What does OCT stand for?

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.

Caroline Crews

Caroline Crews is a public relations intern for Okeechobee Community Theatre.