For those looking for premieres, comedies or musicals, The Meadow Brook Theatre is the place to be. This year is its 50th anniversary season.

The season begins on Oct. 7, and features seven different productions, including a holiday production and four Michigan premieres. 

According to The Oakland Press, when Meadow Brook Theatre was opened in 1966, it brought professionals to OU to complement the school’s academic offerings. It’s the largest non-profit theater in Michigan. 

When it comes to preparing a season for Meadow Brook Theatre, many factors are considered. 

Travis Walter is the artistic director and an OU alumnus.  The theater staff has to consider how each show will have something for everyone to enjoy. 

“We start thinking about next season even before the upcoming season starts, which is about a year in advance,” Walter said. 

For the 50th Anniversary, the first production meeting was in February and the theatre spent nine months preparing for it. 

The 2015-16 season will begin with “The Explorers Club” by Nell Benjamin.

This November will be the 34th annual holiday production of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. 

“My job never gets boring,” said Terry Carpenter, the resident stage manager and associate director. “And the best part about my job is that every month is something different, so that comes with different tasks.”

Carpenter directs “A Christmas Carol” and other productions. His wife, Linda Carpenter, is a veteran of the theatre’s costume shop. Their sons were both child actors in several of the shows including “A Christmas Carol.”

Carpenter has been with the theatre since the spring of 1979. Because many of the staff has been working there for 10 to 30 years, Carpenter considers them  family.

Individual and season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Meadow Brook Theatre’s box office in Wilson Hall or through Ticketmaster.

OU students can get a discount on opening shows for $11 each for two tickets. 

For more information on Meadow Brook Theatre, visit mbtheatre.org.

Meadow Brook Theatre’s 2015-2016 season:

• “The Explorers Club” by Nell Benjamin –October 7 to November 1 *Michigan premiere*

• “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens –November 12 to December 24

• “Legends!” by James Kirkwood –January 6 to January 31

• “ATOMIC” by Danny Ginges and Gregory Bonsignore –February 16 to March 16 *Michigan premiere*

• “Calendar Girls” by Tim Firth –March 16 to April 10 *Michigan premiere*

• “Sistas the Musical” by Dorothy Marcic –April 20 to May 15 *Michigan premiere*

• “Forever Plaid” by Stuart Ross –May 25 to June 19