What Happens When The Theatre is Dark.

John Harris • July 7, 2025

What Happens When The Theatre is Dark

You will hear the phrase: The theatre is dark. So what does that mean? “Going dark” means there are no active performances scheduled for a certain time in a theatre space. July is a rare month when the OCT’s Main Stage and Wilson Family Black Box do not have any ticketed performances and, therefore, have technically gone “dark.” 


While there are no performances in July at OCT, our
Foreigner cast and crew are busy with rehearsals, set building and light design.   Later in the month, we host auditions for Youth Theatre-Next Gen, and, at the end of the month, Post Mortem Players will audition for Rocky Horror Show.


Our facilities team is working to catch up on maintenance projects.   They are also planning to start work on bell tower renovations and the last phase of HVAC work.   The lobby renovation project is in the design phase.   Our production team is organizing prop and storage rooms.   In the costume shop there is always cleaning and organizing and securing costumes for Season 50. 


Marketing and development are working on marketing plans for all nine Season 50 shows, working on grant submissions, learning our new CRM system and updating the website.


In administration, we are finalizing our Season 50 goals, looking at board retreat ideas, conducting new board member orientation, and looking at our long-term strategic plan. 


Of course it is not all work. OCT volunteers enjoyed the long 4th of July weekend and taking much-needed vacations.   


While there are no “live” ticketed performances in July and the theatre is “dark,” OCT is busy preparing for its Golden Anniversary Season. Maybe you can say we aren’t completely dark. You might call it…semi-darkness. 


See you at the theatre………..


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