A First Show Experience at The Stage Oconee: Big Fish
Welcome to the blog at The Stage Oconee, where we tell you things that are happening in our theatre family and around our community, offer bits of theatre information, and much more!
Today, we’re following our interns, Sommer and Victoria, as they go see a show at The Stage Oconee for the first time! We’ll travel with them from the front door all the way to the end of the show. They’ve been attending rehearsals and classes at The Stage, and this performance showed them what happens when all of those rehearsals come to fruition. From stepping into the lobby, to finding their seats, to watching the curtain rise, this experience gave them a full look at what it means to be part of a live theatre audience.
Their First Show: Big Fish
Victoria and Sommer went to see Big Fish on Saturday, March 21, 2026; what a first show to see! They got to experience this amazing story and all of its accompanying feelings and emotions—nostalgia, happiness, sadness, remembrance—this show had it all.
Having spent time in rehearsals and classes, they were able to see the transformation from practice to performance. The lights, costumes, storytelling, and energy of a live audience all came together to create something truly special.
Listen as they talk about their experience, and then read some of our audience reviews below!
Audience Reactions to Big Fish
The impact of Big Fish didn’t stop with our interns—audiences across the weekend were deeply moved by the production. Here’s what some of them had to say:
Paige Odell shared:
“This was my first time coming to The Stage Oconee for a show. Big Fish was wonderful and the cast is so talented. It’s a beautiful story and they portrayed it in such a wonderful way. I will definitely be back to see another show.”
Haley Hinson said:
“The first show to make me cry—it's amazing.”
Big Dean (Dean Roessing) shared:
“Incredible, talented, and committed cast. I was incredibly immersed, and it had everyone sobbing. A beautifully crafted production. Watching my friends, former mentors, and people I didn’t know personally come together made this such an amazing experience. 5 Stage Stars.”
These reviews capture exactly what makes live theatre so powerful—connection, emotion, and a shared experience that stays with you long after the curtain falls.
What’s Next at The Stage Oconee
Though Big Fish is over, shows are still coming this Spring to our stage!
Tickets are on sale for late April performances of Space Pirates, our elementary student production class. And tickets for the Mother’s Day weekend performances of Dear Edwina Jr., our middle and high school student production class, are on sale now.
There’s so much more to come as the second half of our season continues, and each production brings new students, new stories, and new opportunities to experience live theatre.
Join Us at The Stage
There’s so much more to come as the second half of our season continues! We’d love for you to join us on our journey.
Whether it’s your first show—just like Sommer and Victoria—or your fiftieth, there’s always something special waiting for you at The Stage Oconee.
Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes stories, student highlights, and community moments right here on our blog—and don’t forget to follow us on social media to keep up with everything happening at the studio.
