History of OSHP

OSHP is a non-profit, entirely volunteer organization. We have performed more than 60 productions in our 40-plus years as Oregon’s community theater group. Our performing “home” is the Performing Arts Center at Oregon High School. 

In 1982, Judy and Paul Heitmann approached Oregon High School Choral Director Gay Shaw with a proposal to form a local theatre troupe. They recruited the financial assistance of the Oregon Chamber of Commerce and the help of a troop of volunteers to present Oklahoma! in the OHS Cafetorium that summer.

In 1984, Oregon Straw Hat Players was incorporated, taking our name from the "straw hat circuit," a tradition of special summer theatrical productions staged outside the usual urban centers.

From the beginning, we have taken pride in being involved citizens of the Oregon community beyond producing shows. For many years we have offered scholarships for students interested in pursuing the fine arts, as our productions often include Oregon area students onstage, in the orchestra pit, and backstage. We are an active member of the Oregon Chamber of Commerce; we offer free summer workshops for both students and adults on the finer points of such theater skills as stage management, lighting, scenic painting, costuming, and auditioning; we collaborate with the Oregon Public Library in their popular Pajama Story Time readings; and we produce shows exclusively featuring children or teens, introducing area youth to all aspects of musical theater. 

Hundreds of volunteers over the years have contributed to the Straw Hat effort. In 1989, we established our Hats Off! Awards to recognize that fact.

Both residents and those who've adopted Oregon as a second home have come to feel that OSHP is an integral part of the town's fabric. We hope you will join us as we continue our efforts to bring the best of community theater to the Oregon area.

Learn how you can become involved with OSHP!