Community Engagement

The Oakland University School of Music, Theatre and Dance is committed to enhancing the lives of our neighbors through interactive workshops (Woodwind Day, Voice Teaching Labs and more), youth ensembles (Honor Band, Orchestra and more), traveling theatre productions (Children's Touring Show) and meaningful community partnerships (OU/Pontiac Initiative.)

Professional Development Workshops and Honor Ensembles Summer camps

OU/Pontiac Initiative

Oakland University is committed to working with its neighbors, to determine potential areas of meaningful partnership that will benefit both the community and Oakland’s students. The School of Music, Theatre and Dance holds regular events at Pontiac venues throughout the season, including the Pontiac Little Art Theatre and Flagstar Strand Theatre for the Performing Arts. For more information about the OU/Pontiac Initiative, visit oakland.edu/community/pontiac-initiative.

Children's Theatre

The OU Department of Theatre’s season comes to a close with an annual children’s play or musical. Stay tuned for more information regarding summer 2021. Learn how to bring this exciting production to your school by emailing [email protected].

Dance for Parkinson's Disease

Take Root's Dance for Parkinson's Disease Program provides a safe and inclusive environment, welcoming ALL participants, care givers and spouses, using dance to impact the lives of others.

Dance for Parkinson's Disease participants will be empowered to explore movement and music in ways that are refreshing, enjoyable, stimulating and creative. This class is an aesthetic experience that uses the elements of narrative, imagery, and community to develop artistry and grace while addressing such PD specific concerns as balance, flexibility, coordination, isolation and depression. The classes engage participants' minds and bodies, and create an enjoyable, social environment that emphasizes dancing rather than therapy. Active demonstration by professional dancers inspires participants to recapture grace, while guided improvisation fosters creativity, and experimentation with movement.

2023-24 CLASSES AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY:
Saturdays from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. in Studio 132 in Varner Hall (371 Varner Drive in Rochester)

September 16
October 14
November 11
December 9
January 13
February 10
March 2
April 10
May 11

For more information visit: https://www.takerootdance.com/danceforpd

Synergy on Stage

Synergy on Stage is a dynamic local company that provides American Sign Language interpreters for theatrical productions. The OU Department of Theatre has had a 20+ year collaboration with these interpreters and the Deaf theatre-going community. The actors are fully integrated into the performances, providing the Deaf community with accessible performances of plays and musicals. Select theatre performances, which are notated on our event calendar, are shadow-signed each season.

School of Music, Theatre and Dance

Varner Hall, Room 207
371 Varner Drive
Rochester, MI 48309-4485
(location map)
Academic Office: (248) 370-2030
Box Office: (248) 370-3013
Fax: (248) 370-2041