Orange Coast College's Theatre Department has released its 2026-27 season, presenting a dynamic lineup of nine productions, including faculty- and student-directed shows.
The 2026-27 season opens with “Theatre Nouveau,” the first show from the OCC Repertory (The REP), the College’s student-run theatre company. The REP’s student-directed productions provide students with invaluable hands-on experience in directing, acting, writing and stage management. Six REP productions are scheduled in the Drama Lab Studio Theatre, with most performances offering free admission, except for the beloved holiday production, “An Old Fashioned Christmas Melodrama and Ice Cream Social.” This annual children’s show is rethemed each year. This year’s melodrama is “One of Santa’s Reindeer is Missing!,” which will include a children’s joke contest, a singalong, and, of course, ice cream.
The first faculty-directed mainstage production, “She Kills Monsters,” opens in early November under the direction of Bethany Kraemer. This energetic dramatic comedy, featuring Dungeons & Dragons players, fantastical creatures and ‘90s pop culture references, offers a heartfelt homage to love, family and the inner geek or warrior in everyone.
Rounding out the faculty-directed mainstage productions for the spring are “Little Shop of Horrors” and Shakespeare’s “King Lear.” Under Rick Golson’s direction, “Little Shop of Horrors,” brings the iconic Broadway musical to life, following Seymour Krelborn, a Skid Row florist’s assistant whose discovery of a mysterious plant leads to unexpected consequences. Peter Uribe directs “King Lear,” Shakespeare’s classic tragedy of power, ambition, betrayal and family ties. These faculty-directed shows, led by experienced theatre professionals and educators, offer students the opportunity to hone their craft across contemporary, musical and classical theatre.
Tickets for paid productions are available only online at the OCC Tickets website. Free parking is provided for all performances. For the full season lineup and additional details, visit the OCC Theatre Productions webpage.