Back to school with O-pa – Fall 2022

O-pa’s education programs continue to grow. New schools are participating in programs like Nebraska High School Theater Academy, Disney Musicals in Schools, Musical Explorers, Student Matinee Series and Jazz Academy — and more are welcome! Learn more about each program below.

Nebraska High School Theater Academy

The Nebraska High School Theater Academy celebrates and supports theater education across the state and has connected over 62,000 students directly to Broadway. To kick off the tenth year, past and present students learned from and performed with Broadway star Norm Lewis at Broadway Ball! Other performance opportunities and masterclasses are offered throughout the year. Registration is open now!

Disney Musicals in Schools

This program jumpstarts sustainable musical theater programs in under-resourced elementary schools. It’s a national partnership with Disney Theatrical Group. It currently serves 26 alumni schools and five first year schools in 11 school districts across Nebraska and Western Iowa. New schools are selected through an application process. Contact us at DMIS@O-pa.org to learn more!

Musical Explorers

This free curriculum-based program builds music skills in the classroom while students learn three different genres from local artists. This year will feature Mexican Music with Alexis Arai, West African Music with African Culture Connection and Musical Theater with Justin Payne. The program culminates with a concert at the Holland Center for over 3,000 students!

Student Matinee Series

These 60-minute, daytime performances for students grades K-12 connect to a variety of state standards. They attract 12,500+ students annually! This season features: American Midwest Ballet’s The Nutcracker, Kodo: Tsuzumi (taiko drumming), National Geographic Live T-Rex Rises with paleontologist Dr. Lindsay Zanno and Gravity and Other Myths (circus arts). Tickets are only $4 and financial aid is available! Registration is open.

Jazz Academy

Jazz Academy is a free program that supports jazz education in local middle schools with in-school workshops, teacher professional development, performance opportunities and digital lessons. This year, we’re thrilled to announce a new partnership with UNO and OPS for All City Jazz Festival!

Are you an educator or administrator interested in learning more? Connect with us!
o-pa.org/learn-engage │ 402.345.0202 │ education@o-pa.org