Theater at Oberlin

If you come to Oberlin in search of abundant, accessible theater, you’re going to be in luck. Before even applying to colleges, I knew that I wanted to not only participate in, but major in theater during my four years here. Oberlin always stuck out to me as a place where theater was mainstream, but I was not prepared to be met with upwards of 25 theatrical performances every year. Many colleges produce shows through their department's mainstage season, and maybe some student-directed productions here and there, but Oberlin does things a little differently. Here, I will (attempt to) provide a comprehensive rundown of what theater looks like at Oberlin College. 

Oberlin Theater Department: Mainstage 

Oberlin Mainstage shows are produced by the Oberlin Theater Department and directed by members of the department’s faculty. There are three Mainstage shows each year (one during the fall semester, one during winter term, and one during the spring semester), and performances typically occur either in the Wurtzel Theater or the Hall Auditorium. Students of all years are encouraged to audition, though incoming freshmen cannot perform in fall shows, as those auditions occur the year prior. Oberlin Mainstage offers students the opportunity to work with seasoned directors and partake in a production season that feels truly professional. Last winter term, I spent my time working on Fun Home, and it was easily one of the most rewarding experiences so far as a theater student. 

(Fun Home, photographed by John Seyfried)

Lab Series 

Funded by the department, directed by students, and often featuring original works, Oberlin’s Lab Series produces approximately 6 shows a year. These shows are typically housed in the Kander Theater, named after Oberlin Alum John Kander (Cabaret, Chicago). The Lab Series is a great opportunity for upperclassmen theater students to direct a show of their choosing, and for students of every year/major to work with student directors. Some of my personal favorite Lab Series shows include Where The Yetis Will Be (written and directed by Ethan Katz ‘26), The Importance of Being Earnest (directed by Mia Richardson ‘26), and Yellow Face (directed by Gabriel Semrau ‘27) (I am currently on the crew for this one!)

(Where The Yetis Will Be, photographed by Isabella Moss) 

OMTA/OSTA 

Oberlin Musical Theater Association/Oberlin Student Theater Association (OMTA/OSTA) is Oberlin’s student-run theater program. It is operated by an elected board of students who fulfill roles such as chair, treasurer, secretary, as well as coordinators for music, sound, lighting, social media, and more! OMTA/OSTA produces six shows a year (many of which are student-written original works, musicals, and plays) with the additional musical theater showcases sprinkled in throughout the semesters. I have done 2 shows with OMTA/OSTA, and I cannot recommend it enough if you’re looking to be involved in new work, meet new friends, and have a great time. 

(Wet Skeleton, photographed by Isabella Moss)

Oberlin Music Theater 

The newest addition to Oberlin, the Music Theater department puts on a variety of productions during the academic year. While many of their shows are performed on Oberlin’s campus, some productions take place at The Beck Center in Cleveland, offering students the opportunity to perform at a regional theater. Just last year, even, students in the Music Theater department traveled all the way to California to perform The World Goes Round: The Songs of Kander and Ebb. Music Theater productions' casts are mainly comprised of students in the department, but college students are encouraged to audition (it’s a great experience, and mirrors that of a professional audition one might encounter in the industry). 

(Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812, photographed by Roger Mastroianni)

And whatever else we decide to conjure up!

You didn’t think theater at Oberlin was confined to these groups, did you? There are so many more opportunities to get involved here on campus! Students and faculty put on shows in the basements of various dorms, dance spaces, in the woods, playgrounds down the street- you name it. When you come to Oberlin looking for theater, you will have no trouble finding it. Just make sure not to overbook your schedule! 

(Variations, photographed Erin Koo)