Newport Theatre Arts Center: Not Your Typical Community Theater

Can the destiny of one person be so closely tied to that of an organization that the two are almost thought of as one?

That seems to be the case for Rae Cohen and Newport Theatre Arts Center. Mention NTAC and anyone connected to the Newport Beach theater company will instantly think of long-standing board president Cohen, who has worked to keep NTAC going almost since its inception.

The company turned 40 last year, and as with all theater companies, its current season was curtailed by the global pandemic. The troupe's 41st anniversary is being observed in a vacuum.

If the term "community theater" has gotten a bad rap in some circles, Orange County companies like NTAC prove the exception to the rule, distinguishing themselves from most of their peers through the consistently high quality of their work.

Hodgins: Ticket Givebacks are a Vital Lifeline for Arts Groups During the Coronavirus Pandemic

For many arts organizations struggling with the financial mayhem caused by the coronavirus pandemic, one issue could mean the difference between life and death. What will patrons who bought tickets to canceled shows decide to do about it?

Many groups offer three choices to advance ticket holders: Receive a full refund, accept a credit to a future show, or donate the value of the ticket to the organization as a gesture of generosity during hard times &emdash; by far the most desirable choice for the arts community during a period when ticket revenue is nonexistent.

Some cash-strapped groups don't even have that kind of flexibility.

While the majority of Orange County's arts and culture organizations and venues remain physically closed; virtual/streaming offerings are thriving, and some outdoor venues are beginning their phased re-openings. Arts Orange County is pleased to combine its recommendations for online enrichment with some good news about places you can now visit personally. ArtsOC and Voice of OC continue to urge everyone to follow the State and County's current precautionary guidelines as they venture out. Masks and distancing save lives. 

LIVE from Italy... Hershey Felder!

Hershey Felder's dramatized concerts of classical composers are one of the highlights of the Laguna Playhouse's season every year. This week, he weaves a story of the life of Beethoven into performances of his immortal music, in a performance streamed live from Italy   DETAILS »

Orange County Great Park

The magnificent shared space at the heart of Orange County has re-opened limited amenities and spaces for families to enjoy the summer outdoors in safety  DETAILS »

Virtual Art with OCMA Expand

Unique online art exhibits along with lectures, music, and films are refreshed weekly by the OCMA team  DETAILS »

SOCO + The OC Mix Virtual Kids Club

A storybook reading and beach-inspired crafts are this week's playful offerings in this summer's virtual edition of the popular playdays at SOCO + The OC Mix  DETAILS »

Center at Home - Express Yourself!

An online library from the Segerstrom Center for the Arts provides new lessons and activities every week, teaching people of all ages ways to express themselves through crafts, music, dance, and more  DETAILS »