Oakland University School of Music, Theatre and Dance

Oakland University School of Music, Theatre and Dance Oakland University's School of Music, Theatre and Dance (SMTD) is a leading center of performing arts

Oakland University's School of Music, Theatre and Dance (SMTD) is a leading center of performing arts education in southeast Michigan, offering outstanding educational and performance opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students. SMTD students enjoy small classes to learn and grow as musicians, actors and dancers in a collaborative and supportive environment.

🎭✨ Golden Grizzlies, get ready to Make Life Golden! ✨🎭Starting in 2025, all OU students can enjoy free rush tickets to S...
12/27/2024

🎭✨ Golden Grizzlies, get ready to Make Life Golden! ✨🎭

Starting in 2025, all OU students can enjoy free rush tickets to SMTD performances—your chance to experience incredible arts on campus!
Save the date: Join us on Monday, January 6th, from 9am-12pm, at the Oakland Center for our kickoff event! Learn about our shows, spaces, and how to claim your tickets while grabbing exclusive Making Life Golden merch like stress balls, totes, and cups.

We’re hosting more events throughout the semester to connect you with SMTD—don’t miss out! 🎶🎟️

Reintroducing our cast of our mainstage theatre production, Caribbean Dreamin’!Caribbean Dreamin’ was a devised children...
12/26/2024

Reintroducing our cast of our mainstage theatre production, Caribbean Dreamin’!

Caribbean Dreamin’ was a devised children’s show about the music of the Caribbean that premiered last summer, and was chosen to represent at KCACTF Region 3 Conference in January! It will perform January 9th at 5pm and January 10th at noon in Madison, Wisconsin.

If you missed the performances at Oakland University, don’t worry! They will perform two more times in Varner Recital Hall on January 4th at 7pm and January 5th at 2pm. This performance is for all ages and will be your LAST CHANCE to see the show! Mark your calendars!

Please join us in congratulating the Irene Ryan Nominees and recipients of Certificates of Merit from our mainstage prod...
12/24/2024

Please join us in congratulating the Irene Ryan Nominees and recipients of Certificates of Merit from our mainstage productions of Pipeline & The Thanksgiving Play!

PC: Chuck Cloud

🎶 Oakland University SMTD Alumni Spotlight 🎶Big news from our outstanding alumni! Oakland University alumna Madeleine Kr...
12/13/2024

🎶 Oakland University SMTD Alumni Spotlight 🎶

Big news from our outstanding alumni! Oakland University alumna Madeleine Krick has founded Opera de Metro, a dynamic new opera company based in metro Detroit, and their inaugural performance, Gift of the Magi by David Conte, opens TOMORROW!

Opera de Metro is set to captivate audiences with its debut season, aiming to inspire enthusiasm for opera within the community. The company is committed to creating enchanting and engaging productions for modern audiences, while also investing in audience education through pre-show conversations. These discussions are designed to welcome both first-time opera goers and seasoned aficionados, making opera accessible and exciting for everyone.

This thrilling new venture is the product of successful collaborations between Artistic Director Madeleine Krick and advisory board members Olivia Donnel, Kellan Dunlap, and Jake Surzyn—all talented Oakland University alumni. Together, they are providing a platform for emerging artists in Detroit and beyond to showcase their voices and artistry.

Gift of the Magi is stage directed by Oakland University alumn Lauren Lenz, and includes a current graduate student in voice (Charlotte Marjorie) in the cast.

Show Times:
Dec 14, 2024: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
First Presbyterian Church Royal Oak
529 Hendrie Blvd, Royal Oak, MI 48067, USA
Dec 15, 2024: 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
St. Mary's in-the-Hills Episcopal Church
2512 Joslyn Ct, Orion Twp, MI 48360, USA

Tickets:
$30 Adult Admission
$20 Student Admission
Grab your tickets here: https://www.operademetro.org

Don't miss this magical start to Opera de Metro's journey. Secure your tickets now and be part of a vibrant new chapter in Detroit's cultural scene! 🎭✨

Echoes of Tomorrow: An Evening of 10-Minute Plays presented by the Directing II and Playwriting class will perform this ...
12/12/2024

Echoes of Tomorrow: An Evening of 10-Minute Plays presented by the Directing II and Playwriting class will perform this weekend! Make sure to get your tickets now for this celebration of creativity and theatre!

Friday, December 13th at 8pm
Saturday, December 14th at 2pm
Saturday, December 15th at 8pm

Tickets can be bought here: https://calendar.oakland.edu/smtd/

🎭 Echoes of Tomorrow: An Evening of 10- Minute Plays 🎭Join us for an unforgettable showcase of creativity as Directing I...
12/12/2024

🎭 Echoes of Tomorrow: An Evening of 10- Minute Plays 🎭

Join us for an unforgettable showcase of creativity as Directing II students and Playwriting I students collaborate to bring original 10-minute plays to life!

