Omaha Performing Arts
News

A New Season of Learning with O-pa Education and Engagement

September 30, 2021 | Learn & Engage | Sarah Kosch

Students participated in a digital CATS choreography master class led by swing and dance captain Gracie Anderson.

pt-8 pb-8 w-full

It’s a new season of Broadway and shows at O-pa — and also a new season of learning and engagement! Our Education and Engagement team members have been busy sharing their expertise at the Broadway League’s national (and first ever virtual) Education and Engagement forum and presenting the first Education programming of the season.

Broadway League Education and Engagement Forum

The two-day forum was planned by a national committee that included Kathleen Lawler Hustead, Associate Director of Education. Among the sessions was one that featured EDI-driven arts engagement programs with Aaron Gregory, O-pa Community Engagement Specialist, and Ray Mercer, Omaha native and Broadway teaching artist. Another session with Bill Grennan, O-pa Education & Engagement Manager, featured innovative arts education and engagement programs and highlighted O-pa’s Disney Musicals in Schools Take Home Activity Kits as a model program used by other centers. The forum was spearheaded by the Broadway League’s Audience Engagement Committee which O-pa President Joan Squires co-chairs.

Madeleine Peyroux Q&A and Curtain Warmer

On Sept. 29, UNO jazz students had the opportunity for a Q&A with acclaimed jazz artist Madeleine Peyroux. It was an intimate, direct conversation in the Kiewit Concert Hall at the Holland Center. The group gathered, socially distanced, to discuss topics from Madeleine’s career to the technical aspects of jazz singing and more. Afterwards the students were invited to stay and observe her sound check. A number of UNO Jazz students were also offered free tickets to the show and had a great time.

All concert goers had the chance to engage with a pre-show curtain warmer before the concert, consisting of a performance and conversation about women in music with Mary O’Keefe and guests Cynthia Taylor and Jennifer Novak-Haar.

Curtain warmers are a way for patrons to feed their curiosity and learn something new before select O-pa shows. They include demonstrations, interactive performances and hands on learning in the lobby and other spaces before showtime.

The next curtain warmer will be UNL’s all treble a cappella group Boots & Cats performing at the Orpheum before Straight No Chaser takes the stage!

Fun and Learning with CATS!

The first Nebraska High School Theater Academy (NHSTA) master class of the year took place on Sept. 30 at the Holland Center. Nearly 100 students attended the digital choreography class led by Dance Captain and Swing of CATS, Gracie Anderson.

pt-8 pb-8
try200by300
cats-masterclass-dance-move2
pt-8 pb-8 w-full

All students are invited to take advantage of Student Rush tickets to CATS and experience the magic and amazing choreography live! Students can get up to two tickets for 50% off when they bring a student ID to the box office at the Orpheum 90 minutes before the remaining CATS performances this week (through Sunday, Oct. 3).

These are just the first of many programs and activities for learners of all ages this season. Explore all our Education and Engagement programs here.

Share Article
Related articles
See All
news-left-cta

find an upcoming show

See What's Coming

support the arts through a donation

Ways to Give
Get updates from Omaha Performing Arts!

Stay in the know about upcoming events, programming, and special offers.

Sign Up

Holland Performing Arts Center

1200 Douglas Street,
Omaha, NE 68102

Buy Tickets

Orpheum Theater


409 South 16th Street,
Omaha, NE 68102

Buy Tickets

Steelhouse Omaha

1100 Dodge Street,
Omaha, NE 68102

Buy Tickets

Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement

12th & Douglas Street,
Omaha, NE 68102

Ticket Omaha


1200 Douglas Street,
Omaha, NE 68102


402.345.0606

Buy Tickets

Copyright © 2024 Omaha Performing Arts, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization.