Show tunes, cabarets, dance numbers and chorus lines – Off the Lake Productions does them all and does so with energy, enthusiasm and style.

OTL is gearing up for its annual cabaret 8 p.m. Nov. 7 and 8 in Baker Hall West Performance Space.

In its 13th year, the group has become a theatrical force to reckon with. Although theater is what brings people in, OTL wants its member’s experiences to be more than just work.

Co-director Tyler Rogols, a fourth year music education major, said the group regularly participates in retreats to help bring the students close.

“All of the [retreats] are laced with a lot of team-building,” he said. “Once we bring people in, we want them to feel at home because a lot of what we do isn’t necessarily so flashy. If you just wanted to be in a really nice show, you could be in a really nice show in a lot of places. But we’re a really close-knit group.”

OTL performs two big shows each year. After the cabaret this weekend, the group will begin preparing for its spring production, “Urine Town,” a popular satire with political and social undertones.

Even though the show is next spring, preparation begins with new member auditions in January.

Priscilla Ju, director of OTL and fourth-year music major, said an informational session will be Jan. 14, followed by auditions on Jan. 21 and 22. Callbacks will take place Jan. 28.

Ju said the main attributes they look for in cast members are talent and a good attitude, as well as loyalty to OTL.

“You have to really be dedicated to the show, but also dedicated to the group to come to all the rehearsals … so we want you to have a good time while you’re here,” she said.

The rehearsals take place from February to May and require as many as four days a week at three hours a night.

Focused on creating stellar theatrics, OTL isn’t a typical song and dance.

Ju said community service and charitable works are just as much a part of OTL as the performances.

“A lot of our service is giving back to the community with art,” she said.

Instead of charging a fee to attend their yearly spring musicals, OTL asks every attendee to bring one canned good item as admittance, which is donated to the Mid-Ohio Food Bank. OTL has also participated in the Autism Walk, the Red Party, an AIDS awareness event and is currently planning to go caroling at local nursing homes during the holidays.

Amanda Forbes can be reached at [email protected].