Technical Tuesdays

Sara Marie Ohm

Artistic Director

College: Senior Theatre and Language Arts Education double major at Ohio Northern University

Favorite Musical: Miss Saigon by Claude-Michael Schönberg

Q: Describe your experience working with non-profit organizations. What made you interested in getting involved with Guts For Glory Theatre Company?

A: I interned at Columbus Children's Theatre as the Education Administration Intern where I learned a lot about non-profit organizations. Besides that I have volunteered at other non-profit organizations in the past where I came to understand the importance of volunteering along with the important impact non-profit organizations have on the community. I was asked by a high school friend of mine, Andrew Hartje, if I would be interested in producing a play with him and some other people who had graduated from our high school. I quickly agreed because of my passion for the arts. It was then that we founded Guts For Glory Theatre Company. After Andrew and another team member stepped down from their positions at the theatre, I happily stepped up to the Artistic Director position. 

Q: How do you recognize and deal with burnout in yourself and/or cast members? 

A: When I get burnt out I try to take a day to myself to clear my mind. I turn my phone off, get active, and make sure that I stay out of the house because when I am home all I can think about is the work that needs to get done and how I do not have any energy to do it. I try to encourage cast members to do that same thing; take a day to themselves and come back to rehearsal refreshed the next day. It is important to know that there is an end to every production so when you start feeling burnt out you should take a quick breather and remember that it will all be over in due time. 

Q: How do you shape and create a coherent and vibrant production? What other team members do you need available to help bring this production to life?

A: It is a collaborative process. After obtaining the royalties to the show you want to produce, you find a director, musical director, choreographer, technical designer, set designer, costume designer, and make-up designer. You sit down with all of these people and talk about their vision for the production. Once everyone is on the same page the process begins. Everyone has their own job and their own deadlines and it always comes together at the end. We need all the directors and designers I previously mentioned along with a marketing/personal relations representative, box office manager, and many volunteers. Each of these team members are important for without them we would have no show.

Q: Where do you see Guts For Glory Theatre Company going in the next couple of years? 

A: In the next couple of years I see Guts For Glory Theatre Company continuing to produce at least one show each summer for a total of two shows each year. We would like to produce a second show either during the winter or put on a second show during the summer. For now, we are focused on producing one quality show each summer in order to present the Myah Sue Knecht Scholarship for a graduating Gahanna Christian Academy student who has demonstrated theatrical, musical, and academic success.

Q: Why should people come to see The Wizard of Oz (R.S.C.)?

A: The Wizard of Oz has been an iconic musical since it was released in theater's in 1939. Families all over the United States sit together in front of the T.V. with popcorn, watching as Dorothy journey's through the magical land of Oz to meet with the Wizard. Although watching the musical on your T.V. is fantastic, there is nothing like live theatre. You can physically go on the journey with Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tinman, and Lion. Not to mention that the musical also has a timeless message of friendship and appreciating what you have. "There is no place like home."

The Wizard of Oz (R.S.C.) performances dates are July 31st at 7pm, August 1st at 7pm, and August 1st at 2pm.
Tickets? Click here or call 1-800-965-9324. 
Questions? Email us at gutsforglorytheatreco@gmail.com