Incorporated in 1888, the City of Orange was founded on creativity. Money needed to beautify their town square was raised through collaborative programs, festivals, and The Plaza: A Local Drama in Five Acts, which was written and performed by the community. This new project is based on the uplifting story of the play written in the 1880’s.

On Saturday, April 21 from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM local students, creatives, playwrights, and writers are invited to join our team to write a new community play telling the story of what happened in the early 1880s.

When the story is complete the play will serve as the script for a live reading and fundraiser supporting 1888 educational programming.

The Plaza: A Local Drama in Five Acts

In the early 1880s, Old Towne Orange was like many other Southern California townes surrounded by agricultural areas. A group of civic-minded women decided in 1883 that the downtown land, donated by the city founders, should be further developed. A project to beautify the towne’s Plaza was soon underway.

Led by Mrs. Samuel Armor, wife of a city councilman and former county supervisor, the women of Orange went to work and raised $200 through community events to finance the project. One fundraiser that helped to purchase the city fountain was The Plaza: A Local Drama in Five Acts, which was produced in collaboration with neighbors who helped write and perform the play. The center of the towne site became known as the Plaza; a symbol of the community and a catalyst for storytelling.