40 Productions at Okoboji Summer Theatre

Scenic Design
Written By Brandon PT Davis
 

August 5, 2023 — I just opened my 40th production at Okoboji Summer Theatre. I’m 38 now, and somehow this has become my 15th season here. Time flies when you think back on all the shows, all the late nights, and all the students I’ve had the privilege to work alongside.

Two people in particular have been there every single summer with me: Michael Burke, Director of Production, and Ruth Ann Burke, Executive Director. They’re the anchors of this theatre, and working with them year after year has shaped my career and my sense of what summer stock can mean.

It’s surreal to look back — 40 productions is a milestone I couldn’t have imagined when I first arrived here. More than anything, I’m grateful for the friendships, the mentorship, and the community this place has built around theatre.

 
 

Scenic Designs at the Okboji Summer Theatre

  1. The Effect of Gamma Rays  - dir. Beth Leonard - 2010

  2. Steel Magnolias - dir. Lamby Hedge - 2011

  3. The Glass Menagerie - dir. Lamby Hedge - 2011

  4. Crimes of the Heart - dir. Jana Robbins - 2012

  5. The Liar - dir. Lamby Hedge - 2012

  6. Chicago - dir. Millie Garvey - 2012

  7. Don’t Dress for Dinner - dir. Dan Schultz - 2013

  8. Bingo: The Winning Musical - dir. Tricia Brouke - 2013

  9. Angel Street - dir. Rich Cole - 2013

  10. Rich Girl - dir. Rich Cole - 2014

  11. The Complete Works of Shakespeare - dir. David Davolos - 2014

  12. Little Shop of Horrors - dir. Terry Berliner - 2014

  13. On Thin Ice -  dir. Dan Schultz - 2015

  14. The Last Train to Nibroc - dir. Janice Goldberg - 2015

  15. Barefoot in the Park - dir. Kymberly Mellen - 2015

  16. The Spitfire Grill -  dir. Stephens Brotebeck - 2016

  17. A Murder is Announced - dir. Karl Kippola - 2016

  18. Cinderella - dir. Liz Picolli - 2016

  19. Not Now, Darling - dir. Fred Rubeck - 2018

  20. Over the River, and Through the Woods - dir- Fred Rubeck - 2018

  21. Thoroughly Modern Millie - dir. Paul Finocchiaro - 2018

  22. Happily Ever After - dir. Courtney Crouse - 2019

  23. Living on Love -  dir. Fred Rubeck - 2019

  24. Mamma Mia - Robin Levine -  2019

  25. Clue on Stage - dir. Stephen Brotebeck -  2021

  26. The Marvelous Wonderettes: Dream On - dir. Lauren Haughton Gillis - 2021

  27. Urinetown -  dir. Paul Finocchiaro - 2021

  28. An Inspector Calls - dir. Stephen Brotebeck - 2022

  29. Bright Star - dir. Lauren Haughton Gillis - 2022

  30. Legally Blonde - dir. Amy Fritsche - 2022

  31. Cole - dir. Alison Morooney - 2023

  32. Dial “M” for Murder - dir. Fred Rubeck - 2023

  33. The Wedding Singer - dir. Bernie Monroe - 2023

  34. Baskerville - dir. Stephen Brotebeck - 2024

  35. Freaky Friday - dir. Josh Walden - 2024

  36. Barefoot in the Park - dir. Brett Olson - 2024

  37. The Music Man - dir. Bernie Monroe - 2024

  38. Bell, Book, and Candle - dir. Richard Biever - 2025

  39. Death Trap  - dir. Fred Rubeck - 2025

  40. How to Succeed in Business -dir. Bernie Monroe - 2025

 
Brandon PT Davis

Brandon PT Davis is a scenic and experiential designer whose work spans theatre, themed entertainment, and education. With more than 130 productions to his name, he explores how technology, storytelling, and collaboration shape the art of scenic design. His blog, Scenic Insights, reflects on design philosophy, process, and emerging tools while sharing resources for students and professionals alike.

https://www.brandonptdavis.com
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