Oakland University's School of Music, Theatre and Dance piled up student, faculty and alumni achievements across the spring and summer, capped by a production of "Medea" that traveled to Greece in June and returns to the Rochester Hills campus for public performances Sept. 4, through Sept. 6. Venue and ticket details had not been announced as of July 22.
The department published a roundup of highlights on July 16.
'Medea' in Greece and back
OU theatre students performed "Medea" at the Hydrama Theater on the island of Hydra in June, then toured mainland Greece. BFA Acting student DeNetria Gibson played the title role and choreographed the production, which was directed by Lynnae Lehfeldt.
Gibson also earned Best Dramatic Actor honors at the 2026 OU Film Showcase, where classmate Zander Warstler took Best Comedic Actor. The showcase featured 11 original short films written, directed and performed by OU students.
In May, film major Shakira Rogers had her 10-minute play "Girl Talk" selected for production at the Art Speaks Festival in Midland, Mich. Rogers wrote the piece in Kitty Dubin's Beginning Playwriting class.
Alumni on professional stages
Eleven SMTD alumni filled acting, production and administrative roles in Flint Repertory Theatre's production of "Green Day's American Idiot."
Six OU graduates helped lead the Five Lakes Silver Band to the 2026 North American Brass Band Association Championship in Fort Wayne, Indiana, scoring 98.567, which the university called a record for the competition. Dan Head ('14), Dallas Long ('16), Michael Baker ('20), Andrew Cicchelli ('21), Derek Kolp ('23) and Chris Taravela ('23) were among the performers.
Faculty projects ahead
Associate Professor of Theatre Whitney Locher is designing costumes for the national tour of "The Bodyguard," opening Oct. 15, in Toledo, Ohio. Assistant Professor Jacob ben Widmar received a Faculty Research Grant to develop "Pringle & Finn, The Musical!" based on Paul Castle's children's book. An invitation-only industry presentation featuring Broadway performers is scheduled for Aug. 31, in New York City.
Assistant Professor Joshua Tomlinson served as assistant technical director for the 2026 New York City Electroacoustic Music Festival and presented his composition "Uisge Beatha" during the event. Student brass quintet Aurum Brass advanced to the semifinal round of the Ryan Anthony Chamber Music Competition at the International Trumpet Guild Conference at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York.
The Five Lakes Silver Band, with its six OU alumni, has been invited to compete in the 2026 World Music Contest in the Netherlands, a competition held once every four years featuring top brass bands from around the world.
