Oxnard College celebrated the dedication of its new Performing Arts Center with a ceremony that will soon cultivate an ensemble of various art programs to compliment the new building.

Solo guitarist, Carlos Gonzales, set the mood as the Board of Trustees, OC Foundation board members, students, faculty, staff and others were welcomed to unveil the new building.

About 120 guests attended the ceremony and were placed under a large canopy in front of the new center on Nov. 4, while they also sampled hors d’oeuvres and refreshments catered by the Culinary Arts department.

Arturo Hernandez, Ventura County Community College District Trustee, addressed the guests with a few remarks about his colleagues, who have had an impact on the district as well as on him and also spoke about his proud and emotional state, in being a part of such a project.

Trustee Arturo Hernandez told the crowd he was proud to have been a part of bringing the new building to fruition.

“This is a signature building,” said Hernandez. “It anchors OC as an educational facility, which is what I am proud of. This gives us a basis to build programs and they are going to be amazing programs. It will give students an opportunity to showcase their talents and I am sure that great things are going to happen here.”

The OCPA took about 2 1/2 years to complete thanks to the Measure S Bond approved by the community.

OC President Dr. Richard Duran, OC President, said he is confident that the college will be able to fiscally maintain this new addition. The facility cost about 23.7 million dollars.

“So the challenge we have is to have the sufficient staff to be able to support this facility,” said Duran. “But we already have tentative plans on how we’re going to be able to do that.”

OCPA’s main corridor stands high with eight columns of glass panels on the southern side of the building that leads the way into the modern theatre house and stage, which seats a capacity of 400. The building also features a box office, spacious faculty offices, and professional lighting systems.

A black box is also housed in the alongside the theatre, which can be used for class lectures, dress rehearsals, small performances and virtually anything else.

Amy Edwards, speech professor and debate instructor at OC, was appointed the new advisor for the theatre arts club.

“The black box can be used for any facet of the performing arts. It’s four walls where you can perform or rehearse,” said Edwards. “I can’t wait to use this stage; I wish I could start using this facility on Monday. I am going to meld my passions and expertise together to hopefully help build a strong theatre program.”

Like professional theaters, the OCPC also includes dressing rooms that are supplied with showers and individual desk mirrors, which is what some students found most

What some students found most exciting about the building were the; just like the ones you would see at any other professional theatre venue.

Maria Guevara, a 22-year-old art major, who toured the building after the dedication, was impressed with the new facility.

“This facility is amazing,” said Guevara. “I can’t wait to be able to come here and enjoy what this building has to offer.”

Mati Sanchez, Performing Arts Department Chair, was excited about the entire building and the ability for OC groups to practice and perform on campus.

“I teach the Ballet Folklorico dance group and we’ve had to be off-campus for a lot of our practice meetings,” said Sanchez. “But we are ready and very excited to use this new facility.”

A few steps outside the theatre is the stand-alone building that is specifically framed for the TV/Film production department. It holds four editing booths, a wide stage and a control booth that is still awaiting equipment.

Peter Salazar, a 21-year-old TV/film production major, said he looks forward to the full opening of the OCPA.

“This building is going to be a really great resource for everybody,” said Salazar. “We’re growing, we’re developing and everything will be centralized in one location.”

James Meznek, VCCCD Chancellor, said that the new building will be a success and that it will contribute to the arts.

“I think that this building will be a focal point of the arts in the area,” said Meznek. “I also think that it will help build community relations with schools that need venues. If we have faith and put in a little time, you get good results and this is indicative of it.”

OC faculty and staff agree that this new building represents a vision that was fused together by the efforts of so many people in hopes of providing a sense of pride, inspiration and expanded education. After a long time coming, a simple idea is finally brought to full fruition.   

OC dignitaries assist in the dedication of OCPA. From left (Photo by Chad Jones)

Dr. Richard Duran, OC President, stands proud in welcoming OCPA. (Photo by Chad Jones)

First look at OCPA’s theatre auditorium and stage. (Photo by Chad Jones)

The new home of OC TV and Film production. (Photo by Chad Jones)

Arturo Hernandez, OC Trustee, is excitement and hopes that students will embrace their new addition. (Photo by Chad Jones)