Our theatre program is designed to provide the general knowledge, skills and experiences in all areas associated with theatre so that the student can either continue their education in a four-year college or university, a professional studio or academy or pursue a career in theatre arts. Offering a wide range of theatre classes and performance opportunities we expose our students to a variety of theatrical styles and venues providing the foundation on which to build a future in the theatre. The program will enable students to develop their skills, craft, and imagination while providing the college and the larger community with quality life-enhancing cultural programs.
It is the mission of The Ocean County College Repertory Theatre Company (OCC/REP) to create opportunities for college and community participation in a variety of rich and diverse theatrical experiences. The Company seeks to engage, entertain, inspire, and educate, in order to enhance the cultural life of Ocean County College and the surrounding communities. The OCC/REP provides OCC students, faculty, staff and residents of neighboring communities the opportunity to attend and/or participate in quality performances of theatrical works – musicals and plays, classical and modern, traditional and experimental, through a well-balanced theatrical season. Additionally, The OCC/REP provides an environment for students of our performing arts program to apply what they are learning in a collaborative and encouraging format. The OCC/REP celebrates the power of the theatre to illuminate and mirror the human experience.
The OCC/REP, under the Director of the OCC Rep Theatre, brings together both college and community theatre artists, offers 5 – 6 productions a year of both plays and musicals, as well as various workshops and master classes. Our season normally consists of works covering a variety of genres and styles. Recent productions include David Lindsay-Abaire’s Rabbit Hole, Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew and Twelfth Night, Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning plays Driving Miss Daisy by Alfred Uhry, The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams, August: Osage County by Tracy Letts and On Golden Pond by Ernest Thompson as well as musical favorites like Kiss Me Kate, Man of La Mancha, Fiddler on the Roof, The Fantasticks, Guys and Dolls, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and My Fair Lady.
In keeping with the outreach philosophy of our mission, the OCC REP brings more than 5000 people from our OCC and surrounding community to our performances each year and has a Facebook group of more than 2000 members.
Our seasons run July – April and consists of one show in the Summer, two shows in the Fall and two to three shows in the Spring including musicals, dramas, comedies. The shows vary in cast size each season. In our most recent completed season we cast approximately 65 performers and used the services of 15 paid musicians and over 20 paid technicians. Traditionally, OCC students fill 50 – 70+% of the roles. A recent production of Broadway for the Holidays had 17 cast members 11 of whom are current students, 2 former students, 2 High School students and 2 community members.
Student and Actor Testimonials
“The theatre here is unlike any other. It’s is a homey environment that brings performers together. Plays, musicals, revues all are done in the same great quality. There is great utilization of the space we have, and direction is given professionally. Ocean County College’s Theatre Program is accepting of all and all are welcomed. As stated previously, homey environment where all are welcome with high quality shows is the perfect way to describe the program here at OCC.”
“Being a part of the performing arts programs at OCC greatly improved my performing capabilities, as well as boosting my creativity in ways I never could’ve predicted. My time with the OCC Repertory Theatre Company also helped me meet like-minded and creative individuals that I’m happy to call my friends to this day.”
“Ocean County College’s theatre program has played a significant role in my pursuit of becoming a voice actor. The degree of experimentation that takes place in the theater has been thrilling to partake in. There is always a sense of discovering something new within theatre, which in turn leads to the continual development of my own character.”
“I have truly loved this program at Ocean County College. It has taught me so much in such a short amount of time. Professor Chalakani’s teachings have pushed me to expand my acting skills and overall become a better actress. I am extremely thankful for this program and all of its gifted educators.”
“The performing arts program at OCC was an experience I will cherish forever. From the informative lessons by great professors to the life long friends being made. I was accepted into this program with open arms and felt welcome every step of the way.”
“The Performing Arts Program provided opportunities when all other doors were shut. It helped keep artists practiced and motivated by any means, through any circumstances.”
Grunin Center
Box Office Hours
Tuesday to Friday: noon to 5:00 p.m.
1 hour before show time in venue lobby
Student Tickets
Currently enrolled OCC Students are eligible for 1 complimentary ticket to most productions. Use your @students.ocean.edu email address to “purchase.”