At New Oak Theatre, our goal is to create exceptional, professional productions that elevate the artistic landscape of Savannah and Tybee Island. To do that, we audition and interview teams of both incredible local talent and skilled artists from across the country.

Every production begins with an open and competitive audition process. We welcome actors of all backgrounds and experience levels, and we're committed to finding the right artists for each role — whether that means casting local favorites or bringing in specialized talent for specific productions. This approach ensures that every show reaches its full potential while keeping opportunities accessible to the Savannah arts community.

We proudly pay every actor, designer, and production team member.

Your artistry deserves to be valued. Whether you're a performer, a designer, a technician, or part of our creative leadership, you are compensated for your work and your craft.

Too often, artists are asked to work for free or for 'exposure.' At New Oak Theatre, we believe that's unacceptable. Paying artists isn't just the right thing to do — it's essential to building a sustainable, thriving arts community. When artists are compensated fairly, they can dedicate the time and energy needed to create work that truly shines. It signals that we value their training, their talent, and their contributions to our community.

This commitment extends to every member of our production team: actors, directors, stage managers, designers, technicians, and musicians. Professional theatre means professional standards — and that includes fair compensation for everyone who makes the magic happen.

Local artists are an essential part of our mission.

Savannah is home to extraordinary creators, and we are committed to ensuring that local artists always have a real place on our stages and behind the scenes. We love uplifting the talent in our own community and giving artists opportunities to grow professionally right here at home.

Local actors, designers, and technicians bring an irreplaceable understanding of this community and its stories. They're your neighbors, your friends, and the creative heartbeat of Savannah. By prioritizing local talent, we're not just casting roles — we're investing in people. We're helping artists build their resumes, expand their skills, and create pathways to sustainable careers in the arts without having to leave the city they love.

At the same time, we recognize the value of bringing in artists from other regions. Out-of-town talent introduces fresh perspectives, new techniques, and different approaches to storytelling. This blend of local roots and outside voices creates richer, more dynamic productions — and it gives our Savannah-based artists the chance to learn from and collaborate with professionals from across the country.

Professional. State-of-the-art. Community-rooted.

We're building a theatre ecosystem that celebrates our local community while embracing the broader artistic world as well. Every production is a collaboration of creativity, passion, and skill — all in service of bringing high-quality theatre to Savannah.

Being professional means more than just paying artists. It means rigorous rehearsal schedules, meticulous attention to design and technical elements, and a commitment to storytelling that resonates. It means treating every production — whether it's an intimate two-person musical or a sprawling classic — with the same level of care, artistry, and respect for the audience.

State-of-the-art means investing in quality lighting, sound, and scenic design that create fully immersive experiences. It means using modern production techniques while honoring the timeless traditions of live theatre. And community-rooted means that everything we do — from show selection to casting to outreach — is designed with Savannah and Tybee Island in mind. We're not importing a model from somewhere else. We're building something that belongs here.

Building a Sustainable Arts Ecosystem

Theatre doesn't exist in a vacuum. When we produce a show, we partner with local restaurants, hotels, and businesses. We create opportunities for students and emerging artists through internships and work-study programs like our SCAD partnership. We contribute to the cultural tourism that strengthens Savannah's economy. Read more about why theatre is important to Savannah. And we provide gathering spaces where people from all walks of life can come together, share stories, and be moved.

This is what it means to build a sustainable arts ecosystem — one where creativity, community, and commerce support each other. Where artists can thrive, audiences can be inspired, and Savannah continues to grow as a destination for world-class cultural experiences.

Help Us Keep This Work Alive

Creating paid artistic opportunities is only possible with the support of our community. If you believe in this mission, consider donating to help sustain and grow this work.

Every dollar you contribute helps us pay artists fairly, invest in quality production values, and expand our programming. Whether you're able to give $10 or $1,000, your support makes a tangible difference. It means another actor gets paid for their work. Another designer gets to bring their vision to life. Another audience member gets to experience the transformative power of live theatre.

Together, we can ensure that Savannah remains a place where professional theatre flourishes — where artists are valued, stories are told, and community is built one show at a time.

Support Local Theatre Today