Whether you are thinking about auditioning for your community theatre's lead role or a supporting character, auditioning can be an exciting yet nerve-racking activity. Don't let this discourage you from trying out! Here are some dos and don'ts to help you release your inner Sharpay Evans and have a "Fabulous" audition.

First, don't be nervous! We at Okeechobee Community Theatre are eager to work with actors and actresses of all skill levels. Whether this is your first play audition or your thirtieth, we are excited that you are here and ready to be on the stage. Our goal is for you to have fun and meet other creatives in our community.

Second, don't memorize anything before! We will have scripts available to read at the auditorium. Our audition style is referred to as a "cold read", meaning that no preparation is involved. Simply come prepared to read a short scene off of the script.

Third, do speak loud and clear! Without microphones, it can be hard for the director and other people in the auditorium to hear you. Therefore, use your projection and enunciate clearly. Don't worry about being too loud; we appreciate your volume!

Lastly, do have fun! No matter whether you are in tech crew, production crew, back-stage crew, or on the stage, you are a vital part of our production. You bring a unique perspective to the table, and we want you to have fun and enjoy the experience!

If you are interested in auditioning for Exit Who?, come to the historic Okeechobee auditorium (Freshman Campus) on August 7th or August 8th at 7pm. We cannot wait to see you there!

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Have you gotten a role in your community theatre's upcoming play? Congratulations! Now, you will begin to memorize your character's lines. As you know as an actor or actress, memorizing lines involves more than simply learning sentences. You also have to remember how, when, and why your character says their lines. While this is a lot to remember, don't be scared! We asked our OCT actors and actresses how they memorize their portion of the script. Here are some easy ways they memorize their lines!

First, actress Tina Welborn states that she likes to "make an audio recording of only [her] lines." Then, she will play this in her car during her daily commute. This method will allow you to fit play practice into your packed schedule in a seemingly effortless way! Using a recording app, such as the Parrot app on the App Store, will let you hear your lines on repeat.

Second, actor Joey Marcinek says that he utilizes his "living room as a practice stage." This activity will let you move around in a similar fashion to being on stage. You could even set up chairs, books, or other props to resemble the stage you will be on during the play. This could act as a tangible cue that will help you remember your lines!

Lastly, if you find yourself continuously getting stuck on one line, you can write out the entire line on a white board. Read the line aloud and then erase one word. Next, reread the entire line to see if you can remember the missing word. Complete this process, removing one word at a time, until the entire line is gone. Then, see how much of the line you can remember. This forces your brain to fill in the missing gaps, potentially improving your memory of the overall line!

Memorizing lines can be overwhelming. However, there are easy ways to make the process smooth! Try audibly recording your lines, setting up a miniature stage at home, or writing out then erasing tedious lines. No matter what method you chose, you are going to do amazing. We at OCT believe in you!

         When you think of public speaking, what comes to mind? Does the thought of the task make you want to crawl under the table? Or perhaps the activity is simply mind-numbingly boring. No matter which side you agree with, community theatre offers an enjoyable, entertaining way to enhance your public speaking skills! There are many different areas where our actors and actresses at Okeechobee Community Theatre (OCT) have seen growth in their public speaking skills, including video presentations, teaching, and social settings.
        First, community theatre can improve one's presentation skills. As our world has become increasingly digital, you might find yourself consistently meeting with colleagues on Zoom or filming your quarterly report. Though community theatre is an in-person activity, the knowledge you gain can be translated beyond the stage and onto the screen. One of our actors, Joey Marcinek, has been more comfortable filming professional videos for work. He states that, as a result of community theatre, "I have been able to prepare myself on how to speak and what I choose to say in front of a camera."
          Second, community theatre can increase one's confidence in the classroom. As many teachers and students know, it's not what you say, it's how you say it. If a teacher presents instructions in a monotone manner, his or her students may not listen closely. On the flip side, students who do not utilize nonverbal cues for class reports can lose others' interest. Tina Welborn, an OCT actress and teacher, has found her theatrical talent to be valuable in the classroom. Welborn states, "As an educator, using facial expressions, hand gestures, projection with voice intonation, enunciation, and accents makes the learning lively, enjoyable, and memorable." These nonverbal skills can be applied by educators and students alike.
          Lastly, community theatre can boost one's morale in social settings. Whether you are eating lunch with your coworkers or talking with other parents at your daughter's daycare, gaining the confidence to speak up can be unnerving. However, community theatre can equip you with the skills you need to communicate clearly and efficiently. OCT's board secretary and stage manager, Grace Morgan, has seen a shift in her own life after joining the theatre. Morgan says, "I do find myself speaking up more in group settings and making friends with people at local businesses, which is something I never did years ago."
          In today's age, public speaking has become commonplace. No matter whether you are a high school student or a local business owner, you have most likely found yourself communicating with different groups of people. If you are looking for a fun way to enhance your speaking skills, consider joining Okeechobee Community Theatre's team of talented actors, actresses, tech crew members, and stage managers!

Nestled in the heart of Okeechobee, Florida is a quaint, historic theatre. When one walks up its brick pathway and under its arched door frame, he or she is transported into an auditorium that has entertained countless members of its tight-knit community. Since 1979, Okeechobee Community Theatre (OCT) has worked to create an inspiring, delightful experience for its audience. Today, the mission of the theatre remains the same. While OCT can be used as an acronym for Okeechobee Community Theatre, the three letters also stand for three crucial components of the theatre's essense: outlet, creativity, and teamwork.

First, Okeechobee Community Theatre is an outlet for many of Okeechobee's citizens. Members of the community may perform on the stage, direct other cast members, or design sets used in the plays. Actor and director James Garner, who has participated in shows such as The Odd Couple and Arsenic and Old Lace, comments on the theatre's role as an outlet. Garner writes that the theatre provides "an outlet to do something I really love." Whether one wants to be on the stage or behind the scenes, the community theatre offers an outlet and an escape.

Second, the theatre inspires creativity in its members. Grace Morgan, a board member of Okeechobee Community Theatre, discusses the creativeness fostered by the group.

      [Okeechobee Community Theatre's actors and actresses] are diligent in working together to       
      create a wonderful performance every show...It's refreshing to see people willing to work hard for
      something. Not only that, but the theatre has created such an enjoyable experience by being such
      welcoming, friendly, and passionate people.

The creativity of Okeechobee's citizens shines during every show. Whether OCT's members are designing costumes, painting a backdrop, or learning an accent, the members of Okeechobee Community Theatre are using their imaginations to create a thrilling experience.

Lastly, the theatre fosters a teamwork-centered environment. Tina Welborn, an actress that has starred in productions such as See How They Run and Play On, highlights the warm comradery of Okeechobee Community Theatre. Welborn states, "Our theatre is a place where technicians, organizers, artists, builders, and actors work together to display our creative crafts to enrich our community through the arts." Despite the distinct roles everyone plays when producing a show, everyone is working toward the same goal: entertaining their fellow citizens. Joey Marcinek, a member of OCT who has acted in shows like The Music Man and Death & Taxes, illustrates the result of teamwork. He says that the theatre allows him to be a part of something bigger than himself.

For more than 40 years, Okeechobee Community Theatre has been a haven for creatives in its community. Whether existing as an outlet, inspiring creativity, or fostering teamwork, OCT has welcomed countless individuals. The members of the theatre are ecstatic to have the opportunity to inspire, entertain, and delight their community.