In early April 2020 OFC Creations relocated to their new 9,600 sq. ft. home, the OFC Creations Theatre Center, located at 3450 Winton Place, Rochester. In early July 2020, after a complete renovation of the space, OFC started operations in their new home.
The OFC performing arts center’s renovation includes a 56 ft. wide state-of-the-art stage that allows the creation of different size productions, from an intimate gathering to a full production. There are 260 new fixed theatre seats, new traveling curtains, professional lumen projector and a new movie screen, over 60 lighting fixtures, air conditioning, new HEPA Filters, a spacious Green Room for performers and a 750 spot parking lot. There is also a re-designed lobby and lounge area with in-house Food & Bar Service which is available for rental to the community for use to host receptions, community events and private events.
OFC (Opportunities for Creativity) Creations was founded in 2005 by Executive Director Eric Vaughn Johnson. According to their website OFC Creations Theatre Center is, “A multi-purpose arts center that focuses on youth theatre education and performances with classes in acting, singing and dance; mounting professional plays and musicals; hosting community events and fundraisers, presenting out-of-town nationally-known entertainers; and providing much-needed performance and rehearsal space to local arts groups.”
Eric Vaughn Johnson acknowledges that opening a new arts center during a pandemic presented a series of challenges, he said, “Finding a way to be creative during this time was a challenge and also an opportunity. Knowing the stress everyone is experiencing, it is important to provide creative outlets and for it to be accessible to anyone that wants to participate.”
OFC Creations developed a “Fun and Safety Plan” directive for their 2020 programs. The booklet contains detailed information on how to stay safe while participating in theatre activities. “We need the arts now more than ever. A safe creative outlet for our young performers is important to us. We had 500 kids come through our summer programs and we were able to keep everyone safe. Following New York State guidelines, we worked with smaller groups of children and as a result more opportunities for the kids to play different parts in the performances happened. Performers were able to play many roles in the productions and everyone had the opportunity for speaking parts. The large stage provides ample room for social distancing. Everyone is masked and those who are singing are masked and also wear face shields,” Johnson said. Many theatre groups have approached OFC for guidance and to share their safety procedures. “The goal is to keep it safe and fun,” Johnson said.
For more information on upcoming programs and more about the OFC Creations Theatre Center visit www.ofccreations.com
