Off-Monroe Players, Rochester

Off-Monroe Players (OMP) is a dynamic community theater group based in Rochester, devoted entirely to the timeless operettas of Gilbert and Sullivan. For more than 30 years, this enthusiastic troupe has breathed new life into Victorian-era works, adapting them with a modern sensibility that keeps each production engaging, humorous, and surprisingly relevant. What might seem like a narrow artistic focus has become a thriving tradition, with every show offering something fresh for both new audiences and returning fans.

The group performs within the Romanesque-styled Salem United Church of Christ, but its true foundation is the strong sense of camaraderie among its members. OMP fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment where actors, directors, stagehands, and musicians of all experience levels can participate and grow. Beyond reviving the Gilbert and Sullivan legacy, the group’s mission centers on building community through shared creativity-and their long history of collaboration has even sparked lasting friendships and marriages along the way.

OMP stages two full productions each year (occasionally a third), drawing crowds of 250+ per show and maintaining a robust patron network that keeps the group financially stable. The enduring success of Off-Monroe Players comes from more than just strong performances; it’s the infectious joy of the performers, the loyalty of the audience, and the openness to new faces that make OMP feel less like a theater company and more like a creative family.