📅 Friday, December 13
🕗 8:00 PM EST
📍 Varner Lab Theatre
🎟️ Tickets: $6 General Admission, free to SMTD students

📅 Saturday, December 14
🕑 2:00 PM EST
🕗 8:00 PM EST
📍 Varner Lab Theatre
🎟️ Tickets: $6 General Admission, Free to SMTD students

Don’t miss this celebration of student talent! Secure your tickets now and support the future of theater. 🌟

PC: Crystal Orser ( )

CONGRATULATIONS to the cast and crew of Caribbean Dreamin’ for being selected to perform at KCACTF Region 3 Conference! ...
12/11/2024

CONGRATULATIONS to the cast and crew of Caribbean Dreamin’ for being selected to perform at KCACTF Region 3 Conference! They will perform January 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin!

If you didn’t get a chance to see the show, there will be TWO MORE PERFORMANCES of Caribbean Dreamin’ in Varner Recital Hall Saturday, January 4th at 7pm and Sunday, January 5th, at 2pm. More information about these performances will be shared soon!

🎉 Exciting News! 🎭Huge congratulations to Dr. Drake Dantzler for earning 3rd place in the collegiate division of The Cha...
12/10/2024

🎉 Exciting News! 🎭

Huge congratulations to Dr. Drake Dantzler for earning 3rd place in the collegiate division of The Charles Nelson Reilly Prize! His brilliant direction of Oakland Opera’s 2022/23 production of “Cosí fan tutte” shone brightly among directors nationwide. A massive shoutout to the entire Oakland Opera team for this incredible achievement! 🌟

Check out more details here: http://theamericanprize.blogspot.com/2024/11/national-winners-stage-directors.html

Finals Week at Oakland University School of Music, Theatre, and Dance 🎭🎶It’s that time of year again! Finals week is her...
12/09/2024

Finals Week at Oakland University School of Music, Theatre, and Dance 🎭🎶

It’s that time of year again! Finals week is here at the Oakland University School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. To all our talented students: you’ve worked incredibly hard this semester, and now it’s time to shine. 🌟

Remember, every late night, every rehearsal, and every note played or line delivered has brought you here. Believe in yourself and give it your best! You’ve got this! 💪

Congratulations on all your hard work, and best of luck as you prepare for your final exams. We’re rooting for you! 🎉📚

The Oakland Dance Theatre & Repertory Dance Company had a great weekend of shows! Thank you to everyone who came out to ...
12/08/2024

The Oakland Dance Theatre & Repertory Dance Company had a great weekend of shows! Thank you to everyone who came out to see them and congratulations on all of our students on a fabulous performance! 🌈✨

PC: Crystal Orser ( )

Partnering for Vocal Excellence 🎶At the Oakland University School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, we’re thrilled to collab...
12/06/2024

Partnering for Vocal Excellence 🎶

At the Oakland University School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, we’re thrilled to collaborate with the Lakeshore Professional Voice Center. This incredible partnership offers all our incoming singers a complimentary baseline vocal health assessment!

Our students have the privilege of meeting with Dr. Adam Rubin, a laryngologist and voice specialist, Dr. Juliana Codino, a skilled speech pathologist, and the experienced Lakeshore ENT team. Together, they learn invaluable insights into vocal health and have their voice profiles created.

With Dr. Rubin’s use of stroboscopy, students receive fascinating videos of their vocal folds in action, gaining a deeper understanding of vocal health and fostering a relationship with a dedicated care team.

We are immensely grateful to Adam Rubin, Juliana Codino, and the entire Lakeshore team for their dedication and expertise!

🎶 Celebrating Our Talented Vocalists! 🎶We are thrilled to announce that 15 Oakland vocalists were recognized at the Nove...
12/05/2024

🎶 Celebrating Our Talented Vocalists! 🎶

We are thrilled to announce that 15 Oakland vocalists were recognized at the November 2, 2024, National Association of Teachers of Singing Michigan Chapter Student Auditions! 🌟 Our students excelled in Classical Voice, Musical Theatre, and Contemporary Music categories.

