ojai news at The Ojai Post :: blog, newspaper, events in Ojai, California

Why the Ojai Playhouse?
We want projects that we can renovate, and 'raise the bar', and that have a positive impact on the community. When this opportunity came up, it was especially attractive because Khaled, Walid, and Cheryl have such a passion - we felt the connection.

Is this a leap of faith?
Yes! We're basing our faith on the supportive Ojai community and the city council and planners to help us remodel the theatre so we can use it for other community activities. With the family background in music, we hope to utilize the space for music events in addition to charity events, speaking engagements, and larger group meetings.

Are you going to keep getting first-run movies?
First I want to say that it's important for Ojai to have a movie theatre so we want to keep the Ojai Playhouse as a theatre and not have to change it into something else. Khaled has had a long standing relationship with movie distributors to enable a small, single theatre to have first-run films. He has been very helpful by introducing us to these people so that we can continue the connection in getting the first-run films.

Are you going to keep showing documentaries on Sundays?
We are continuing the Sunday Ojai Film Society movies. We are interested in expanding other available times to showing Brooks [Institute] films as well.

Are you going to change the schedule?
The schedule will remain status quo until we can determine if anything needs to be changed. We are open to suggestions from people in the community who care about the theatre.

What are some innovative marketing ideas Jamie brings to the table?
I plan on promoting the theatre to bring in more cultural events. Growing up in the music business (my father and older brother are managers), I'd like to bring in more live music of all genres.

Are you going to continue involvement with the Ojai Film Festival?
Absolutely!

What are some of the improvements you are going to make?
First we want to replace the seats to stadium seating, improve the acoustics,and build a larger stage which will make the theatre a multi-purpose venue. We haven't decided on the specifics, but we plan to improve the aesthetics of the interior and exterior.

With the stage enlargement project, what sort of live events do you plan?
Other than what I mentioned above, we haven't gotten more specific. Again, I think we'll find a lot of answers from the community. Some of my friends have already shown interest in having seminars there.

Do you think there are enough activities to keep teens and pre-teens active in Ojai?
I know Ojai Youth Foundation has a lot of activities for youth. I feel like there can always be more.
As a mom and a former teacher, I understand the importance of keeping kids busy in quality activities. Hmmm.... I'll have to think out of the box on this, beyond movies.

Anything else to add?
As Khaled as stated publicly, we are going to need the support of the citizens and the city to be able to survive financially. We are currently operating at a large loss and obviously hope to turn it around. Because of the competition of the single screen vs. the multi-screen corporate cinema complexes we need the locals to stay in Ojai for movies. Our intention is to improve the theatre so people in the Ojai Valley want to go there.

If anyone has any suggestions for the theatre, please leave them at the theatre, preferably with a name and phone number.

Kathy & Jamie Hartley