Pokemon: Gotta Match ‘Em All!
Please join us for an unforgettable performance as Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine proudly presents Doc Opera 2024: Pokemon: Gotta Match ‘Em All! The Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine includes its Western Reserve Curriculum, the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College, and the Medical Scientist Training Programs. Talented students from each of these programs will be coming together to provide you with an evening of live entertainment at our local John Hay High School.
Now in its 40th year, Doc Opera is an annual fundraiser and variety show that is written, choreographed, directed, and starring students from CWRU’s health professional programs. Students and faculty from these graduate programs create a memorable night of skits, musical performances, and dances about medicine and healthcare, all for the benefit of CWRU student-run health clinics. The evening includes a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction made possible with the support of students, faculty, local businesses, and other generous donors.
Want to see more? Watch videos from previous years on our YouTube channel.
Our Mission
In keeping with CWRU’s commitment to give back to the community, Doc Opera is a fundraising event for Case Western Reserve University’s student-run health clinics, including the Student Run Health Clinic and the newly-established Horizons Community Clinic.
Our Doc Opera mission is to raise money so that the university's student-run health clinics can continue to provide much-needed healthcare services to those in our local community, regardless of their ability to pay. Due to increasing popularity and the addition of a live stream of the show, attendance in recent years has reached over one thousand guests which has allowed us to donate tens of thousands of dollars. We are incredibly grateful for the donations and support we have received from our audiences and from the wide array of local small businesses and corporate entities.
Show Details
This year’s live show is on Saturday, Dec. 14, at John Hay High School Auditorium. The silent auction begins at 6 p.m. and curtain is at 7 p.m. There will be livestream access to the show for those who cannot attend in person.
| Early Bird Ticket Prices Prior to Dec. 1* | Group |
|---|---|
| $18 | Student |
| $23 | General Admission |
| $33 | VIP |
| Regular Ticket Prices after Dec. 1 | Group |
|---|---|
| $23 | Student |
| $30 | General Admission |
| $45 |
VIP |
*ticket prices do not include transaction fees
Meet the Directors
With approximately 200 students from CWRU’s university program, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and the Medical Scientist Training Program taking part, Doc Opera requires intensive planning and teams of volunteers working throughout the year. When Doc Opera 2024: Pokemon: Gotta Match ‘Em All! debuts Dec. 14, it will be due in part to the hard work of many student directors and their teams.
Rachel Kosic
Co-Dance Director
Class of 2027
Have you volunteered for other Doc Opera shows?
I was a choreographer last year for two Doc Opera dances
Why did you get involved with Doc Opera?
I've always been a dancer and minored in dance in college. Getting involved with Doc Opera was the perfect way to continue my love for dance while also building community and raising money for a good cause.
What is your favorite part of participating in Doc Opera?
My favorite part of participating in Doc Opera is building meaningful relationships with people outside of my class!
Why is it important to raise funds for CWRU's student-run health clinics?
It is important to raise money for the student-run health clinics because it is one of the ways we can give back to our surrounding community.
How do you balance a rigorous academic schedule and volunteering for Doc Opera?
My Google calendar! It is my life and helps me manage all of the dance rehearsals and studying
Do you participate in music, theater, dance, set design, etc. outside of Doc Opera?
I am also practicing for a K-Pop dance cover with one of the former production directors I met through Doc Opera last year!
Justin Mendoza
Co-Tech Director
Class of 2027
Have you volunteered for other Doc Opera shows?
Yes, I was part of last year’s Doc Opera show: Medically Blonde!. I danced in "IQ" and sang in "Mallory Bodies".
Why did you get involved with Doc Opera?
I found out about Doc Opera at my medical school interview and knew early on that I wanted to become involved. I performed traditional cultural dances throughout college as part of the University of Toledo Filipino American Association and loved performing. I was very excited about the prospect of continuing to perform throughout medical school. I never had any experience singing, but I wanted to get out of my comfort zone. Dancing and singing has always helped me get away from the books, and I truly believe that it's one of the best stress relievers out there.
What is your favorite part of participating in Doc Opera?
My favorite part about Doc Opera is definitely tech week. All of the singers and dancers are working so hard throughout the school year, and it's an awesome experience to see the show for the first time. Cheering on your friends in all of the performances is so fun, and I am really looking forward to it this year!
Why is it important to raise funds for CWRU's student-run health clinics?
It's such a pivotal time for fundraising for the student-run health clinics as they are starting to branch out and partner with hospitals such as UH, Metro, and CCF. Raising these funds is important in ensuring that these projects have the resources necessary for success. Additionally, the SRHC is an amazing resource for the Cleveland area and helps integrate CWRU into the community. Doc Opera is proud to be a key donor for this organization and supports its mission fully.
How do you balance a rigorous academic schedule and volunteering for Doc Opera?
Balancing a busy medical school schedule with volunteering for Doc Opera can be challenging, but it’s a lot easier when you have an amazing executive board and enjoy attending rehearsal. My fellow directors share the same passion for Doc Opera, and working with them to create this year’s show has been an honor. The same thing can be said for my fellow performers. My classmates are all so talented, and I truly look forward to dancing and singing with them.
