Community Spotlight: Our Partnership with the Savannah College of Art and Design

At New Oak Theatre, we believe that great art grows from strong roots — and we couldn't be more proud to partner with the incredible students of SCAD through the Federal Work Study program.

This season, talented SCAD students are stepping into real-world roles on our productions, gaining hands-on experience while continuing their studies. Their creativity, passion, and fresh perspectives have already become an invaluable part of our process.

What the Partnership Looks Like in Action

Through the Federal Work Study program, SCAD students are gaining paid, professional experience in multiple areas of theatre production. Some work as assistant stage managers, learning to coordinate rehearsals, manage props, and call cues during performances. Others assist our designers with lighting plots, sound design, costume construction, and set building — translating classroom theory into real-world problem-solving.

These aren't just internships where students observe from the sidelines. SCAD work-study students are active contributors to the creative process. They attend production meetings, collaborate with professional designers and directors, and see their ideas come to life on stage. For many, it's the first time they've had the opportunity to apply their academic training in a fully professional setting — and the results speak for themselves.

One recent example: during the production of I Do! I Do!, a SCAD student served as costume assistant, working closely with our costume designer to source, alter, and maintain period-appropriate wardrobe for the two-character musical. From wedding gowns to nightwear spanning fifty years of marriage, the student helped bring the visual storytelling to life through careful attention to detail, historical accuracy, and quick-change logistics. Their creativity, dedication, and willingness to learn made them an indispensable member of the team.

Why This Partnership Matters

For SCAD students, this partnership offers more than just a paycheck. It's a chance to build professional relationships, grow their portfolios, and gain the kind of hands-on experience that employers value. Theatre is a collaborative art form, and learning to work within a production team — meeting deadlines, solving problems, and supporting fellow artists — is just as important as technical skill.

For New Oak Theatre, the partnership enriches our productions and strengthens our connection to Savannah's vibrant arts community. SCAD students bring fresh ideas, cutting-edge techniques, and boundless energy. They challenge us to think differently and push the boundaries of what's possible with our resources. And because many SCAD students come from across the country and around the world, they bring diverse perspectives that make our work more dynamic and inclusive.

For Savannah, this collaboration is yet another example of how arts institutions can work together to lift each other up. SCAD is one of the premier art and design colleges in the nation, and New Oak Theatre is building a professional theatre company that pays artists and produces high-quality work. By partnering, we're creating a pipeline for talent, strengthening the local creative economy, and showing that Savannah is a place where artists can thrive.

Supporting emerging artists isn't just something we do — it's part of our mission.

New Oak Theatre is dedicated to cultivating every part of our community through inclusive programming, artist development, and meaningful partnerships. Our collaboration with SCAD is a shining example of that commitment.

We believe that investing in young artists today creates a stronger, more vibrant arts community tomorrow. When students have access to professional opportunities, mentorship, and real-world experience, they're more likely to stay in the field — and more likely to contribute to the cultural life of their communities. That's why we're committed to not only providing paid work-study positions, but also creating an environment where students feel valued, supported, and empowered to take creative risks.

Looking Ahead: Expanding Our Educational Impact

Our partnership with SCAD is just the beginning. As New Oak Theatre grows, we're exploring additional ways to support emerging artists and expand our educational programming. We're working toward offering internships and mentorship opportunities for high school students interested in theatre. We're planning outreach programs that bring live performance into schools and community centers. And we're committed to ensuring that theatre remains accessible to young people from all backgrounds.

If you're interested in learning more about our education initiatives or supporting the next generation of theatre artists, we invite you to explore our education page and consider making a donation to help us expand these programs.

Here's to nurturing the next generation of artists, lifting each other up, and building a stronger creative community together. We're grateful to SCAD for believing in this partnership, and we're excited to see where it leads.

How You Can Support This Work

Partnerships like this one are only possible when our community shows up to support live theatre. Every ticket you purchase, every donation you make, and every time you share our work with others, you're helping us create more opportunities for emerging artists. You're investing in Savannah's cultural future and ensuring that the next generation of theatre professionals has the resources they need to succeed.