OMAHA PERFORMING ARTS

Omaha Performing Arts hosts an annual dinner to recognize its Ambassadors, who provide patrons with quality customer service at the Holland Performing Arts Center and Orpheum Theater.   

Unfortunately, this year we couldn’t host the dinner due to COVID-19, but we wanted to find a way to acknowledge all Ambassadors for their hard work. O-pa holds around 500 events every year, and we could not serve the community without the support and flexibility of our volunteers.  

Ambassadors greet patrons, help with seating, lost and found and are trained to assist in case of an emergency.  Ambassadors also work at other O-pa events including weddings, community gatherings, education classes, student matinees and more.  

Some Ambassadors have served for more than 18 years and others are new.  One thing they all hold in common is a love of O-pa, performances and artists. 

“Throughout the years, our volunteers remain committed to O-pa.  They dedicate countless hours to ensure patrons have a positive entertainment experience, and we're so grateful for their willingness to serve,” said Joan Squires, President of Omaha Performing Arts.   

Ambassadors are required to volunteer at a minimum of 16 events, but many Ambassadors individually volunteer for a lot more than what’s required, sometimes anywhere from 40 to 100 events!  

Did you know?  During the 2018-2019 season Ambassadors worked an incredible 475 performances and events.  That’s 61,846 hours worked by Ambassadors and a value of $680,306!  

In the 2019-2020 season we had 539 Ambassadors including five student Ambassadors. While this season was impacted due to COVID-19, our Ambassadors still volunteered at 262 public and private events at O-pa. That’s a total of 36,528 hours.   

Each year the numbers keep rising, and Ambassadors consistently step up to the challenge.  While this year presented unforeseen challenges with COVID-19, it’s evident live entertainment at O-pa would not be the same without the Ambassadors.