Hi, I’m Wendy Oesterle.
Executive Director
Hey everyone! I'm Wendy Oesterle, the Executive here at The Stage Oconee. I've been involved in theatre for many years, from performing and directing to teaching and producing. After years of volunteering and working in theatre education, I joined The Stage Oconee in 2023 as Executive Director
About Me!
FAVORITES/FUN FACTS:
Favorite Musical: Ragtime
Favorite Role: Mother in A Christmas Story the Musical
Fun Fact: I have six children, so I have basically been pregnant for 54 months of my life.
Hobbies Outside of the Theater: Listening to audiobooks, singing Billy Joel with my husband and kids at the top of our lungs, game nights with my family, teaching music classes at our homeschool co-op, sitting by my pool in the summer, and spending whatever time I have left with my parents.
I've been involved in theatre for many years through performing, directing, teaching, producing, and volunteering. I love helping create opportunities for people in our community to learn, grow, and find their place in the arts.
Outside of The Stage, I'm a mom of six, so my family keeps me pretty busy! I also love music, teaching, and spending time with the people I love.
What I do at The Stage…
I am responsible for all the business decisions that are necessary for The Stage. I work with the Board of Directors to help plan and guide our future towards growth and exceptionalism.
Financial: I manage all the financial and legal aspects including budgeting, seeking donors and grants, paying the bills and maintaining our non-profit status, and more.
Marketing: I work with the marketing team to help promote us, increase our reach, and stay connected to the local community.
Artistic: I help the artistic team with planning the season, building teams, and keeping our productions high quality but cost effective.
Facilities: I focus on facilities issues that need upkeep and repair, including ordering supplies as needed to keep us always working efficiently. I work with the rental coordinators to help rent out our space as a venue or our costumes, sets, and props to local theaters in the area.
What else do I do?
I love music directing shows. I have music directed approximately 50 shows in the last 15 years and hearing those harmony soar is always my favorite moment of theatre. I also enjoy working as an assistant director, playing the music in the tech booth, or helping with our Front of House volunteers on performance weekends. You'll always find me at the back of the house cheering on our performers and team members at every performance.