OACT

The Ojai Valley has long been enriched by individuals whose generosity, leadership, and dedication leave a lasting impact on the community. This year, one such individual is being recognized with one of the area’s most meaningful honors: the Ojai Living Treasure Award.

Sponsored jointly by the Rotary Club of Ojai and the Rotary Club of Ojai West, the Ojai Living Treasure Award celebrates local citizens whose exceptional service, compassion, mentorship, and volunteerism have made a profound difference in the lives of others. Established in 1995 by Rotarian Sanford Drucker, the program recognizes the unsung heroes, role models, and community leaders who help make the Ojai Valley a better place to live.

This year’s honoree, Tracey Williams Sutton, exemplifies those qualities.

A professional actress and director with a distinguished career spanning Equity theaters across the country and starring roles in several national tours, Tracey has devoted much of her life not only to the performing arts but also to the development of future generations of artists. Over the course of more than two decades, she has become one of the most influential theater educators and mentors in the Ojai Valley.

Currently serving as Artistic Director of the Ojai Art Center Theater, Tracey holds a Master’s Degree in Theater and has taught at both the university and high school levels. Her impact extends throughout the community through her work with students at schools including Villanova Preparatory School, Ojai Valley School, Thacher School, and Nordhoff High School. Through countless productions, classes, rehearsals, and mentoring opportunities, she has helped young performers discover confidence, creativity, discipline, and a love of the arts.

In addition to her accomplishments as an educator, Tracey has earned recognition as an actress, director, producer, music director, choreographer, and costumer, receiving numerous awards throughout her career. Yet those who know her best often point to her commitment to mentorship as her greatest contribution.

Tracey has frequently said that working with students and mentoring them in all areas of theatrical production is among the most rewarding aspects of her work. Her influence can be seen not only on stage but in the lives of the many young people she has guided, encouraged, and inspired over the years.

In recognition of her extraordinary service to community theater, Tracey received the prestigious Distinguished Merit Award from the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT) in 2024. The award honored her exceptional contributions to community theater and her unwavering commitment to fostering artistic excellence.

Now, as an Ojai Living Treasure, Tracey joins a remarkable group of community members whose service has enriched the Ojai Valley for generations. The title is particularly fitting for someone whose life’s work has centered on helping others grow, discover their potential, and find their voice.

Through her artistry, leadership, and tireless dedication to students and community theater, Tracey Williams Sutton has left an indelible mark on Ojai. Her legacy is reflected not only in the productions she has directed and performed in, but also in the countless lives she has touched along the way.

For more than twenty years, she has helped create a vibrant theater community where creativity thrives, friendships are forged, and young people learn the value of collaboration, perseverance, and self-expression. In every sense of the word, Tracey Williams Sutton is truly an Ojai Living Treasure.