How Moviewatching in Orange County is Transforming During the Pandemic

The six-month movie theater pandemic shutdown in Orange County has led leaders at community movie theaters, local film festivals and entertainment venues to find creative and safe ways to share movies.

Eased Coronavirus restrictions have led 62% of movie theaters to reopen but many people are instead enjoying cinema on the sofa, behind a computer screen or in the car.


Inaugural Viet Book Fest Shares Children's Books by Vietnamese Authors and Illustrators

The Vietnamese American Arts & Letters Association (VAALA) is presenting its first-ever Viet Book Fest, from 3-4 p.m. every Saturday in October.

The online book fest could be considered substitute programming for VAALA, the Orange County-based nonprofit organization that produces the annual Viet Film Fest. That festival was supposed to run this weekend, Oct. 9-11, but was canceled this year due to COVID-19.


The 28-Year History of Stages Theatre Began with a Need for a Home

Brian Kojac wanted a home. That was only natural, biologically speaking. Age 30 was coming quick and Kojac found himself in that stage of life where many, if not already on that path, begin seriously thinking about big things like family, career, a place where they belong.

But Kojac wasn't looking for a home in the sense of domestic tranquility. He wanted a creative home.


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. 

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

Aki Kumar Trio: Live from Home - Online

The Musco Center For the Arts is back to bringing you an eclectic lineup of world-class performing artists, inviting you to watch this unique concert experience featuring the one-of-a-kind sounds of Aki Kumar's blend of the blues with Bollywood pop  DETAILS »

RE-OPENING

Pretend City Reopens!

The beloved local museum dedicated to the child's imagination will once again be welcoming visitors (with proper precautions) starting on October 15  DETAILS »

VIRTUAL VISIT

11th OC Film Fiesta

The annual celebration of film from Media Arts Santa Ana is going online this year, with over 50 selections from new global cinematic voices as well as special celebrity guests  DETAILS »

FOR THE FAMILY

Feel the Glow Dance Party

The Well Beings studio works with children, teens, and families affected by trauma and health problems, and are presenting a free, friendly chance to get up, move, and feel good, hosted by Sesame Street Live cast member Allie Fogel  DETAILS »

EXTRA

SGN OC with Chance Theater

Inspired by the YouTube sensation created by John Krasinski, the Chance Theater provides another episode of its recurring series spotlighting positive stories from Orange County and its theater community, presented by beloved Chance artists  DETAILS »

Editor's Note: This email newsletter is provided in partnership from Voice of OC, Orange County's nonprofit newsroom, and Arts OC, the officially designated nonprofit arts agency for the County of Orange, CA. Together we are proud to share the latest arts and culture news and curated events listings. Our readers can rely upon stories by established arts journalists and events from the largest Orange County database of arts and cultural events, workshops, jobs, individual artists, organizations and venues.

Voice of OC is Orange County's nonprofit newsroom with a mission to consistently deliver fair, focused and thorough journalism on critical quality of life and local issues for Orange County communities.

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Arts Orange County builds appreciation of, participation in and support for the arts and arts education throughout Orange County. Event information provided by SparkOC, an Arts OC program. 

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