Join longtime Oz Club member and performer Zoe O’Haillin-Berne for a journey down Yellow Brick Roads built far beyond the pages of L. Frank Baum’s beloved books. In Off to Build the Yellow Brick Road, Zoe explores the rich and varied history of Oz-themed attractions and venues from around the world. From theme parks nestled in the mountains and along Australia’s Gold Coast to enchanting public parks and gardens, this presentation offers a fascinating look at how fans and creators have brought the Land of Oz to life in the real world.
Through engaging visuals and insightful comparisons, Zoe examines how these venues differ (or don’t) in design, operation, and visitor experience—while highlighting the common thread of Oz magic that ties them all together. Drawing on her own experiences performing as both the Scarecrow and the Wicked Witch, including at the Land of Oz in North Carolina and with her traveling troupe The Spirit of Oz, Zoe shares personal reflections that add depth and heart to this colorful exploration.
Whether you’re a seasoned Oz traveler or simply curious about where the Yellow Brick Road leads beyond the screen and stage, this talk promises to be both informative and enchanting.
Meet Zoe
Zoe O’Haillin-Berne has been a devoted member of the International Wizard of Oz Club for 25 years, having joined at the age of 10. Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, she currently serves on the Club’s Board of Directors and chairs the Membership & Publicity Committee. Zoe studied Theatre and English at Ball State University and is now pursuing her Master’s degree at Harvard University.
A lifelong Oz enthusiast, Zoe is the founder and Wicked Witch performer for The Spirit of Oz, a traveling troupe of Oz characters that has brought the magic of Oz to audiences across the country. She also performed as the Scarecrow at the iconic Autumn at Oz festival in Banner Elk, North Carolina. Her talk, Off to Build the Yellow Brick Road, explores the many venues where Oz lives on today—at many of which she’s had the joy of performing firsthand.
