The 2026 OCTA State Conference will be held at Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center, in Lima OH, on September 4-6, 2026.

Veterans Memorial is located in the heart of Lima at 7 Towne Square, Lima OH 45801. The facility includes a 13,950 square foot exhibit hall, 10 meeting rooms, 1,774 seat performing arts center, and banquet facility. It is connected to the 100-room Wingate by Wyndham Hotel and to the Market Street Parking Garage, so our entire conference can be held under one roof! 

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STATE CONFERENCE TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Regional festivals will make every effort to match this information

 

1. STAGE DIMENSIONS:

 The acting area at the will measure 16’ deep by 24’ wide. If larger stage areas are available at the Regional Festivals, it is recommended that they be masked to conform to State Festival dimensions. However, only the 16' by 24' space will be lit with OCTA provided lighting. Any action, set, or props taking place outside that area will not be lit, but are not disqualified. A minimum of five (5) masked entrances are needed: upstage center, upstage right, upstage left, downstage right, and downstage left.

 

2. LIGHTING:

Six (6) areas – downstage right, downstage center, downstage left, upstage right, upstage center, and upstage left – providing general wash of stage using electronic dimmers. For the 2026 state conference only, there is an option for full zone coverage in four colors: blue, green, red, and yellow, in addition to the standard warm white. Note that the color options (blue, green, red, and yellow) are only available as a full wash and not individual zones. Individual zone coverage will remain as the standard warm white. If the host theater has a follow-spot, it may offer its use to all theaters excerpting. Four follow spots are available at the Veterans Memorial Theater. There are 2 on each side (left and right). Please note that the follow spots are only accessible via a 20 foot ships ladder. The theatre using the follow-spot(s) must provide its own operator(s).

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The set-up of any other special lighting must take place within the normal set-up time for the excerpt, which is part of the forty (40) minute set-up and performance time period and struck within the five (5) minute strike allowance.

 

3. AUDIO:

A minimum of three (3) microphones must be provided for all theatres. The host theatre must also provide a minimum of two (2) speakers, a 4-channel sound board, and an audio playback system (including a standard RCA audio input jack) for sound effects and music. The sound system will be permanent for all theatres and cannot be moved to use onstage. If an excerpt requires special sound equipment, the performing group must provide its own.

 

4. SET FURNISHINGS:

All furniture and stage props must be furnished by individual groups.

 

5. OCTA-designated personnel will be assigned to all technical stations for all excerpts, and will strictly enforce the time limits, as per Festival Rules.