Congratulations to the following students:

1st Place Senior TBB: Aidan Laidlaw (Student of Drake Dantzler)

1st Place Junior Treble: Sarah Lawlis (Student of Drake Dantzler)

2nd Place Junior Treble: Carys Rees-Baker (Student of Drake Dantzler)

2nd Place Freshmen TBB: David Glazkov (Student of Drake Dantzler)

3rd Place Freshmen TBB: Philip Lupas (Student of Drake Dantzler)

2nd Place Adult Avocational: Maximillian Ulrich (Student of Drake Dantzler)

1st Place Sophomore Treble: Mila Pitman (Student of Alta Boover)

3rd Place Sophomore Treble: Andrea Valenzuela-Lazcano (Student of Alta Boover)

1st Place Collegiate Contemporary: Kaelyn Parker (Student of Alta Boover)

2nd Place Collegiate Contemporary: Cayla Stus (Student of Alta Boover)

3rd Place Collegiate Musical Theatre, Upper Level: Yeshua Hardy (Student of Alta Boover)

1st Place, African American Spirituals: Trinity Green-Conner (Student of Nicole Joseph)

2nd Place, Collegiate Musical Theatre Upper Level: Ava Ward (Student of Nicole Joseph)

1st Place Contemporary Music, Avocational Adult: Austin Klotz (Student of Lara Alami)

2nd Place Contemporary Music, Avocational Adult: Markwon Blocker (Student of Lara Alami)

We are so proud of their hard work and dedication! 🌟 Keep shining your lights bright! ✨

UPCOMING OUSMTD STUDENT RECITALS THIS WEEK!Five young vocalists from Oakland University, Cristina Aldo, Aniya Gray, Emma...
12/04/2024

UPCOMING OUSMTD STUDENT RECITALS THIS WEEK!

Five young vocalists from Oakland University, Cristina Aldo, Aniya Gray, Emma Latourette, Keni Lavigne, and Cayla Stus, present a night of Christmas music across many genres! This program will feature classical, jazz, and contemporary repertoire. Each of these vocalists are members of both the Oakland Chorale and the Golden Grizzly Jazz Singers.

Next summer, the Oakland Chorale will be going on a 10-day European concert tour, and proceeds from this event will go towards fundraising for their trip. The performance is free, but any and all donations are greatly appreciated! Come out for a lovely evening of holiday music and to show support for these up and coming musicians!

🎶 Are you an OUSMTD student with an upcoming recital? Share the details with one of our social media team members so we can include it in our weekly recital roundup!

Join Us for a Day of Percussive Exploration at Oakland University!Attention all percussionists and educators! We are thr...
12/03/2024

Join Us for a Day of Percussive Exploration at Oakland University!

Attention all percussionists and educators! We are thrilled to invite you to a dynamic, day-long event on January 11th, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, at Oakland University’s Varner Hall.

Whether you are interested in marimba, snare drum, steel pans, drumset, African gyil, tabla, percussion ensemble… we’ve got something for everyone!
Kickstart the Day with an OU Student Recital: Our spectacular students will open the day with a recital featuring the percussion ensemble, the steel band, and select solo performances on marimba, gyil, and more!
Meet Our Esteemed Faculty and Staff: Patrick Fitzgibbon, Steel Band/Latin Jazz Ensemble Gayelynn McKinney, Applied Drum Set Justin Lamb, Applied Concert Percussion/ Chamber Percussion Ensemble Mark Stone, African Drum and Xylophone Ensemble/ Creative Jazz Ensemble

Our percussion faculty bring a wealth of experience and expertise across many percussion instruments and styles. You are guaranteed to see something new at this event!

Register Now: https://www.oakland.edu/smtd/community-engagement/workshops-and-honor-ensembles/

Happy Thanksgiving, Grizzlies!On this day of gratitude, we at Oakland University’s School of Music, Theatre, and Dance w...
11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving, Grizzlies!

On this day of gratitude, we at Oakland University’s School of Music, Theatre, and Dance want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible students, faculty, and supporters. Your passion and dedication create a harmonious community that inspires us all.

May your Thanksgiving be as joyful and vibrant as the performances we share. Here’s to the music, the stories, and the dance that bring us together. Happy Thanksgiving! 🍂🎶🎭🦃

Address

371 Varner Drive
Rochester, MI
48309

Telephone

(248) 370-2030

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Videos

Harmonies in the making! 🎶 Watch the talented voices of the Oakland Chorale and University Chorus come together during rehearsals this week as they prepare to bring you an unforgettable concert experience. Under the direction of Michael A. Mitchell, this semester’s concert features an eclectic mix of Vaughan Williams, Haydn, Anerio, Stacey Gibbs, Trotta, and even Radiohead. These performances promise to be a musical journey like no other. Don't miss it at 8PM on November 15 and 16 at the University Presbyterian Church. 🌟 Purchase tickets here: https://www.etix.com/ticket/mvc/online/upcomingEvents/organization?organization_id=5878&performance_id=64642762&country=US&language=en

Thank you, Evan Roider, for your masterclass for our SMTD students!

Jesus Christ Superstar Trailer
Jesus Christ Superstar Trailer

Come see Jesus Christ Superstar at Oakland University! The show opens NEXT WEEK running from February 15-24th in Varner Hall’s Studio Theatre! Get your tickets at the link in our bio or at https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/15252/varner-studio-theatre-oakland-university-?performance_id=73635278&country=US&language=en Trailer by Crystal Orser #ThisisOU #OUSMTD

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