Oakland Theater Project

Oakland Theater Project (OTP) creates exquisite theatrical experiences that inspire compassion and forge bonds across socio-political and racial barriers. Oakland Theater Project tells underrepresented stories that matter and creates theatrical performances and trainings that intentionally bring diverse communities together.

The Oakland Theater Project was founded in 2012 by Michael Moran, William Hodgson, and Colin Mandlin. Formerly named Ubuntu Theater Project, we were founded on the value of Ubuntu, which means “I am because we are” and therein “my humanity is tied to yours.” Our work seeks to explore the ways in which theater can act as a vehicle to reveal and invigorate the latent interconnectedness in humanity and society. Our organization roots itself in radical inclusivity by empowering diverse artists and staff and offering every professional production at pay-what-you-can pricing. We are the only year-round professional theater company in Oakland and have produced over 50 unique productions, served over 40,000 individuals, and have inspired the SF Chronicle to call Oakland Theater Project “one of the most exciting young companies to emerge in the Bay Area in the past decade."