Do you participate in music, theater, dance, set design, etc. outside of Doc Opera?
I have never participated in theater or set design, but I am so happy that I got to have my first experience through Doc Opera! I don't have much dance experience outside of Doc Opera, but I have been practicing hard and hope you come to support us on December 14th!
Shivangi Mohta
Production Director
Class of 2027
Have you volunteered for other Doc Opera shows? If yes, explain previous roles.
Yes, last year (M1)!
Why did you get involved with Doc Opera?
I got involved in Doc Opera because it offered the perfect blend of creativity and community. As an M1, I was looking for a way to balance the intensity of academics with something fun and artistic, while also connecting with new friends and engaging with the community. Doc Opera provided the ideal opportunity to showcase my passion for performing, collaborate with other students, and contribute to a meaningful cause, all while adding humor and lightheartedness to the medical journey.
What is your favorite part of participating in Doc Opera?
My favorite part of participating in Doc Opera is the shared experience of creating something fun and memorable with other students. Dancing and performing together fosters a strong sense of connection, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see our hard work come to life on stage. I first fell in love with this aspect during my M1 year, when my friends and I joined a dance called "IQ." It felt like we were starting a well-coordinated flash mob every time the song played, making the experience even more unforgettable!
Why is it important to raise funds for CWRU's student-run health clinics?
Raising funds for the multiple new student-run health clinics at CWRU is essential because these clinics provide vital healthcare services to underserved populations of our community. They offer students hands-on experience in patient care while addressing healthcare disparities. By supporting these clinics, we ensure they have the resources needed to continue offering free or low-cost medical services, allowing students to learn and serve while making a meaningful impact on public health. This funding helps sustain the clinics' operations, ensuring access to care for those who need it most.
How do you balance a rigorous academic schedule and volunteering for Doc Opera?
Balancing a rigorous academic schedule with volunteering for Doc Opera comes down to effective time management and a strong support system. The administration and faculty are incredibly understanding and supportive, offering networks and encouragement, while the wonderful students at the School of Medicine are always willing to step in and help. Everyone involved is committed to making Doc Opera a success, so we collaborate and manage our time well to balance our academic responsibilities with this creative outlet. It’s truly a team effort!
Do you participate in music, theater, dance, set design, etc. outside of Doc Opera?
While I don't participate as much outside of Doc Opera anymore, I trained in Bollywood and freestyle dance until high school and played the trumpet for seven years.
Abby Prichard
Co-Band Director
Class of 2027
Have you volunteered for other Doc Opera shows?
Yes, Medically Blonde!
Why did you get involved with Doc Opera?
Music has been my main hobby since I was about 10. I was even a music major when starting college and continued playing throughout, even when I switched majors. I haven't been able to play much since having a baby and COVID. I was so excited for the opportunity to play again, and it has been so much fun!
What is your favorite part of participating in Doc Opera?
I enjoy meeting new people and working towards a goal together. It's so neat to see the show come together piece by piece! This year has been especially fun with writing arrangements and now hearing them come together with the band. I'm excited to put it all together with vocal and dance in the coming weeks.
Why is it important to raise funds for CWRU's student-run health clinics?
The SRHC, which is expanding, helps provide vaccines, screenings for multiple conditions, and other basic care that benefits the community while also helping students learn. Providing funds for the clinic helps them worry less about fundraising and focus more on serving the community.
How do you balance a rigorous academic schedule and volunteering for Doc Opera?
Luckily my husband is also a musician and he has been very supportive and helpful as responsibilities for the show increase. Arranging songs and working on the show are a nice break from studying and provide a bonding activity for our family. My daughter has also been hearing us put the arrangements together, and several songs have become regular requests for impromptu dance parties.
Do you participate in music, theater, dance, set design, etc. outside of Doc Opera?
I have often played in community bands and hope to again soon!
Isabella (Izzy) Shawe
Co-Vocal Director
Class of 2027
Have you volunteered for other Doc Opera shows?
I was a song leader for Doc Opera: Medically Blonde! last year. In addition to singing, I also danced and played the accordion in the band.
Why did you get involved with Doc Opera?
I got involved with Doc Opera as a creative outlet and an opportunity to have fun with my peers and work together to support a great cause!
What is your favorite part of participating in Doc Opera?
I love the excitement during the days leading up to the show and seeing everything come together in the end and celebrating with my peers!
Why is it important to raise funds for CWRU's student-run health clinics?
The student-run health clinics offer some of the earliest clinical exposure students will get and provide great experiences to collaborate interprofessionally while simultaneously serving patients and connecting with the greater Cleveland community.
How do you balance a rigorous academic schedule and volunteering for Doc Opera?
Doc Opera rehearsals and meetings feel like a nice break from classes/studying for me since I get to actively use the creative side of my brain! Especially as we get closer to the show, I find it helpful to strictly schedule my days so I can ensure that I keep up with my work while also making sure we have a super successful show!
Do you participate in music, theater, dance, set design, etc. outside of Doc Opera?
I was involved in theater in high school and college. Doc Opera is the perfect opportunity to revive my inner "theater kid" now as a medical student!