OKLAHOMA CITY REPERTORY THEATER
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
OKLAHOMA CONTEMPORARY ARTS CENTER
PRESENTS
INSTRUCTIONS
FOR A SÉANCE
Written and Performed by
Katie Bender
Directed by Lily Wolff
January 22-24, 2026
Te Ata Theater at Oklahoma Contemporary
SCENIC DESIGN: Lauren McPherson
LIGHTING DESIGN: Clara Starkwell
SOUND DESIGN: Jacob Henry
STAGE MANAGER: Lauren Brooks
PRODUCTION MANAGER: David Pilchman
...
Developed with support from ScriptWorks Revision Resource funding. Find more information about ScriptWorks at www.scriptworks.org
This play was developed with the support of Playwrights’ Center.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR A SÉANCE received a workshop in the Alley Theatre’s 2023 Alley All New Festival Rob Melrose, Artistic Director Dean R. Gladden, Managing Director
Instructions for a Séance premiered at Amphibian Stage.
Happy New Year and welcome back to OKC Rep! I’m really excited to kick off 2026 by bringing you something entirely different. INSTRUCTIONS FOR A SÉANCE is truly unlike any other night (or afternoon) at the theater. As Katie Bender attempts to reach Harry Houdini in OKC this week, I can’t help but think about what it means to escape.
When we talk about “escapism” in the arts, we’re usually referring to entertainment that distracts us from our woes. At OKC Rep, it’s our mission to bring you theater that makes you think, and hopefully sparks a conversation in the car on the way home. BUT that doesn’t mean we don’t also believe that there’s a very important place for escapism as well. I think you’ll find a little of both at the theater today.
What do you want to break free from? Did you come here today in the hopes of getting away from it? Whatever it is, I sincerely hope that your 70 minutes with us provides at least a little relief.
Following INSTRUCTIONS FOR A SÉANCE, we’ve got two more fantastic events before the 2025-26 Season comes to a close. From April 10-19th, we’ll be hosting NTY Bestselling Author Lindy West with her new solo comedy, EVERY CASTLE, RANKED. Lindy is such a talented storyteller and engaging performer, you won’t want to miss this one!
Then, on May 9th, we’ll close our season with our annual benefit event: THE BEST INVITATION IN TOWN. This year, we’re celebrating Max Weitzenhoffer. Max has been a generous supporter, dedicated Board Member, and a source of friendship and guidance for many years. I sincerely look forward to the chance to raise a glass to Max, and I hope you’ll join me! You can find more info on this event at okcrep.org/best.
See you back at the theater soon!
Emily Comisar, Executive Artistic Director
The team at OKC Rep wishes to thank:
OCU, CNS Productions, Titan AV, Oklahoma Contemporary, Brian Coleman, Amanda & Kolt Schnake, Isabella Tijerina, DayClub Midtown, Mark Beffort, The Skirvin Hotel, The Colcord Hotel, Craig’s Emporium, Evolution Marketing.
