Oglethorpe students cultivate their passions in many ways, but members of Rehearsal Room C (RRC), a student-led theatre club, have built their passions into professional experience. RRC is dedicated to producing student-led theatre productions, with support from theatre faculty and staff.

While most members of the club are theatre students, it’s open to everyone, regardless of their major. For Ben Van Doorn ’27, a chemistry major, the club has allowed him to explore his creative side alongside his friends. 

“Being involved in RRC and ‘Trap’ specifically lets me make connections I might not typically make based on my major. In a lot of other schools, I feel like there are super strict delineations between the majors, and that’s just not the case at Oglethorpe,” says Van Doorn.

The club is currently wrapping up ‘Trap,’ a thriller uncovering the mystery behind a high school play. This production, and every RRC production, is done entirely by students, with them taking on essential roles—director, stage manager, scenic designer, costume designer, props designer and even marketing. RRC shows allow theatre students on the technical and design side to hone in on their craft. 

“We see our incredibly talented actors on stage at every show, but there’s something so special about being in a space built and designed by your peers, too,” says Kate Hunter ’27, ‘Trap’ director. “Rehearsal Room C shows are created for us, by us, creating something we are all immensely proud of. “

Directing this show has allowed Hunter to put her theatre courses into practice. In Directing for the Stage, she learned key steps in the directing process, such as organizing rehearsals and bringing a vision to life with the cast and crew. Fundamentals of Theatrical Design, Hunter’s favorite course she’s taken at Oglethorpe, challenged her to embrace her creative side more, and helped her gain confidence as a director. 

With dreams of pursuing a career in educational theatre, Hunter’s involvement in RRC has equipped her with the skills she needs to thrive as a future educator.

“Directing ‘Trap’ has given me so much confidence in how to run a rehearsal room, convey ideas with compassion, and learn how to cultivate a safe and positive rehearsal environment,” said Hunter. “It’s also shown me how powerful a community can be when there is a common goal and a positive environment allowing for creativity to thrive.”

Though this year’s RRC production is wrapping up, Rehearsal Room C members will take their talents to future Oglethorpe theatre productions, where they’ll continue to grow as theatre professionals.