Oakland celebrating 25 years

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Oakland Center for the Arts will have an open house from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday to celebrate its 25th anniversary season.

“The Oakland is thrilled to mark its 25th anniversary by sharing this celebration with our community exactly 25 years to the day we were granted nonprofit status,” said Brooke Slanina, former president of the theater’s board. “I am also looking forward to officially introducing Denise Glinatsis Bayer as our new president. I think our patrons will be delighted with the direction she will bring to the theater.”

The Oakland relocated to its permanent home at 220 W. Boardman St., downtown, 11 years ago. It shares space in the Morley Arts Building with Ballet Western Reserve.

Friday’s open house is free and open to the public and will feature food and beverages from local restaurants and businesses. Board members will be on hand to inform attendees about fundraising, flex-pass sales, volunteer opportunities and the goals of the Oakland. Artwork by Foot, whose work also may be seen at Havana House in Boardman, will be featured.

Directors and actors will perform selections from the upcoming season throughout the evening. “Whether you haven’t been to the Oakland before, have been away for some time, or are a loyal patron who wants to know more about upcoming shows, this is the perfect way to learn more about what we have to offer,” said Slanina. Reservations are not needed for the open house. For more information, call 330-746-0404 or email oaklandcenter@gmail.com.

The Oakland will open its anniversary season with “A ... My Name Is Alice,” Sept. 23- Oct. 8. It will be directed by Sandy Vansuch, who is one of the founding members of the Oakland.