Olympic Theatre Arts (OTA) is a volunteer driven, donor supported, community theatre that has become the hub of theatrical arts and arts education for the residents of Sequim and the surrounding areas. Focused on a mission of entertaining, educating, and inspiring community involvement through experience in the arts, OTA has filled the void created by the lack of theatre eduction available in the local schools. Without OTA, Sequim residents would not have access to the performing arts in their own town.
Inspired by one person over 40 years ago, Olympic Theatre Arts has grown to own its own building, which includes a 163 seat proscenium main stage theatre and an 82 seat cabaret style Gathering Hall. The organization is able to host evenings of intimate theatre and large scale musicals. All productions are directed, designed, and performed by volunteer members of the community. There are no barriers to entry. Many come here for their first experience ever in the theatre, while other theatrical veterans have found OTA as their new home and enjoy mentoring.
Nestled in the northwest corner of the United States, Sequim, Washington is a small town located between the Olympic Mountain Range and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. While the residents are welcoming and friendly, the area is economically depressed compared to the rest of Washington State. Many families and organizations rely on donors, grants, and sponsorships. Outside of admission fees for performances OTA does not charge for its services, and when it must, partners with local businesses and donors to offer scholarships for at needs families. Students and lovers of theatre of all ages are welcome to learn and play at Olympic Theatre Arts.
All who play at Olympic Theatre Arts understand that we are standing on the shoulders of giants: giants, who over 40 years of volunteering their time, energy, and finances have built an amazing theatrical playground. As such, they recognize that they must be giants themselves for the next generation. The current cultural at OTA is striving to upgrade the theatrical systems to be more efficient and increase inclusivity. By doing so, they hope to pave the path for OTA's next 40 years of inspiring community involvement through the arts.