OPAS was founded to serve as a vehicle for organizing unified community support of the performing arts. OPAS was created in the hope that opening the Rudder Theatre Complex in 1973 would begin an era of cultural presentations.

In the fall of 1972, a nucleus of sincerely dedicated citizens of Bryan/College Station and Texas A&M came forth to begin the initial organizing. Charter members of OPAS included representatives from every sector of the two communities. Under the leadership of J. Wayne Stark, director of the Memorial Student Center, an alliance of students and non-students was formed. Texas A&M students were among the earliest supporters and members of OPAS. The dedication, excitement and boundless energy of these young people have been and continue to be a moving force in the organization.

OPAS at Texas A&M University presents professional productions of theatre, music and dance programs that enlighten, entertain and inspire audiences of the Brazos Valley. A non-profit organization since inception, OPAS programming is supported entirely by revenue generated from ticket sales, membership dues and contributions. Past programs presented by OPAS include Yo-Yo Ma, Van Cliburn, Itzhak Perlman, Les Miserables, RENT, and the world premiere of the Bolshoi Ballet Grigorovich Ballet (for which OPAS received international media coverage including a front-page story in The New York Times).

For fifty-two seasons, community leaders, local businesses, and Texas A&M University have supported the excitement and vision of OPAS’ founders to enlighten, inspire, and entertain audiences with the best of the performing arts.