It comes as a shock to no one that the best musical-performance talent is at liberal arts colleges.

Take Ohio Wesleyan University for example. The community is invited to witness the student showcase of music, fine arts, theater and dance performances in the upcoming academic year.

"People are going to get a professional quality performance when they come out to hear college musicians and performers," said Richard Edwards, chair of the performing arts department at the university.

The department of performing arts recently announced the arts calendar for the upcoming year, featuring well over 20 performances that flow into 2026.

From faculty recitals, symphony ensembles, choir and dance performances, these events are mostly free and open to all.

"There's just so many different styles and genres of music that we're going to feature. If someone's interested in bands, then we have jazz band, concert band, marching band," Edwards said.

Ohio Wesleyan University released its 2025-26 arts events calendar showcasing several musical theater performances for the public.

OWU has been putting on these showcases for many years. Edwards, who has been with the university for 17 years, said performances have only become more polished over time

"I think we've definitely grown in our stylistic and genre options," Edwards said. "We have been putting out a pretty robust arts calendar for decades."

With a musical theater program that has tripled in its enrollment, new groups — like the ukulele ensemble — forming on a regular basis and honor choir and band festivals filling the auditorium to capacity, Ohio Wesleyan is a melting pot of talent.

Performing arts events

Sept. 19: Northwest Ohio Vocal Arts Ensemble will perform during OWU's homecoming weekend.
Oct. 17 and 18, 8 p.m.: Ohio Wesleyan Musical Theatre Scenes at Sanborn Hall, 23 Elizabeth St. Admission is free.
Oct 30.-Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m.: Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” in Chappelear Drama Center, 45 Rowland Ave. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for seniors and free for OWU students and employees.
Nov. 14, 8 p.m. and Nov. 15, 2 and 8 p.m.: Ohio Wesleyan Orchesis 25/26 dance concert in Chappelear Drama Center. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for seniors and free for OWU students and employees.
April 10-11 and 17-18, 7:30 p.m., April 12, 2:30 p.m.: Ohio Wesleyan spring musical production of “Into the Woods” at Chappelear Drama Center. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for seniors and free for OWU students and employees.