Studio of the Sooner Theatre

- 110 E Main St, Norman, OK 73069

The Studio of the Sooner Theatre stands as Norman, Oklahoma's premier performing arts academy and a vibrant cultural hub. While the historic Sooner Theatre serves as the majestic main venue for full-scale productions, the Studio, located just across the street, is the core of its esteemed Theatre Arts Education program. This organization operates as a non-profit 501(c)(3) and is deeply embedded in the community, driven by a powerful mission: to change lives, offer diverse perspectives, and create a strong cultural connection through the performing arts and arts education.

For local residents, the Studio is much more than just a dance school or event venue; it is a center for instilling creativity, passion, and providing a safe space for students to find their voices. Since its launch in 2003, the educational program has seen explosive growth, starting with one summer camp and expanding to offer dozens of year-round classes and camps. This demonstrates the community’s shared dream and immense need for quality, welcoming performing arts instruction. The Studio is dedicated to creating an environment that is warm, nurturing, and welcoming to students from age three to eighteen, catering to both absolute beginners and seasoned stage veterans.

Beyond its primary function as an arts organization, the facility also serves as a versatile event venue. This dual purpose ensures that the entire community—from aspiring young actors to organizations needing a downtown, accessible space—benefits from its central location and robust facilities. The organization takes pride in its commitment to inclusion, actively promoting diversity in all aspects of its programming, welcoming a wide spectrum of students and audiences, and identifying proudly as a woman-owned business.

The Studio of the Sooner Theatre boasts an ideal location in the heart of Norman, Oklahoma, positioning it as a key feature of the historic Downtown Walker Arts District. Its central address provides easy access to local amenities and other cultural attractions.

• Address: 110 E Main St, Norman, OK 73069, USA

The location on Main Street makes it highly visible and convenient for parents dropping off students for classes or for patrons attending a special event. For Oklahoma residents traveling from neighboring communities like Moore or Oklahoma City, the downtown location is straightforward to navigate.

A major commitment of the Sooner Theatre organization is to accessibility and inclusion, ensuring that the arts are available to everyone in the community. The Studio is equipped with comprehensive accessibility features:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Wheelchair accessible seating (at the main theatre, which is part of the larger organization)

Furthermore, the Studio creates a truly welcoming environment for all, proactively identifying itself as a place that is LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safespace, making it a comfortable and inclusive choice for diverse families in the Oklahoma region.

The Studio of the Sooner Theatre is a comprehensive performing arts academy, providing year-round educational opportunities that align with the local public school schedule. Classes are designed to offer cumulative learning and culminate in a variety of performance opportunities on the main stage of the historic Sooner Theatre itself. The core offering revolves around:

• Performing Arts Camps and Classes: This umbrella term covers a wide variety of subjects for ages 3 to 18, tailored to every skill level, from the beginner to the stage veteran.

While the provided information is concise, additional publicly available data confirms the depth of these programs, which include, but are not limited to:

• Musical Theatre Classes: Encompassing singing, acting, and dance technique specific to Broadway styles.
• Dance Disciplines: Including musical theatre ballet/jazz, tap, and hip-hop.
• Acting and Improv: Classes designed to train students in professional acting technique, terminology, and preparation for auditions, often culminating in mini-productions or showcases.
• Vocal Instruction: Focused on ensemble vocal and dance technique, including harmony, blending, and stamina.
• Youth Camps: Extensive summer camp programs like "Overtures Camp" for ages 5-8, or "Rising Stars" for the youngest artists (3.5-5), which give a concentrated introduction to the arts through daily classes and specialty workshops.
• Specialty and Technical Workshops: Bringing in industry experts for masterclasses and providing training in behind-the-scenes elements such as lighting, sound, and set design through programs like the former Young Producers program.
• Production Opportunities: Offering full-scale production classes and camps that culminate in performances on the main stage of The Sooner Theatre.

The Studio of the Sooner Theatre distinguishes itself in the Oklahoma arts scene through its commitment to quality, community, and inclusivity.

• Part of a Historic Institution: The Studio is the educational arm of The Sooner Theatre of Norman, Inc., providing students with direct access and performance opportunities on a historic main stage, a significant advantage over independent studios.
• Identifies as Women-Owned: The organization proudly identifies as women-owned, contributing to the diversity and leadership representation in the local business community.
• Unwavering Commitment to Inclusion: The Studio operates as an LGBTQ+ friendly and Transgender safespace, creating a truly non-judgmental and encouraging environment for all students and patrons.
• Scholarship and Outreach Focus: As a non-profit, the organization is committed to providing programming that supports underserved populations, offering substantial scholarships to students who would otherwise be unable to afford tuition.
• Family and Financial Support: The Studio offers a Family discount, recognizing and supporting the financial commitment of families with multiple children enrolled in their programming.
• Professional Production Quality: Students participate in productions often praised by patrons for their high quality, showcasing an impressive level of talent and professionalism for a community-based youth program.
• Community Anchor: Beyond education, the organization hosts diverse events, from professional concerts to community development activities, serving as an important cultural and historical anchor for Downtown Norman.

For Norman and Oklahoma residents interested in event venue rental, enrolling in performing arts classes, or supporting the organization, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 110 E Main St, Norman, OK 73069, USA
• Phone: (405) 321-9600

For Oklahomans seeking a high-quality, inclusive, and impactful performing arts education or a unique event space, the Studio of the Sooner Theatre is an exceptional choice. The Studio offers one of the finest children’s education programs in the performing arts available, a claim backed by numerous positive customer reviews. The true value lies not only in the quality of instruction, which is often led by professional teachers and artists, but also in the character development instilled in the students.

The Studio’s environment is specifically designed to promote creativity, teamwork, and self-confidence. Past reviews confirm that students find an incredible outlet for creative expression and personal growth, gaining the confidence to perform on stage and with their peers. This welcoming atmosphere, combined with the organization’s explicit dedication to being an LGBTQ+ friendly and Transgender safespace, ensures that all members of the community can pursue their artistic passions in an accepting and supportive setting. Furthermore, the provision of a Family discount and substantial scholarships underscores the Studio’s commitment to making the arts accessible to a broad range of Oklahoma families.

When you choose the Studio, you are investing in an organization that is not only women-owned but is also a driving force in the local arts community, actively working to preserve a historic theatre while fostering the next generation of performers, artists, and confident citizens.

Studio of the Sooner Theatre

110 E Main St, Norman, OK 73069, USA