Theatre
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Theatre Concentration

Make the World Your Stage 

Explore the exciting world of theatre at Oakland Community College. We offer you immersive classes and performance opportunities.

Improve your acting chops as much as you want. Take the Associate in Arts Theater Concentration and transfer to a university. Or take a class or two to explore something new.

No matter your path, the Associate in Arts with a Theater concentration is worth your time. Come on in and explore.

Why the Theatre concentration?

  • Earn your Associate in Arts degree with a focus in Theatre
  • Take theatre courses and transfer to local four-year universities
  • Learn from experienced, professional actors and technicians so you can go into the professional entertainment industry
  • Work behind the scenes to help build and run the productions
  • Perform on stage in all Oakland Community College theatre productions
  • Meet industry professionals to start networking today
  • Join a community that is inclusive and wants to include your voice

Do you want to support this exciting community?

Donate Now!

Explore the Theatre at Oakland Community College 

Our theatre department collaborates with the ASL department, offering students a chance to incorporate shadow interpreting into their performances and greater inclusivity into their art.
Did you know?

Stage Your Future

The Associate in Arts with a Theatre concentration focuses on both theory and practical application. You will leave with:

  • Prepared to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre
  • Enter a specialized school of acting
  • Enter the entertainment industry

Theatre Concentration

Job Market Outlook

Review: OCC's 2024 Production of "Radium Girls"

"This show (Radium Girls) had me gripped from start to finish. Tessa Gibson’s, (Grace Fryer), emotional depth and physical acting were so powerful that I was feeling true sympathy for her character the whole time. All aspects impressed me, but one of my favorite parts of her performance was her chemistry with her onstage love interest, Tommy Kreider, who was played by Cooper Miller. Cooper Miller played one of the principal roles and took on several more minor roles throughout the performance. Sometimes, when one actor changes roles throughout the show, deciphering between the characters they portray can be distracting. Still, he pulled off this feat by changing his voice and posture to portray new characters and seamlessly transitioning back and forth. Kalen Rogers, (Arthur Roeder), has a wonderfully powerful stage presence that was exciting every time he entered the scene. The range of Kalen Rogers is so widespread that I forgot I had already seen it in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee because his character work was so well done in both performances. This show had me gripped from start to finish." Full review on Broadway World.

— Emily Schenk
March 20, 2024

"I joined OCC Theatre because I wanted to get as much experience with acting as I could. Theatre has helped me grow TREMENDOUSLY. I have learned many things about the process and inner workings of an actor’s journey and about myself. As long as you're having fun the journey never ends and you never stop learning. Everyone likes to have fun!"

— Kalen Rogers
Kalen Rogers posing for a photo with his hand behind his head and the exterior of a building in the background.
"The theatre department at Oakland Community College has truly given me so much knowledge of the true world of what it’s like to be an actress. If you have any thoughts on majoring in theatre or even just one class, I have no doubt it will be the best time of your college experience!"

— Marissa Carson
Marissa Carson posing for a professional headshot photo in front of a white backdrop.

Current Productions

The Theatre Department produces two mainstage shows per year, with auditions traditionally happening in Dec. and April. Visit our Production Page to see what is performing NOW and our Audition Page for upcoming Auditions!

Eligibility Information 

Theatre is offered on the Orchard Ridge campus, with entry level classes at Royal Oak and Auburn Hills.

Prospective students must meet standard OCC eligibility requirements – there is an open admissions policy and placement tests and new student orientation are required in most cases. Students should meet with an OCC Counselor before attempting this plan of study.

Take the Next Steps 

Ready to begin your theatre studies? Get started now: