Equity. Opportunity. Excellence. Community.

OPAT Artist Investment Scholarship Program

Investing in the Next Generation of Theater Makers

Announcing

The first of three scholarships in the OPAT Artist Investment Scholarship Program. Aim at strengthening Ojai's creative community by removing financial barriers to professional theater training. Funding passionate local artists to pursue the programs they need but can't afford. In return, recipients commit to a Community Return Plan—sharing their new skills through teaching, mentoring, or supporting local productions.

The Joan Kemper Technical Theater Scholarship

Accepting Applications starting July 13, 2025

Honoring the legacy of producer Joan Kemper, this scholarship supports individuals pursuing training in:

  • Stage Management

  • Theater Producing

  • Costume Design

  • Lighting Design & Operation

  • Sound Engineering

  • Production Coordination

  • Technical Theater & Crew Roles

The Community Return Plan in Action

This scholarship is an investment in Ojai's future.

All recipients must submit a proposal explaining how they'll share their new skills with the local community. Examples include:

  • Teaching technical theater workshops at local schools

  • Mentoring youth interested in backstage careers

  • Supporting community theater productions

  • Creating inclusive theater programs for underserved groups

  • Organizing free technical skills workshops

Your Community Return Plan is a key part of your application!

We Are Looking For:

Aspiring technical theater and production professionals of all ages—whether you're a high school student, a college hopeful, or making a mid-career transition

What It Covers:

Training programs, and apprenticeships.

Selection Criteria:

All scholarship recipients must demonstrate financial need, artistic potential, and a detailed plan on how they will share their new knowledge and skill with the Ojai community.

“Performances don't happen without the people backstage. These artists deserve just as much recognition, support, and investment.”

-Joan Kemper OPAT Founder

Two More Scholarships Launching in 2026

High School Emerging Artist Scholarship

Purpose: Fund 1–2 high school students (ages 14–18) for professional-level summer training programs taught by working theater professionals.

Over-18 Artist in Transition Scholarship

Purpose: Fund pre-professional adult artists (18+)—particularly those already active in Ojai's theater scene—to pursue high-level training or internships, and return with new tools to contribute.

All scholarship recipients must demonstrate financial need, artistic potential, and a clear plan to give back to the Ojai creative community.