Owensboro Community and Technical College announced the return of Oak Island Theatre productions for the upcoming fall 2021 semester.
Newly hired instructor, Grae Greer will direct OCTC’s Oak Island Theatre. Greer relates, “I have a strong passion for theatre education and can’t wait to share my experiences and educate those who are eager to learn!”
Greer is a graduate of Marshall University with a degree in Technical Theatre. She founded the Bluegrass Children’s Theatre and is the River Park Center’s Director of Marketing and Education.
“Grae not only brings valuable training and vast experiences with her to OCTC, but also a heart for sharing the power of theatre with anyone willing to give it a try,” states Dr. Meredith Skaggs, Interim Humanities and Fine Arts department head. “Knowing students in her classes and those she directs in productions will experience her enthusiasm for the arts is a gift to our campus and community.”
The retirement of theatre professor, director, and department head, Dr. Julia “Doc” Ledford and COVID-19 restrictions stalled 2020 Oak Island productions.
“Dr. Ledford was a staple on campus and in our community. We are so grateful for her leadership over the past 32 years. It is a credit to her that we have such a strong Humanities division,” shared OCTC President, Dr. Scott Williams.
Humanities and Fine Arts faculty and administrators look forward to continuing Ledford’s important work.
“Theatre at OCTC engages students in the human conversation of conflict and compassion while also providing resume-building, hands-on experiences in the arts,” according to Shannon Collins, professor of English and AFA-Theatre program coordinator.
Oak Island Theatre productions welcome exploratory and Associates of Fine Arts students. Additionally, participation is open to community members. Oak Island Theatre has historically included cast members from theatre courses, OCTC faculty and staff, and local community members.
Greer’s directing credits include: Greatest Showman, Princess Bride, Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Wizard of Oz, Moulin Rouge, and Frozen 1/2 (RiverPark Center), Dracula, Meeting the Museum, Yellow Banks, and Arabian Nights (Bluegrass Children’s Theatre), Among Friends & Clutter (KY Thespian All State Show), Wait Wait Bo Bait and Romeo & Juliet (Rose Curtain Players), Wiley & The Hairy Man and Peter Rabbit (Theatre Workshop of Owensboro). Courses slated for Fall 2021 include fundamentals of acting, scene study, fundamentals of production, production and performance practicums. Classes and productions will adhere to state COVID-19 guidelines.
For more information about the AFA-Theatre Degree, contact program coordinator Shannon Collins at [email protected] and for production updates follow OCTC’s Oak Island Theatre on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/OakIslandTheatre/ )
