TPAC Produces
From putting on an annual show free to all Tulsa Public Schools kindergarteners to huge stage spectacles, the Tulsa Performing Arts Center is making its mark on local theatre, creating some of the most beautiful, incredible theatre in the region.
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!
July 24–August 16, 2026 | Williams Theatre
An Original Tulsa Performing Arts Center Production
Experience the sweeping romance, unforgettable music, and community spirit of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! right here in Tulsa.
Following the acclaimed success of Ragtime and Fiddler on the Roof, the Tulsa Performing Arts Center continues its tradition of Broadway-caliber storytelling with heart, bringing this iconic American musical to life with a fresh sense of place, purpose, and celebration.
Directed by Pete Otis, with music direction by Cathy Venable and choreography by Jen Alden, Oklahoma! will be more than a show, it will be a shared experience. From live pre-show entertainment to optional add-ons like a classic Oklahoma BBQ meal and Berries and Cream, every performance is designed as a joyful community gathering.
Proudly part of the Route 66 Centennial, this landmark production honors the stories and traditions that connect Oklahoma to the nation and to each other.
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s first collaboration remains, in many ways, their most innovative, setting the standards and rules of modern musical theatre. In a Western territory just after the turn of the 20th century, a high-spirited rivalry between local farmers and cowboys provides a colorful background for Curly, a charming cowboy, and Laurey, a feisty farm girl, to play out their love story. Their romantic journey, as bumpy as a surrey ride down a country road, contrasts with the comic exploits of brazen Ado Annie and hapless Will Parker in a musical adventure embracing hope, determination and the promise of a new land.
OKLAHOMA! is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization.
OKLAHOMA!
Music by RICHARD RODGERS
Book and Lyrics by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II
Based on the play "Green Grow the Lilacs" by Lynn Riggs
Original Choreography by Agnes de Mille
Pre-Show Oklahoma BBQ & Live Entertainment Experience
Make your night at Oklahoma! a true celebration of place, flavor, and community with our authentic pre-show Oklahoma BBQ dinner experience, hosted at the TPAC Norman Theater before the curtain rises.
Guests are invited to gather early and enjoy a relaxed, welcoming evening inspired by wide-open country hospitality. The BBQ dinner features slow-smoked pulled pork and pulled chicken, served alongside classic Southern sides including baked beans, creamy mashed potatoes, and Texas toast, comforting, hearty, and unmistakably Oklahoma.
But this is more than a meal; it’s a full sensory experience. From the mouthwatering aroma of wood-smoked barbecue to the casual, communal atmosphere, the evening is designed to bring people together. Share great food, strike up conversations, and soak in the spirit of the land that inspired the musical itself.
The experience continues with live pre-show entertainment celebrating cowboy heritage and Route 66, featuring performances by local musicians. Guests can relax at picnic tables, lounge on hay bales, snap photos at a themed selfie station, and enjoy the sounds and stories that set the stage for the performance ahead.
Rooted in tradition and rich with character, the Oklahoma BBQ experience is a tribute to the region’s love of good food, craftsmanship, and shared moments and the perfect way to begin your evening at Oklahoma!.
Available as an optional ticket add-on. Limited availability.
Audition for TPAC’s Production of Oklahoma!
We are seeking singers, movers, and dancers of all backgrounds to join us in bringing this iconic American musical to life. In-person auditions will be held in Tulsa and Oklahoma City and will be scheduled in one-hour time blocks with a limited number of performers per session, along with designated dance and movement calls. For those unable to attend in person, video submissions will be accepted and must be received by end of day on February 15.
Auditioners must be 16+.
For your audition, please prepare 24-32 bars of a music selection from Oklahoma! Vocal cuts from the show will be provided when audition slots are assigned. Be sure to also bring appropriate clothing and be prepared to move for the dance call.
Rehearsals will start in mid-June and will take place on weekday evenings and some Saturday, as necessary.
Compensation:
All roles are paid. Principal roles compensated at higher rates, scaled by role and performance demands.
TULSA AUDITIONS
Location: TulsaPAC’s Norman Theatre
Friday, January 30
• 5:00pm – Vocal Audition Block 1
• 6:00pm – Vocal Audition Block 2
• 7:00pm – Singers Who Move Dance Call (Friday auditioners only)
• 8:00pm – Vocal Audition Block 3
• 9:00pm – Vocal Audition Block 4
Saturday, January 31
• 9:00am – Dance Call (dancers who sing)
• 10:30am – Vocal Audition Block 1 (for dancers from 9 am)
• 11:30am – Vocal Audition Block 2 (for dancers from 9 am)
• 12:30pm – Break
• 1:30pm – Vocal Audition Block 3
• 2:30pm – Vocal Audition Block 4
• 3:30pm – Singers Who Move Dance Call (Saturday auditioners)
• 4:30pm – Vocal Audition Block 5
• 5:30pm – Vocal Audition Block 6
Sunday, February 1
• 2:00pm – Vocal Audition Block 1
• 3:00pm – Vocal Audition Block 2
• 4:00pm – Vocal Audition Block 3
• 5:00pm – Singers Who Move Dance Call (Sunday auditioners)
Saturday, February 28
• 12:00-4:00pm – Callbacks
OKLAHOMA CITY AUDITIONS
Location: TBD
Friday, February 13
• 5:00pm – Vocal Audition Block 1
• 6:00pm – Vocal Audition Block 2
• 7:00pm – Singers Who Move Dance Call (Friday auditioners only)
• 8:00pm – Vocal Audition Block 3
• 9:00pm – Vocal Audition Block 4
Saturday, February 14
• 9:00am – Dance Call (Saturday auditioners only)
• 10:30am – Vocal Audition Block 1
• 11:30am – Vocal Audition Block 2
• 12:30pm – Break
• 1:30pm – Vocal Audition Block 3
Saturday, February 28
12:00-4:00pm - Callbacks in Tulsa
Audition FAQs
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Pete Otis - Director
Cathy Venable - Music Director
Jen Alden - Choreographer
Design team will be announced at a later date
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ALL roles are available and we are eager to see how you can bring to these characters to life!
