Oceanside Theatre Company’s Spring Awakening Spotlights
New Generation of Theatre Artists
OTC’s New STAGES Apprenticeship Program Brings Local Students And Recent Graduates
Into The Spotlight Alongside Seasoned Theatre Professionals
(Oceanside) July 17, 2025 – Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC) unveils the cast and creative team of Spring Awakening, the Tony Award-winning rock musical exploring identity, sexuality, and self-discovery. Running August 29 through September 14, 2025, at the historic Sunshine Brooks Theater (217 North Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA), the production features a compelling cast of seasoned professionals and emerging artists from local colleges, participating through OTC’s STAGES Apprenticeship Program. As the second mainstage production to include student artists, Spring Awakening reflects OTC’s commitment to inclusive casting, community collaboration, and early-career artist development.
The STAGES Apprenticeship Program is a college-level theatre internship created in partnership with MiraCosta College, Palomar College, and California State University San Marcos (CSUSM). Through the program, students and emerging artists gain experience in various facets of professional theatrical production—from acting and technical roles to front-of-house and marketing—while earning academic credit and developing real-world skills. This program is sponsored in part by a generous donation from the Oceanside Community Foundation.
“‘I think the world needs Spring Awakening again right now,’” said director Gerilyn Brault. “Its themes have only grown more relevant, and its cautionary tales are more urgent than ever. Like Hair in the ’60s and RENT in the ’90s, this show defined a generation. I’ve long hoped to bring it to North County, and I’m thrilled to do so in my hometown. Beyond my work as an actor and director in San Diego, I’m also a theatre professor at several community colleges. Nurturing the next generation of actors means a lot to me.”
The cast of Spring Awakening presents a compelling blend of emerging talent and seasoned professionals, with most of the ensemble composed of STAGES apprentices. The ensemble includes ten student apprentices: Jensyn Berreitter, Phoenix Velona, Wyatt Van Hazel, Tirzah, and Alyssa Indegno from MiraCosta College; Zaine Hahn and Olivia Yee from Palomar College; Rachel Downs from CSUSM; and rounding out the cast are Luca Stapleton and Ryan Hage. Notably, scenic design for this production is led by Tyler Dean, a MiraCosta College graduate who joined OTC’s STAGES Apprentice Program as an emerging designer. Dean is the first STAGES apprentice to take on a lead design position for an OTC mainstage show – a significant milestone for the program’s growth and support of early-career artists beyond graduation.
Making his OTC debut, Joshua Powers brings fresh energy and passion to the lead role of Melchior. Craig Noel nominee Marlon James returns to OTC as Moritz, following his acclaimed performance as Henry in OTC’s Next to Normal. Sarah K. Pierce makes her OTC debut as Wendla, bringing an impressive array of regional credits. Erica Marie Weisz, last seen on the Sunshine Brooks Theater stage in Lucky Stiff, returns as the Adult Woman, bringing a versatile San Diego theatre background. Durwood Murray Jr., a respected figure in the local arts community, returns to OTC to play Adult Man, having previously appeared in Chicken and Biscuits at the Brooks.
“The STAGES Apprenticeship Program has a huge impact on this production,” said Artistic Director Kevin “Blax” Burroughs. “With most of the ensemble and backstage crew made up of students, we’re continuing on our mission to bridge professional and collegiate work. This is a chance for these artists to shine and take ownership of their work with material that means so much to them. It’s the first time that OTC has produced a full show with such a strong student presence, and we are focused on building relationships that open doors for the future.”
Spring Awakening, with book and lyrics written by Steven Sater and music written by Duncan Sheik, is based on the groundbreaking 1891 play by Frank Wedekind. Set in 19th-century Germany, the story follows a group of teenagers as they navigate adolescence, sexuality, and self-discovery in a repressive society. With its explosive score and raw, poetic storytelling, Spring Awakening explores themes of identity, sexuality, and mental health—making it as urgent and resonant today as when it first premiered in 2006. Tickets are on sale now at OceansideTheatre.org or through the OTC Box Office at boxoffice@oceansidetheatre.org or (760) 433-8900.
Show Details
Spring Awakening
Book and Lyrics by Steven Sater
Music by Duncan Sheik
August 29 – September 14, 2025
Sunshine Brooks Theater (217 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA, 92054)
OceansideTheatre.org | 760-433-8900
Tickets: $20-$50
Fridays at 8 pm, Saturdays at 3 pm (except first weekend) & 8 pm, Sundays at 3 pm
Special Events
Preview Night – Friday, August 29 at 8 PM
Opening Night – Saturday, August 30 at 8 PM
Military Matinee – Sunday, August 31 at 3 PM
Artist Talkback – Saturday, September 6 at 3 PM
Industry Night – Monday, September 8 at 8 PM
Disclaimer: Spring Awakening contains mature subject matter that may be activating for some audience members. The production includes depictions and themes of suicide, sexual assault, domestic violence, abortion, and sexuality. Viewer discretion is advised. We strongly encourage patrons to care for themselves during and after the performance and welcome any questions or concerns about the content.
About Oceanside Theatre Company
Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC), the resident company of the historic Sunshine Brooks Theater in downtown Oceanside, is a cornerstone of the Oceanside California Cultural District. OTC presents professional theatre, live music, and visual arts, along with year-round educational programs and youth outreach initiatives. Learn more at oceansidetheatre.org or follow @oceansidetheatrecompany on social media.