On Pitch Performing Arts INC — Local services in Layton

Saw Arsenic and Old Lace and it was great! A creative take on a classic. I never expected sexual tension between the villains, but I thought it was an interesting take and I respect that. It seemed pretty obvious that the actors were having a lot of fun. I love it when I can feel that chemistry between everyone. This was my first time seeing a show at OPPA. I was nervous to try a new place, but even more nervous for my husband to be watching Arsenic for the first time. I'm glad to say OPPA did a good job in creating another fan of the show. The stage is very intimate. I dug that a lot. I plan on always making sure I score a front row seat for that kind of stage. A minor note: I very much wish the actors had microphones. They are easy to hear and understand, but mainly because with the lack of microphones, talking very loudly and shouting become necessary. Perhaps a bit too much shouting to the point of overacting--even for a comedy--at times. But, that's of course just a personal opinion. I don't claim to be a well-rounded critic or a see-er of all the shows out in the world. Any such complaints that I have are really very minor, because I really dig the atmosphere the show provided. It was nice to feel a sense of community again. Hopefully, it lasts. If there's one thing that's certain after all this time, we need theater alive to remind us of what it's like...

Oppa was an amazing place for me at first I would look forward to it and met some good friends, but I didn’t like the way they made the cast list the way they did things made kids feel like they can’t be them selves I can say in the last summer play I hated it but I stayed then at my last show it was the worst I wanted to quit but I didn’t one thing that I’m really mad about is they brought up something that happened before oppa then continued at oppa and it wasn’t necessary. And I’m mad about casting they clearly have favorites and if someone donated their kid gets a good rule it’s unfair and I can say me, my family, and some of my friends agree I am truly disappointed because I put in a lot of effort in oppa and it doesn’t matter and they have rehearsals on days but have mandatory classes on Saturdays and dress rehearsals right after school for most. They treated to kick me and a friend out close to opening. One of the teachers sat in between kids and only did something when it was me and my friends I saw two kids on the opposite side of me and they did nothing unfair in my opinion. The costumes were uncomfortable and some didn’t have pants. At the first show we get pizza but they gave us sandwiches I left hungry. They teachers would only contact my father when my mother paid. I am mad and disappointed I put in so much time...

Update: Had a great conversation with leadership and they were very open to feedback and took my recommendations and suggestions to improve for the future. I’m looking forward to seeing the changes and impacts. Thank you OPPA! It truly pains me to write this, because OPPA has been such an important part of my theatre experience in the past. I’ve seen (and been part of) productions here that had real heart, quality, and community spirit. Unfortunately, in recent seasons, that standard has slipped. Both the mainstage and Education Program shows feel rushed and underdeveloped, with noticeably lower production quality than before.

What saddens me most is that OPPA no longer feels like the welcoming, supportive environment it once was. Instead of fostering a space where all performers can grow and feel included, the atmosphere has shifted in a way that leaves many feeling overlooked or on the outside. That loss of balance takes away from the joy of participating, and ultimately from the strength of the productions themselves.

I share this only because I care deeply about OPPA and want to see it thrive again. I truly hope leadership takes time to listen and refocus so the theatre can return to being the inclusive, high-quality home for performers and audiences...