The Nebraska High School Theater Academy (or NHSTA for short) supports, celebrates and advocates for theater education in middle and high schools across the state. It was launched in 2013 with just 22 schools in the Omaha area. Now nearing its tenth anniversary, the program supports more than 85 schools and 9,000 students each year. Developed by O-pa's education team in partnership with the Broadway League's national Jimmy Awards, this comprehensive education program opens doors for Nebraska teachers and students, provides practical and equitable pathways to careers in the arts, builds life skills and fosters a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
Developed in partnership with the Broadway League's national Jimmy Awards
Throughout the school year, participating NHSTA schools can attend master classes and workshops with touring Broadway artists. Schools have access to professional feedback and recommendations on their theater productions and have the opportunity to participate in a Tony Awards®-inspired showcase at the end of the year. In collaboration with the Broadway League's national Jimmy Awards®, two students will be selected as finalists to represent Nebraska in New York City.
Ultimately, NHSTA supports professional development for educators, provides recognition for the value of arts education and creates a network of support and resources for students — no matter what career path they take.
May is always a busy month for educators and students, and O-pa’s Education department is bustling too! The Holland Center has hosted over 2800 students from 43 schools for the finale of the Musical Explorers program and two WICKED master classes. And there's still more to come! We’re getting ready to welcome more students, teachers and parents for Disney Musicals in Schools Student Share and the Nebraska High School Theater Academy (NHSTA) Showcase!
Musical Explorers learn about genres of music with local artists
On May 3, over 2800 K-2 students from 43 schools came together for the year-end concert of the Musical Explorers program. The program is a semester-long, curriculum-based program developed in partnership with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute and featuring local artists. Following along with customized, free materials, students discovered jazz music with Kathy Tyree, jug band Music with Root Marm Chicken Farm and salsa with Esencia Latina and then got to sing and dance along to the music performed live!
WICKED Master class gives NHSTA students professional feedback
On May 4, 84 NHSTA students from six schools attended an audition master class with WICKED cast members. NHSTA offers support, resources and opportunities to connect with Broadway professionals, so students can learn practical pathways to careers in the arts or just become life-long arts lovers!
On May 11, nine theater students from UNO, most of which were NHSTA alumni, also had a chance to learn audition techniques in a WICKED master class at the Holland Center.
Student at WICKED master class
NHSTA Showcase will celebrate Nebraska talent
NHSTA is an education program at O-pa that supports, celebrates and advocates for theater education. The program connects students and educators to Broadway through workshops, master classes, professional feedback and more. The ninth-annual showcase is the culminating event for participating students from across the state and your chance to see their talent shine!
The Tony Awards®-inspired ceremony will be hosted by Broadway star and Omaha native Q. Smith (Come From Away, Mary Poppins, Les Misérables) and feature performances by hundreds of students from across the state. Awards will be given for outstanding productions, top performers and ensembles, excellence behind-the-scenes and more.
Stay tuned for heartwarming updates from one of our most beloved programs – the Disney Musicals in Schools Student Share on May 16!