From baseball to acting, Israeli born City College student Ophir Katz now focuses on his newfound talent for the dramatic arts after performing in the campus production of, “Tartuffe,” as the character Damis.

Fresh to the California, Katz moved to Southern California just two and a half years ago from Tel Aviv, Israel to play baseball at Orange County’s Cypress College. He considers himself accustomed to the lifestyle because his home city is comparable in weather and beach access.

“Tel Aviv is a lot like Santa Barbara, the weather is similar, and it is close to the beach,” Katz said.

After arriving in Santa Barbara with a friend, he decided to stay and join City College’s baseball team. But while here, he developed a new found interest in acting.

In the comedy “Tartuffe”, Katz discovered his strengths. He found enjoyment in challenging himself and how much he learned.

“Every night was different, but what was expected of me didn’t change,” Katz said. “The script was the same, the rehearsal was the same, and the actors are really talented.”

Along with his commitment to theater, Katz is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa. PTK is the international honor societyof two-year colleges and academic programs.

To qualify for initial membership, a student must maintain a GPAof, in most cases, 3.5 or higher and must maintain a high academic standing.

Katz contributes his discipline, persistence, and positive outlook on life to his service in the Israeli army for which he served for three years before coming to California.

“From 18 to 21 years old I learned a lot and have a lot more life experience after being in the army,” Katz said.

This upcoming summer Katz plans on graduating and transferring to a four-year college, but is undecided on which college. He still continues to play baseball in his spare time and remains focused on acting.

His upcoming performance “Love, Santa Barbara” is a play loosely structured around a Santa Barbara day. The play was developed by the theatre company in February and March 2011 and will be opening at 7p.m. on April 20 and 21 in the Interim Theatre on West Campus.