Historic Ojai Playhouse Reopens Friday, November 22 As A Thriving Community Hub For Film, Arts, And Connection After Decade-Long Closure

Originally Opened in 1914, the Beloved 5,500-Square-Foot Venue Has Undergone Over $10 Million in Renovations with State-Of-The-Art Audio and Visual Upgrades

New Programming Features Nine Oscar Contenders, Treasured Holiday Classics, Cult Favorites, and more

November 15, 2024 (Ojai, CA) — The historic Ojai Playhouse—following a decade-long closure—has announced its reopening on Friday, November 22. The newly revitalized 5,500-square-foot theater will feature a diverse lineup of first-run arthouse films, nostalgic classics, and live events—including comedy shows, notable speakers, podcasts, and music performances. Nestled in the scenic city of Ojai amidst the striking Topatopa Mountains, the Ojai Playhouse truly embodies Southern California’s artistic spirit and natural beauty. The theater’s dynamic first month of programming will include Oscar contenders, beloved holiday classics, acclaimed independent films, and cult midnight movies, including Heat, Mulholland Drive, Anora, The Wild Robot, Babygirl, Emilia Perez, The Brutalist, and many more curated by Ojai Playhouse owner David Berger. Schedule is below.

Under new ownership since 2020, Ojai Playhouse has undergone complete structural and interior revitalization. The revamped 200-seat theater now boasts state-of-the-art film and audio technology, a live performance stage, and upgraded audience amenities. The 1914 building’s original interior beauty and facade have been carefully restored using original materials, framed in a contemporary, minimalist design–evoking the elegance of a high-end screening room crossed with the vibrant allure of a James Turrell art piece at MoMA. As one of California’s oldest single-screen cinemas, Ojai Playhouse now offers a green room, front lobby refreshments, a rear box office, an outdoor garden, a microcinema, private event space, and a café and bar.

The four-year restoration project was led by principal architect Bob Kupiec, and local builder Kerry Miller, who has been involved in the restoration since a water main break closed the theater in 2014. The construction team, Holwick Constructors, is known for its experience in building theaters and professional screening rooms. The building was designated an Ojai Historic Landmark in 2020.

Ojai Playhouse Owner David Berger said, “The Ojai Playhouse has been a vital gathering place for our community for nearly a century, and I'm deeply honored to bring it back, newly restored with state-of-the-art capabilities. By supporting the film and arts communities and showcasing the work of creators both locally and internationally, we're building on its historic legacy as a cultural hub. I’m excited to offer programming that resonates with everyone, in a magical space that celebrates Ojai’s rich heritage and the joy of shared experiences.”

The Playhouse’s expansive renovation — serving both film screenings and live events — was professionally sound designed and fabricated and features top technical equipment, including a Meyer Sound cinema system, Yamaha Active Field Control Immersive Audio System, Nexo live PA, Dolby Atmos for cinema and listening events and Sony FR7 PTZ cameras for video capturing and live streaming. The theater is equipped with Simplex 35mm reel-to-reel projectors and a Barco 4k laser projector and includes both professional theatrical lighting and flexible mood lighting.

Ojai Playhouse will also be available for community events and private screenings — serving the needs of filmmakers, producers, or local members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Oscars). As the only independent arthouse film venue on the coast between LA and Santa Barbara, it will also draw film aficionados from the surrounding area to Ojai—a renowned destination for artists, comedians, film studio owners, actors, and musicians.

ABOUT THE OJAI PLAYHOUSE

Located in the heart of Ojai, California, the Ojai Playhouse, built in 1914, stands strong as one of the first single cinema screens in California. Cutting edge for its day, the Playhouse’s cinema technology set a standard for the growing film industry, serving California as it grew to lead global entertainment. Reopening in 2024, the Ojai Playhouse will offer an intimate and immersive experience for film and art enthusiasts locally and beyond.

The Ojai Playhouse Inaugural Film Schedule Through December

November 22 - Heat (Michael Mann); opening night film

November 23 - Anora (Neon; Oscar contender); 4 showings in 35mm

November 24 - Heat (Michael Mann); 3 showings

November 28 (Thanksgiving) - Dune 1 and Dune 2 (Oscar contender) (in Dolby Atmos)

November 29 - The Brutalist (A24; Oscar contender; for Academy of Motion Pictures members and public; sneak peek);1 showing in 35mm

November 29 - Mulholland Drive (David Lynch)

November 29 - The Substance (Mubi/Variance - midnight showing)

November 30 - WALL-E (Disney)

November 30 - Welcome Space Brothers (playing festivals; UFO documentary)

December 1 - Fitzcarraldo and Burden of Dreams (Werner Herzog)

December 6 - Emilia Perez (Netflix; Oscar contender)

December 7 - The Wild Robot (Universal; Oscar contender; best animation); 2 showings

December 7 - Emilia Perez (Netflix); 2 showings

December 8 - The Wild Robot (Universal)

December 8 - Spirited Away (Studio Ghibli)

December 13 - Anora (Neon; Oscar contender); 3 showings in 35mm

December 13 - Easy A (3 showings; filmed in Ojai; “Easy A All Day”)

December 14 - Anora (Neon; Oscar contender); 2 showings

December 15 - The Wild Robot (Universal)

December 20 - The Substance (Mubi/Variance); 2 showings

December 21 - Flow (Janus Films; Oscar contender; best animation); 2 showings

December 21 - Babygirl (A24; Oscar contender for Nicole Kidman; for Academy of Motion Pictures members and public; sneak peek)

December 22 - Sing Sing (A24; Oscar contender; for Academy of Motion Pictures members and public)

December 23 - It’s a Wonderful Life (Frank Capra classic)

December 23 - Eyes Wide Shut (Stanley Kubrick)

December 24 (Christmas Eve) - Die Hard

December 24 (Christmas Eve) - Bad Santa

December 25 (Christmas) - The Brutalist (A24; Oscar contender; for Academy of Motion Pictures members and public; sneak peek);1 showing in 35mm

December 25 (Christmas) - Conclave (Focus Features; Oscar contender)

December 26 - Conclave (Focus Features; Oscar contender); 2 showings

December 31 (New Years Eve) - Phantom Thread and Boogie Nights (Paul Thomas Anderson); in 35mm

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