Omaha Performing Arts

Omaha Performing Arts (O-pa) is dedicated to creating a vibrant arts and entertainment experience in Omaha and the region. Since our inception, O-pa has grown to become the largest arts institution in Nebraska. We have had over 5.5 million visitors to our venues the Holland Performing Arts Center and Orpheum Theater over the past 18 years, and opened our third venue, Steelhouse Omaha, on May 12, 2023. Annually, O-pa hosts more than 550 events in its facilities and presents world-renowned artists and productions in jazz, dance, touring Broadway, concerts, family shows and more. These activities generate $61M in annual economic impact. O-pa’s venues consistently rank among the top venues in the country and world. With a commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA), the organization strives to reach all parts of the community.

O-pa's mission includes enriching the community through education and engagement initiatives. Each year, we involve more than 100,000 students and adults in a variety of programs including student matinees, master classes, Disney Musicals in Schools, Musical Explorers, the Nebraska High School Theater Academy, Voices AMPLIFIED! and more. In the last 18 years, we’ve touched the lives of more than 875,000 students and adults!

Our Vision & Mission

Presenting, Stewardship, Education & Engagement

Vision

Creating extraordinary experiences that engage, inspire and connect.

Mission

The mission of Omaha Performing Arts is to enrich the community through:

Presentation of the highest quality arts and entertainment experiences
Education and community engagement programs
Stewardship of world-class venues

Core Values

Team

We value relationship before task
We support each other and are stronger as a team
We embrace change and encourage new ideas

Inclusion

We bring diversity of thought, experience and expertise to everything we do
We value and support a diverse workforce

Trust

We trust each other to make decisions in the best interest of the organization
We are open, honest and respectful of each other

Integrity

We are dependable, reliable and responsible in our actions
We do the right thing and strive for excellence

Our History

More than a decade of bringing world-class artistry to Omaha


	2000 Omaha Performing Arts forms as a nonprofit organization.

	2002 Omaha Performing Arts assumes management of the Orpheum Theater and makes a multimillion dollar investment to renovate the Orpheum.

	2004 Omaha Performing Arts opens Ticket Omaha. Skylink completed connecting the Orpheum Theater with the Omaha Public Power District parking garage.

	2005 Grand opening of the Holland Performing Arts Center.

	2006 Administrative offices in the Holland Center completed.

	2007 Disney’s THE LION KING breaks Orpheum Theater Box Office records.

	2008 New stage floor installed at the Orpheum Theater. Anne Thorne Weaver Lounge opens at the Orpheum Theater.

	2009 Broadway’s WICKED plays to sold-out audiences in the Orpheum Theater. Orchestra Gathering Room named for Tim and Teddi Slattery. Mormon Tabernacle Choir performs at the Holland Center. Cassling Education Center opens at the Holland Center.

	2010 Omaha Performing Arts assumes production and presentation of Jazz on the Green at Midtown Crossing.

	2011 Holland Center kitchen completed.

	2012 New stage rigging installed at the Orpheum Theater. Grand opening of NRG Energy Ovations bar and lounge at the Holland Center.

	2013 Digital marquee installed at Orpheum Theater. Holland Center Arrival Plaza heating installed. Launch of Nebraska High School Theater Academy in partnership with The Broadway League.

	2014 Ambassador (ushers) Gathering Room at the Orpheum completed. Omaha Performing Arts initiates the Nebraska High School Theatre Awards program. Orpheum Theater Entrance Lobby is named in honor of the Lauritzen family. New sound system installed in the Kiewit Concert Hall at the Holland Center.

	2015 Grand opening of Zinc restaurant at the Holland Center. Refurbishment of the John and Carmen Gottschalk Founder's Room. Naming of the courtyard in honor of Carl G. Mammel. Naming of the Star Artist Suite in honor of Sue Morris.

	2016 Dedication of the Carl G. Mammel Courtyard at the Holland Center. Launch of WeBop program with Jazz at Lincoln Center.

	2017 Disney Musicals in Schools program launched in partnership with Disney Theatrical Group.

	2018 Omaha Performing Arts adopts a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion plan. Refresh of Orpheum Theater in celebration of 90th Anniversary completed. Skyview Terrace and Capstan Lounge open at the Holland Center.

Community Report

Our annual Community Report highlights Omaha Performing Arts' performances, education programs and community engagement activities from 2021/2022

2018 Economic Impact Study

Omaha Performing Arts continues to grow and significantly contribute to our community and region.

We had a $47.6 million economic impact during fiscal 2018, a more than 100% increase since 2007, according to an independent study by Dr. Eric Thompson, professor of economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This is our fourth study on Omaha Performing Arts' fiscal and economic impact on Douglas County and the city of Omaha.

KEY FINDINGS

Of the tickets sold in 2018, 30% were purchased by patrons outside Douglas County.
4 million people have attended events at the Holland Performing Arts Center and the Orpheum Theater in the past 13 years.
Tax revenue was $1.68 million. This compares to $288,000 that OPA received in funding from government sources in 2018.

REPORT SUMMARY