Ohio Light Opera to Remain Part of The College of Wooster

New agreement, signed July 1, clarifies roles, responsibilities, financial reporting

WOOSTER,Ohio, July 26, 2011 – After a careful, 18-month study of whether the Ohio Light Opera should become an independent, not-for-profit arts organization, The College of Wooster and OLO have decided to maintain their existing relationship. On July 1, a new agreement was signed that delineates in detail their respective roles and responsibilities. The budget reporting structure has been modified to clearly differentiate OLO’s operations from those of the rest of the college, and to permit OLO to manage its operations more effectively.

"The support of The College of Wooster has been instrumental in the growth of The Ohio Light Opera, over the past 33 seasons, into an internationally recognized leader in the preservation, promotion, and production of traditional lyric theater,” said Laura Neill, OLO's executive director. “OLO looks forward to continuing this relationship in the years to come and to building on its educational opportunities as part of the college's mission."

“The Ohio Light Opera is a tremendous cultural asset, not just for the college, but for the City of Wooster and Northeastern Ohio,” said Grant Cornwell, president of The College of Wooster.  “Each year I am pleased to see more students and alumni of the college participate in a variety of roles in a theater company with this level of professionalism and production quality.”

Founded in 1979 as the resident professional company of The College of Wooster, the Ohio Light Opera is recognized today as America’s premiere venue for the production of operetta and early musical theatre.

The College of Wooster is an independent liberal arts college, nationally recognized for excellence in teaching and a curriculum built around mentored undergraduate research. Every Wooster senior works one-on-one with a faculty adviser to create an original research project, written work, performance or art exhibit. Founded in 1866, the college enrolls approximately 2,000 students.