COTTAGE GROVE – Maya Burton brings years of theatre experience and love for community arts to Cottage Grove, as she takes on a new executive director position at the Opal Center at 513 E. Main St.
“I find that writing stories, teaching, and organizing is where my heart pulls me. And then the pandemic happened, and it felt like I was catapulted into that way of being an artist,” Burton said.
“Opal was kind of in a place that was, I wouldn’t say, dormant – it was sleepy. The doors weren’t open as often, and I think they were kind of hurting afterward. They couldn’t pick themselves back up after the pandemic, so I’m just trying to breathe life into the flame a little bit.”
Burton, originally from Florida, moved to Seattle for school, where she spent eight years as a full-time actor. From 2012 to 2020, she performed with companies like the Washington Ensemble Theatre, the Seattle Shakespeare Company, and the 5th Avenue Theatre.
Burton said that although she enjoyed the experience of the hustle culture she participated in, “They’re not doing it the same way we’re doing it. It’s just different. The best people make art for the community, so I just kept coming back to community theater.”
Burton is no stranger to the Opal Center. “I worked for Storybook Theatre as one of their camp counselors when I was in college,” said Burton, “Storybook Theatre used to be housed under Opal’s umbrella, so I would come here and be in this building for a week or two in the summer. I did that for a few years, and then I moved here to do Storybook full time.”
In addition to Burton’s involvement at Opal Center, she also runs another small non-profit called Storybook Theatre. Established in 2009, Storybook Theatre is a mobile, affordable, quality theater education that comes right to students in Lane County. According to Burton, the organization functions like a drama club, bringing tools and education to schools without drama programs.
“No school in this area has a drama club except for the high school. So kids who grew up in Cottage Grove probably don’t get to touch any theater until they’re a teenager, and by then, I mean… sometimes you’re into it, but…” Burton trailed off.
“What I found when I took over the company, is that the biggest obstacle for kiddos was getting to us and paying so I was like, how can I jump those hurdles for them so they don’t even have to think about it, they just get to come and play?”
In October 2024, Burton was offered an executive director position at the Opal.
“At Opal, we ask people to come and just dare. Just try stuff, be brave, and express yourself in a way that maybe some other places wouldn’t allow you to do that – in a safe way, obviously,” said Burton, “and in a way that makes our audiences and our other artists feel energized and excited. But we want people to just try.”
Opal Center is a non-profit, community art space. The building hosts plays, musicals, fashion shows, and film nights. The Opal Center also participates in Cottage Grove’s Art Walk on the last Friday of every month. The space transforms into a mini-gallery during the walk, housing an artist or two for the community to see and interact with.
One of the most eye-catching events that the Opal Center hosts is its yearly Trashion Show, when the building transforms again into a runway. The event consists of 10-15 designers tasked with creating an outfit entirely out of trash. According to Burton, there are strict guidelines that designers must follow, like not purchasing an article of clothing from a thrift store to use as a base for their outfit.
“I am just amazed at how creative these people can be with garbage. I feel like if somebody told me that that was the material I had to use, I would just give up,” said Burton, “But, people are really loyal to Trashion, and people are already asking me about it.”
Trashion is on April 17-19 and 24-26, and the theme is “Trash-formation.” For this year’s show, the Opal Center is partnering with MECCA, a materials exchange center for community arts.
“I’m proud to be a part of Opal, it feels like another great way for people to express themselves in a safe place,” Burton said.
Michele Rose, Opal’s previous executive director said, “Maya has the talent, vision and energy to guide Opal into the future. Opal is fortunate to have found such a vibrant being.”
■ Where: 513 E, Main St. Cottage Grove
■ When: Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
■ Phone: 541-623-0513
This reporting is supported by the Catalyst Journalism Project at the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication.
