 pm
Opening Night – Saturday, August 30 at 8 pm; Pre-show reception at 7 pm, Champagne toast after performance
Military Matinee – Sunday, August 31 at 3 pm
Artist Talkback – Saturday, September 6 at 3 pm
Industry Night – Monday, September 8 at 8 pm
About Oceanside Theatre Company
Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC), the resident professional theater company operating the historic Sunshine 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, public venue for expansion of artistic endeavors in North San Diego County and greater Southern California. OTC produces a four-show mainstage theater season and a Music Series as well as music, theater, poetry, dance, film, and cultural events and classes in both the 198-seat main theater and adjacent Studio 219. Additionally, OTC is the steward of the Brooks Theater Gallery featuring revolving art exhibits year-round. An important part of OTC’s mission is inspiring and sharing the arts with local youth through the Youth Theater Program, which includes Summer Theater Camps, a Fall Youth Theater Program, and onsite After School Theatre Outreach Classes at local elementary and middle schools. To learn more visit www.oceansidetheatre.org or follow OTC on Instagram and Facebook @oceansidetheatrecompany