Oklahoma Bible Academy’s Emily Crabtree
Oklahoma Bible Academy junior Emily Crabtree has found a second home on stage, where she has grown as a performer and built friendships that span grade levels. As an actress who has been involved in OBA theater since sixth grade, Crabtree said the program has become one of the most meaningful parts of her school experience.
“Theater is the only extracurricular where students of all ages can bond and become close to each other,” Crabtree said. “I have met so many fun and amazing people that I wouldn’t have met otherwise.” That sense of connection is a major reason she values being part of the drama department.
Crabtree said live productions continue to fuel her passion for acting. Watching talented performers on stage pushes her to sharpen her own abilities and commit more fully to each role. She said theater is powerful because it tells stories that can leave a lasting impact on the audience.
At OBA, Crabtree has embraced her role as an actress and said she enjoys stepping into different characters while adding her own interpretation. Her most recent challenge came while preparing for a musical, when she balanced memorizing lines for Mayzie LaBird with her academic workload and other responsibilities, including Student Council and Anatomage.
That ability to stay involved in several areas is one of the things Crabtree appreciates most about OBA. She said the school gives students the chance to pursue a variety of interests at the same time, bringing together people with different talents and backgrounds. She also said the school’s Christ-centered environment makes the experience distinct.
Crabtree said former OBA student Ian Eastin made a strong impression on her because of the way he balanced leadership, academics and performance while still supporting others. She hopes to follow a similar path by achieving as much as possible and remaining available to help those around her.
Looking ahead, Crabtree plans to pursue pre-med after graduation with the goal of becoming a doctor. Even with those ambitions, she said she would still like to stay connected to the stage through community theater when time allows.
