FAQ

SLSA is all things technical theatre. We handle crew recruitment, tech training, and technical equipment acquisition and loaning. We have a discord server where you talk more casually or join our email list.

What do I call the complex with Hall Auditorium, Hall Annex, and Eric Baker Nord Performing Arts Annex?

There is no official name for it, but SLSA has taken to calling it the Theater Complex in most of our official documentation. Some of our documentation also calls it Hall Complex.

For those who are still confused, this is the building that contains the Kander, Hall, and Wurtzel theaters.

Jobs

How do I work on a mainstage production?

Best way to get first dibs on mainstage positions is to take classes about the positions you are interested in. Otherwise, work at Hall or pay attention to SLSA emails when the department is running low on staff. Finally, get on the Theater department email list by emailing someone from the department about it.

How do I work for Concert Sound?

Near the end of the spring semester, keep a sharp eye on the Oberlin Jobs website. Also don't be afraid to talk to or email Concert Sound if you ever have a question or problem! Find them on our Contact Page.

How do I become a SLSA board member?

Every semester we have a general interest meeting. During this meeting, we elect in new board members. At the end of Spring Semester, we also have a wrap-up meeting to make sure the organization is set up to continue operation for the next fall (in case the whole board is graduating for example).

You can also email us if you are interested in a specific position and we can set up a meeting one-on-one.

How do I get a technical job at the Theater Department?

The Theater Department does not list jobs on the Oberlin jobs site to intentionally limit staff to students those are genuinely interested. Depending on the job, you must email someone in the department and pick up a paper application in-person.

Scene shop: Email the technical director (currently Joe Natt as of 2023)

Paint shop: Email the technical director (currently Joe Natt as of 2023)

Electrics shop: Email the master electrician (currently Scott Devine as of 2023)

I got an email from SLSA about an open production position. How do I show my interest?

Email us! Tell us what the show is you are interested in, your experience, as well as what position you wish to fill.

If you applied and never got a response from us, that also means we have most likely filled the position. However, it doesn't hurt to ask!

Student Theater/Dance

Wilder 400 Access

Only specific members of OSTA, OMTA, and SLSA have access to Wilder 400. Depending on who you are, you should contact the following:

I am an OSTA/OMTA production: You should contact your co-tech. If you are not sure who your co-tech is, than contact SLSA and we can tell you.
I am a student production: Contact SLSA about usage of Wilder 400 equipment. We can also assist in the setup of any technical equipment.
I am a theater/dance department production: As a general rule of thumb, we normally do not lend equipment to the theater department because of Student Union's policies. The theater department has plenty of resources in Warner and Theater Complex. However, if you desperately need a piece of equipment that you know we already have, you can contact SLSA and we might be able to work something out.
I am a TIMARA/ARTS/Conservatory/Academic production: As a general rule of thumb, we normally do not lend equipment to the academic departments because of Student Union's policies. However, if you desperately need a piece of equipment that you know we already have, or you are hosting your show in Wilder Main, you can contact SLSA and we might be able to work something out.

Why doesn't OSTA/OMTA require productions to come in to proposal meetings with designers already listed like the department does?

OSTA/OMTA aims at the demographic of Oberlin students who want to direct theater but are not experienced enough to do it with the department. Therefore, many of the people proposing simply do not have connections to technical people.

SLSA's Solution: Part of the proposal process should include sitting down with SLSA to discuss the technical needs of the production and to assign preliminary designer positions for the production.

How do I get involved?

Oberlin has two student theater groups. Oberlin Student Theater Association (OSTA) and Oberlin Musical Theater Association (OMTA). Both organizations have a Technical Assistant position that they call a co-tech who is in charge of assisting productions with their technical needs. These positions are assigned at the beginning of each semester, however if you miss the meetings you can always email OSTA at osta@oberlin.edu or OMTA at omta@oberlin.edu.

Oberlin also has Dance Umbrella which is an umbrella organization for all the dance groups on campus.

If you would like to actually design for Student Theater/Dance, you should watch your email closely because SLSA is in charge of recruiting designers for student theater.

Finally, SLSA sits between OSTA and OMTA as the technical management organization. Our technical coordinator position shares a board position on OMTA and OSTA and eventually the co-techs will work under the direction of the technical coordinator.

Usage of Wilder Main

I am a production

You MUST contact Student Union and Concert Sound in order to use Wilder Main. SLSA works closely with Concert Sound (as they are our advisors) and if we do not get confirmation from them that you have permission to use the space than we will not assist you with your production until that confirmation is received.

I am a designer

Make sure your production has gotten permission to use the space (as stated above). Additionally you must have approval from Concert Sound and SLSA to use the equipment that is in the space. If you have questions, contact SLSA and Concert Sound.

Extremely Important Questions

What's the name of the Otter?

The Otter is Ollie! Ollie is a North American River Otter that uses they/them pronouns. Obviously Ollie can't speak, being an Otter and all, but understands all languages.

What kind of Salsa is in the SLSA bowl?

The SLSA salsa is Habanero salsa made from super concentrated habanero oil. This is what gives the salsa its glow. Some have tried to use it as a stage light but Ollie normally eats it during focus so we don't recommend it. And the chip? Just your regular old hand-made corn chip.

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FAQ

General Questions

What is SLSA?