Brendan Byers, Artistic Director of the Oakland Center has been an actor and director with various theatrical groups in the Northeast region of the US.

Once involved heavily with Oakland Center, as its first Operations Manager, Director,  Actor, and Volunteer, he understands the integral need for the Arts in Youngstown.  We, at the Oakland, are educating all of our actors with skills that will add to their life experiences. 

Six years ago, Oakland Center began the Kids First Theatre Initiative. A year around educationally based theatre and life-skills program.  With a generous grant from the Ronald McDonald House Charities, this has become one of the fastest growing programs in the area.

Watch for NEW THINGS and BEGINNINGS in 2024/25!

The Oakland's Acorn Project - Geared towards High School students. This program allows High School students to be educated in all aspects of theatre, directing, technical knowledge, show promotion, costume and set design.

Gray Matters - A daytime program geared to older adults in all aspects of theatre including classes, performing of plays, musicals, readers theater, small original works and Lunch Theater in 2025.

Youth Arts - Along with our kids program, we will include a Juried Art Show with original works for kids in Kindergarten through 12th grade from our area.

ADULT THEATER PRODUCTIONS ARE COMING BACK IN 2024.

The Oakland relies heavily on local donations, volunteers, and participants in our Community Programs, to keep us growing.  Call 330-406-0606, or contact us through Facebook or email.