All performers aged 16 and up are welcome to audition.
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Because of the number of signups, auditioners are encouraged to sing selections from the show. Role-specific and ensemble cuts will be provided to auditioners when audition slots are assigned via email.
Alternatively, a 32-bar cut from a golden age-style musical is also acceptable; an accompanist will be provided, so to make your best showing, bring your sheet music with cuts clearly marked.
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Auditioners at the “Singers Who Move” dance calls will be taught a short combination to assess their ability to learn basic choreography and interpret that movement with musical expression
For the “Dancers who Sing” call, dancers will learn a more advanced combination, designed to assess technique, training, and artistic expression.
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Yes! Both male and female with tap experience in Tulsa should attend the Saturday morning dance call. A short tap combination will be taught after the advanced combination, so don’t forget your tap shoes!
Tappers in OKC will be taught a tap combination at the conclusion of the Mover call on Saturday, February 14th.
Note: Tap experience can only help you; both tappers and non-tappers are all encouraged to audition!
Not sure if you’re trained enough? Come with a good attitude, give it a shot, and show us your potential! Attending the tap calls will only help you.
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Rehearsals will begin the week of June 14th, with a general weekly schedule of evening rehearsals Monday-Thursday and daytime rehearsals on Saturday.
Tech week begins July 19th, with opening night on Friday, July 24th.
Performers with no conflicts will receive preference in casting.
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Callbacks in Tulsa will occur on February 28.
Auditioners in OKC may be asked to stay and read sides after their audition slot on February 13th and 14th.
Final Callbacks are Saturday, February 28, at TPAC
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Yes! All performers will be compensated at a rate determined by role, and Equity Guest Artist contracts are available!
And YES! This year we are proud to offer housing to our out of town cast members for the entire rehearsal period and performance days.*
*More details will be made available during the casting process.
Oklahoma! Character Descriptions
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s first collaboration remains, in many ways, their most innovative, setting the standards and rules of modern musical theatre. In a Western territory just after the turn of the 20th century, a high-spirited rivalry between local farmers and cowboys provides a colorful background for Curly, a charming cowboy, and Laurey, a feisty farm girl, to play out their love story. Their romantic journey, as bumpy as a surrey ride down a country road, contrasts with the comic exploits of brazen Ado Annie and hapless Will Parker in a musical adventure embracing hope, determination and the promise of a new land.
Aunt Eller. (Female aged mid 40’s – 60’s. Mezzo.) Hard-working, Fun-loving, and sassy; Laurey’s aunt. Farmer.
Curly. (Male aged 18-30. Baritone) A young cowman; mischievous bordering on arrogant; handsome. Pining for Laurey but can’t communicate it.
Laurey. (Female aged 18-30. Soprano) A farm woman; lovely, tomboyish and innocent. Lives on her farm with her aunt. Pining for Curly but can’t let herself show it.
Will Parker. (Male aged 18-30. Tenor) A young cowman. Happy-go-lucky, and folks can’t help but like him. Acts first, asks questions later. Talented and flirtatious. In love with Ado Annie.
Ado Annie. (Female aged 18-30. Soprano belter) A young woman, and a farmer’s daughter. Flirtatious, fun-loving, and absent-minded.
Jud Fry. (Male aged 20-35. Baritone) A farmhand described as growly, hardworking. Jud does not fit in with the society he lives in; he is seen by most as an outsider and misunderstood.
Ali Hakim. (Male aged 20-35. Tenor) A traveling salesman who claims to be from Persia—He, like Jud, is an outsider to this community but not feared by anyone. He likes pretty things and women. He pursues Ado Annie and Gertie Cummings.
Gertie Cummings. (Female aged 20s-30s. Any vocal part) A young woman, a spoiled daughter of a store owner. Has a unique laugh.
Andrew Carnes. (Male aged 50s+. Any vocal part) A farmer. Gruff. Loves his daughter, Ado Annie, but he’s focused on other things—like hunting.
Ike Skidmore. (Male aged 50s+. Baritone) Ranch owner. Along with Eller, often the voice of reason.
Cord Elam. (Male 20s-30s. Any vocal part) the Marshall in town.
Ensemble and Dance Ensemble
Volunteer to Usher for Oklahoma!
Includes free Oklahoma T-Shirt! Ushers must be 18 or older and able to walk up and down stairs without assistance. Volunteers must also pass a criminal background check and receive certification through the TPAC.
Sponsors
This project is being supported in part by American Rescue Plan Act Federal Award, awarded to the State of Oklahoma by the US Department of the Treasury.