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The theatre department kicked off its year with an exciting trip to Otterbein University to see the production of Urinetown on Friday, October 4. About 18 Upper School students attended, with many of them visiting Otterbein’s Theatre and Dance for the first tine. The university is known for its professional-level productions and tightly-knit student community.
Theatre director, Ms. Eads, said the outing is part of a larger effort to keep students connected to live performance. “Every student is required to see one professional production, one show at another school, and one CA show they’re not involved in,” she said. “This trip to Otterbein checks one of those boxes while also giving students a chance to see how a college program stages a show. It’s a different experience from what they’d see here at CA, and it’s important for them to compare and learn.”
Students arrived on campus that evening and gathered inside Otterbein’s Fritsche Theatre, where the lively atmosphere was immediately apparent. The production’s energy and humor captivated the audience from the first musical number to the final curtain call. Theatre Officer Amaya W. said, “Personally, I absolutely loved the show! They had a live band in the back of the set, and a stationary set design with very few set pieces that I found really interesting. I loved that you could tell the actors were enjoying themselves, and everyone’s vocals and acting skills were just phenomenal. It makes me really excited for our show!”
Other students echoed Amaya’s enthusiasm, noting how inspiring it was to see a college cast perform with such confidence and skill. The minimalist set and live music gave the show a unique energy that kept the audience fully engaged, while the humor and social commentary that define Urinetown left a lasting impression on many who attended.
Planning trips like this involves plenty of behind-the-scenes work from both students and teachers. “We talk through outings at our second Wednesday meetings, figure out what shows are coming up, and send out information to everyone,” Amaya said. “Once a month we also have an All Call meeting so the whole department can hear what’s happening. These trips wouldn’t be possible without teamwork.”
Outings like the Otterbein trip have been part of the CA Theatre Department for years. Past outings have included Ragtime and Newsies at the Columbus Children’s Theatre, OSU dance concerts, and stops on the Broadway Across America tour. These experiences give CA students valuable exposure to a range of theatrical styles and performance settings. Amaya remembers the Ragtime trip as a highlight: “At the end, they held a Q&A with the cast and crew. We got to ask questions and see what it’s like to do theatre as a profession. That perspective really stayed with me.”
Starting the year with Urinetown was a strong choice for the department. The trip not only gave students a chance to see a bold, comedic show in a professional college setting, but also reignited excitement for CA’s own upcoming productions. For many who attended, the evening was a reminder of why live theatre matters—it connects people, sparks creativity, and inspires the next generation of performers.
