Arts Under the Oaks Debuts

2022 | OAKS CHRISTIAN MISSION REPORT 19 The OCS Performing Arts Department debuted Arts Under the Oaks, a coffee house-style venue where students showcased their instrumental, original music, vocal and spoken word talents. The first event premiered in October under the sparkling market lights of the outdoor patio of the residential life dorm. Guests also enjoyed the comedic performance of the OCS Comedy Sportz Team. The motivation behind Arts Under the Oaks came from a desire in the performing arts department to find new and different performing venues and events for students. The department already has a rich history of larger shows like the fall and spring musical and play, dance showcases, ensemble concerts and Spring Spectacular, but Performing Arts Chair Mary Kay Altizer was thinking of something more intimate, and a little less formal. “We have so many wonderful performers that it would be impossible to accommodate all of them in one musical or one play. Also, the coffeehouse format is becoming more popular as we see our student musicians becoming more individualized. We are seeing a surge of singer/songwriters and music producers, but they don’t often quite ‘fit’ in the larger events or shows,” she shared. In addition to the debut performance in the fall, Arts Under the Oaks had three additional shows, one in December, one in February and one in May.cCOFFEE HOUSE-STYLE VENUE DEBUTS Caleb Polaha performs. Performing Arts Chair Mary Kay Altizer with students.