Real West Virginian of the Week: Dorothy Jo Oberfoell connects communities through theatre education
By Hannah Yost, The Real WV
Bringing creativity, confidence, and connection to West Virginia youth through theatre
Originally from Iowa and the oldest of seven children in a creative, arts-driven family, Oberfoell built her career in theatre across the Midwest, working professionally as an actor and touring artist. At the time, she was living in Minneapolis when an unexpected opportunity changed her path.
She received a call about an open education director position at Greenbrier Valley Theatre — a place she had only briefly encountered years earlier while touring through Marlinton.
By August 2023, she had made the move.
Now, Oberfoell is helping shape how young people across the state experience theatre — many for the very first time.
As education director at Greenbrier Valley Theatre, Oberfoell oversees programming designed to connect students with the arts, both inside and outside the classroom.
That includes theatre classes for students ages 5 to 18, partnerships with local and county schools, and an annual youth musical production. In March, that work culminated in Matilda Jr., which involved around 30 students — nearly double the participation from the previous year.
For Oberfoell, the most rewarding part isn’t just the performance.
It’s watching students grow.
“They’re funny. They’re honest,” she said. “But seeing their confidence and creativity blossom when you’re working with them — that’s the most fun part.”
She said the theatre provides something many students may not always find elsewhere — a space to be themselves.
“A lot of the kids in our program may not have the opportunity to be in a place like this, or to be their truest self at school,” she said. “This gives them a space to be creative and comfortable.”
That mission extends far beyond the theatre walls.
In spring 2025, Oberfoell helped lead Greenbrier Valley Theatre’s Educational Touring Initiative, bringing a two-person production of Always Keep Your Lion on a Leash to schools across West Virginia. The play, based on the story of the Alderson lion, was paired with workshops focused on English, math, science, and social-emotional learning.
Over the course of four months, the program reached 39 schools across 13 counties, offering students a hands-on introduction to theatre and creative expression.
For many, it was their first time experiencing live theatre.
“That was really rewarding,” Oberfoell said. “Seeing students interact with it — especially those who had never seen a play before — was something special.”
The flexibility of the program allowed schools to choose from multiple workshop options, tailoring the experience to fit their students’ needs and schedules.
Oberfoell believes arts education goes beyond performance — it creates connection.
“I think arts education is important because it’s a way to express yourself and how you see the world,” she said. “You can build community through it.”
She also sees it as a way for young people to expand their perspective beyond their immediate surroundings.
“If you feel isolated, learning about art can help you feel more connected,” she said. “Even if you don’t pursue it as a career, it’s important to have that outlet — to find joy and creativity.”
That sense of connection is part of what has kept her in West Virginia.
“There’s a really wonderful community here, especially within the theatre,” she said. “Being able to share that with artists who come through creates a network of people who feel connected.”
Oberfoell sees continued opportunity for growth — both within the theatre and across the state.
While participation in programs has increased, she believes there are still many students and communities that haven’t yet been reached.
“There’s so much more room for growth,” she said. “There’s already a strong community, but I’d love to see even more collaboration.”
She also hopes to continue telling stories rooted in the region.
“There are so many stories of Appalachia that have the potential to be told and shared,” she said.
For Oberfoell, West Virginia wasn’t where she expected to land.
But it’s where she’s found purpose — helping others discover their voice through creativity.
And for the students stepping onto a stage, picking up a script, or experiencing theatre for the first time, that impact can last far beyond a single performance.
