Our Mission
Since 1995, Performances to Grow On's (PTGO) mission has been to present audiences of all ages with educational, imaginative, and engaging performances that encompass a variety of artistic and cultural traditions through renowned national and international artists and touring companies. PTGO has a strong commitment to arts education as evidenced by its programs, assemblies, workshops and field trips in Ventura County and beyond. PTGO’s eclectic programming provides enrichment to a very diverse audience from a variety of incomes and cultural backgrounds by offering multi-cultural events that celebrate the history and diversity of the community. We believe in the power of live performance to expand our boundaries, to connect with others and to foster self-discovery.
ADA & Inclusivity Statement
Performances to Grow On & the Ojai Storytelling Festival are committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment that celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our programming and operations.
At Performances to Grow On , we are dedicated to creating a space where people of all races, ethnicities, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds can experience the joy and transformative power of the performing arts. We offer scholarships, sensory-friendly performances, and diverse programming to ensure that everyone feels welcome and included.
For more informations click here.
Join Us
Interested in being a part of Performances to Grow on, and the Ojai Storytelling Festival?
Reach out to us at info@ojaistoryfest.org
Meet the Board
Executive & Artistic Director
Kara Lakes she/her
Kara has been Executive and Artistic Director of Performances To Grow On since 2021 and served as Associate Director for several years before that time, collaborating closely with the organization’s founder, Brian Bemel. Alongside her work with Performances To Grow On, Kara has also been a dedicated educator in the Ojai Valley since 1997. Her passion for storytelling and commitment to education have left a lasting impact on both the organization and the community it serves.
Board Treasurer
Elizabeth Spiller
Born and raised in Ojai, Liz has been a visual arts enthusiast since she was small. She has worked with many local organizations such as the Ojai Music Festival, Martin Luther King Junior Day, The Agora Foundation, Ojai Hub/Quarterly and now, the Ojai Storytelling Festival. She currently lives and works in Los Angeles as the Marketing Manager for the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.
Assistant Director and Board President
Cassandra Cotham she/they
Near lifetime Ojai resident, Cassandra Cotham, has been serving on the board of directors of Performances To Grow on and The Ojai Storytelling Festival since 2020. She has held the position of Administrative Director since 2021. Cassandra is a long time accessibility activist and has made it her business to lead the organization toward full inclusivity. If she could have one superpower, Cassandra would want to communicate in every language in the world.
Board Member
Jon Cotham he/him
Jon is the founder and owner of Healthy Eco Home. Helping people to create healthy more eco-friendly homes. When he’s not working, he loves to read stories, surf, bike, hike and travel the world with his best friend and sweetheart Cynthia.
He believes that stories have the power to connect us to our common humanity, regardless of race, culture, or gender. To remind us of where we come from and what matters most in our lives.