Community Day
Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM | Free | Tenaska Center, 1115 Dodge St.
Drop in anytime + Pre-registration encouraged (but not required)
Community Day is the Tenaska Center’s full-scale opening celebration — a free, all-day event where you can try a class, watch live performances, explore the building, and meet the instructors and artists who will call this place home.
Sessions run back-to-back throughout the day across multiple studios and spaces, so you can drop in on more than one. There’s no single schedule to follow — come when you can and explore what interests you.
All activities are free and open to all ages unless otherwise noted.
About [Register] sessions: Some sessions have limited capacity and are best enjoyed with a spot reserved ahead of time — but if you haven’t registered, come anyway. We’ll do our best to fit you in.
schedule of events
All Day
Ongoing throughout the building:
Strolling Performers and Interactive Experiences
Instrument Petting Zoo with the Omaha Symphony
Food and Beverage Stations
Bounce Houses on the FNBO Garden next to the Tenaska Center
50% off camps & classes enrollment
Unless otherwise noted, all activities are open to all ages.
9:30 AM
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Dance for Older Adults
A welcoming, low-impact movement class for adults | Adults
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Keyboard for Adults
Hands-on intro to piano and keyboard — no experience needed | Adults
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Songwriting Workshop
Try your hand at writing original music with a teaching artist
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Creative Drama for Preschoolers
Imaginative play through storytelling and movement | Ages 3–5
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Broadway Choreography Workshop with Ray Mercer* | Register
Learn show-stopping choreography from a Broadway professional
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Performances by Elkhorn North High and NE Vocal Jazz Project
Live vocal performances to kick off the day
10:30 AM
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Hip Hop Dance Workshop
Learn foundational hip hop moves in a high-energy, welcoming class
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Broadway Camp Sampler with Q. Smith* | Register
A taste of O-pa’s Broadway camp experience led by performer and educator Q. Smith
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Jazz for Older Adults
An accessible intro to jazz music and appreciation | Adults
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Music Production Workshop
Explore beat-making and music production tools hands-on
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Accessible Theater Workshop* | Register
An inclusive theater experience designed for participants of all abilities
11:00 AM
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Dance Audition Master Class with Ray Mercer* | Register
An intensive audition prep class led by Broadway choreographer Ray Mercer | Advanced dancers, ages 15+
11:30 AM
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Hip Hop Grafitti Workshop
Explore the visual art roots of hip hop culture with hands-on instruction
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“Rhythms of the Diaspora” Dance Theater Workshop
A movement experience drawing on African and diasporic dance traditions
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“Lights, Camera, Confidence” Acting Workshop
Build stage presence and performance skills in this approachable acting class
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Hip Hop DJing Workshop
Get behind the decks and learn the basics of DJing from a working artist
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Theater Artist Development Workshop
For aspiring performers looking to sharpen their craft
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Jazz Academy Ensemble Rehearsal
Watch O-pa’s Jazz Academy students in a working rehearsal
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Baby ArtsPlay!™ Workshop
Music, movement, and creative play for the very youngest artists | Ages 0–2 with a parent or caregiver
12:30 PM
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Dance Fitness Workshop
A fun, energetic class blending dance and movement for all fitness levels
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Performance by Metro Area Youth Jazz Orchestra
Live jazz performance by one of the region’s top youth ensembles
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Jazz Academy Honors Ensemble Rehearsal
An open rehearsal of O-pa’s advanced youth jazz ensemble
1:30 PM
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Swing Dance Workshop
Learn the basics of swing with a partner or on your own — beginners welcome
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Broadway Camp Sampler with Q. Smith* | Register
Second chance to sample O-pa’s Broadway camp experience
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Keyboard for Adults
Second session — hands-on intro to piano and keyboard | Adults
-
Hip Hop Emceeing Workshop
Learn the art of the mic: flow, lyricism, and stage presence
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ArtsPlay!™ Workshop
Creative arts exploration through movement, music, and play | Ages 3–6 with a parent or caregiver
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Jazz for Older Adults
Second session — accessible intro to jazz | Adults
2:00 PM
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Jazz Academy Master Classes
Intensive instruction for jazz students led by O-pa faculty
2:30 PM
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Veterans Jam Session with Hero’s Encore
A celebratory musical session honoring and featuring veteran artists | Open to all, featuring veteran participants
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Caribbean Folk Arts Workshop
Explore music, movement, and cultural traditions from the Caribbean
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Accessible Theater Workshop* | