Our Mission

At omti, our mission is to cultivate the artist within every individual who walks through our doors. we provide a nurturing and inclusive environment where aspiring performers of all ages can explore their creativity, develop their skills, and embrace the transformative power of musical theatre. Through our comprehensive programs, experienced instructors, and vibrant community, we aim to inspire passion, build confidence, and instill a lifelong love for the performing arts.

  • Founder/Owner

    ekirtland@omticolumbus.org

    Favorite Show: Rent

    Education: Undergrad: Music Education / Private: Estill Voice Training

    Favorite thing about omti: Watching students discover a new love for theatre

    Teaches: Music

    Interesting Fact: Was MVP of my high school volleyball team

  • Artistic Director

    mkirtland@omticolumbus.org

    Favorite Show: Rent

    Education: Bachelor of Arts in Directing from Marymount Manhattan College with a Minor in Communications and Media Arts

    Favorite thing about omti: the community that it has created and continues to create in everything we do.

    Teaches: Acting & Production

    Interesting Fact: I have the rarest hair/eye color combination in the world! Less than 2% of the world has red hair and blue eyes!

  • Instructor: Voice, Acting, Tap

    Wyatt Kerns is a Columbus-based teacher and performer with a passion for the process of singing and making music and theatre education accessible. Pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance at The Ohio State University (anticipated Spring 2026), Wyatt enjoys bringing a voice science approach to the singing mechanism, while centering around a student-based and progress-focused pedagogy. In 2022, Wyatt was awarded as the CAPA Marquee Best Actor in a Leading Role, and he went on to be a nominee at that year’s National High School Musical Theatre Awards– aka the Jimmy Awards. Additionally to his knowledge and love of musical theatre, Wyatt enjoys teaching and performing classical music. Wyatt is thrilled to join the OMTI team and looks forward to seeing you around the studio!

  • Marketing Coordinator

    Favorite Show: Les Miserables

    Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts from Savannah College of Art and Design in Social Strategy and Management, with a minor in Advertising and Branding

    Favorite thing about omti: Watching the students' growth in performances and talent over time, along with the lasting relationships I've formed through the program, and seeing other students build those connections too.

    Teaches: Social Media and Marketing

    Interesting Fact: I know (basic) American Sign Language!

  • Instructor: Acting, Puppeteering

    Caleb Jingo won “Best Actor in a Leading Role” at the inaugural CAPA Marquee Awards, and proceeded to make his one-night Broadway debut as a nominee of the 2019 Jimmy Awards. Caleb earned his BFA in Musical Theatre on an Honors track at Ohio Northern University, with minors in Dance and Communication Studies. He has been seen on the stages of regional theatres nationwide, and most recently spent multiple years in Florida to perform in a variety of shows and parades at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. Caleb is thrilled to be returning to the Columbus performing arts scene after teaching with ZACH Theatre in Austin, TX for the summer, and he’s excited to pass on what he’s learned to the next generation of students!

  • Marketing Supervisor

Our Space

 
Donate

By donating to omti, you are not just supporting a theatre company; you are investing in the arts and helping to nurture local talent. Your generous contributions allow us to produce high-quality performances, offer educational programs, and provide a platform for emerging artists.

With your support, we can continue to create transformative experiences that inspire and entertain. Every donation, big or small, helps us keep the arts accessible to everyone and ensures that the timeless tradition of storytelling through theatre thrives in our community. Join us in our journey to make a lasting impact—donate to omti today!