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[0:00] Robert Bannon: Welcome to The Roundtable! I'm your host, Robert Bannon, and today we have a fantastic guest joining us.

[0:10] Eric Vaughn Johnson: Thank you for having me, Robert! I'm excited to be here.

[0:15] Robert Bannon: Eric Vaughn Johnson is the Founder, Executive, and Artistic Director of OFC Creations Theatre Center. Today, we're diving into the newly announced Broadway in Brighton Series™ season.

[0:30] Eric Vaughn Johnson: Yes, we have an exciting lineup this season, including "Hairspray," "A Christmas Story: The Musical," "Kiss of the Spider Woman," "The Witches of Eastwick," "The Osmonds: A New Musical," and "Miss Saigon."

[0:50] Robert Bannon: That's an incredible selection! Can you share a bit about the journey of building OFC Creations into one of the region's premier theatre organizations?

[1:05] Eric Vaughn Johnson: Absolutely! It all started with a passion for theatre and a desire to create a space where artists could thrive. We focused on developing new works and nurturing young talent, which has been incredibly rewarding.

[1:25] Robert Bannon: It sounds like you’re making a significant impact on the community. What do you think it takes to produce professional theatre today?

[1:40] Eric Vaughn Johnson: Producing professional theatre today requires a blend of creativity, business acumen, and a deep understanding of your audience. It's about creating experiences that resonate and engage the community.

[1:55] Robert Bannon: And the importance of arts education cannot be overstated, right?

[2:00] Eric Vaughn Johnson: Exactly! Arts education is vital for fostering creativity and critical thinking in young people. It helps them develop skills that are essential not just in the arts, but in all areas of life.

[2:20] Robert Bannon: Why do you believe regional theatre continues to be the heartbeat of communities across America?

[2:30] Eric Vaughn Johnson: Regional theatre brings people together. It creates a sense of belonging and provides a platform for local stories and voices. It's a vital part of the cultural fabric of any community.

[2:50] Robert Bannon: I couldn't agree more. It’s so important to support local arts. What are you most excited about for this upcoming season?

[3:05] Eric Vaughn Johnson: I'm really excited about the diversity of our lineup. Each show offers something unique, and I can't wait to see how our audiences respond to them.

[3:20] Robert Bannon: It sounds like it's going to be a fantastic season! Thank you so much for joining me today, Eric.

[3:30] Eric Vaughn Johnson: Thank you for having me, Robert! It's been a pleasure.

[10:38] Eric Vaughn Johnson: I'm really excited to talk about OFC Creations' new season. We have an incredible lineup that I think will resonate with our community and beyond.

[11:02] Eric Vaughn Johnson: This season, we're featuring some beloved classics and a few newer works that I believe will bring a fresh perspective to our audiences.

[11:30] Eric Vaughn Johnson: One of the highlights is "Hairspray," which is such a fun and vibrant show. It really captures the spirit of inclusivity and joy that we want to promote at OFC.

[11:50] Eric Vaughn Johnson: We're also thrilled to present "A Christmas Story: The Musical," which has become a holiday favorite for many families. It's a great way to celebrate the season with some laughter and heartwarming moments.

[12:19] Eric Vaughn Johnson: Another exciting addition is "Kiss of the Spider Woman." It's a beautiful and poignant story that explores themes of love and sacrifice, and I think our audiences will really connect with it.

[12:48] Eric Vaughn Johnson: "The Witches of Eastwick" is also on the roster, and it's such a unique show with a fantastic score. It's a bit darker, but it has a lot of humor and wit that I think will engage our audiences.

[13:17] Eric Vaughn Johnson: We're also looking forward to "The Osmonds: A New Musical." It's a nostalgic trip down memory lane for many, and I think it will be a fun experience for everyone involved.

[13:46] Eric Vaughn Johnson: Lastly, we have "Miss Saigon," which is a powerful and moving musical that tells a compelling story. It's a big undertaking, but I believe it will be a highlight of our season.

[14:16] Eric Vaughn Johnson: Building OFC Creations into a premier theatre organization has been a journey, and I’m proud of the work we’ve done to support new artists and develop original works.

[14:44] Eric Vaughn Johnson: Arts education is incredibly important to us. We want to nurture young talent and provide opportunities for them to grow and shine on stage.

[15:13] Eric Vaughn Johnson: Producing professional theatre today comes with its challenges, but the passion and dedication of our team make it all worthwhile.

[15:42] Eric Vaughn Johnson: Regional theatre truly is the heartbeat of our communities. It brings people together and creates a shared experience that is so vital, especially in today's world.

[16:12] Eric Vaughn Johnson: I believe that theatre has the power to inspire and uplift, and that's what we aim to do with every production we put on stage.

[16:41] Eric Vaughn Johnson: I'm excited for this season and can't wait for our audiences to experience the magic of live theatre with us.

[17:11] Eric Vaughn Johnson: Thank you for having me on the show, Robert. It's always a pleasure to share our vision and passion for theatre.

[17:40] Eric Vaughn Johnson: I hope everyone will come out and support regional theatre. It's a wonderful way to engage with the arts and connect with your community.

[18:10] Eric Vaughn Johnson: We have so much to look forward to, and I can't wait to see how our audiences respond to this season's lineup.

[18:39] Eric Vaughn Johnson: Let's keep the conversation going about the importance of arts in our lives and how we can continue to support one another in this journey.

[19:08] Eric Vaughn Johnson: Thank you again for this opportunity to share about OFC Creations and our upcoming season.

[19:37] Eric Vaughn Johnson: I look forward to seeing everyone at the theatre!

[20:06] Eric Vaughn Johnson: Let's make this season one to remember!

[20:35] Eric Vaughn Johnson: I appreciate all the support from our community and can't wait to welcome everyone back to the stage.

[21:01] Eric Vaughn Johnson: Here's to a fantastic season ahead!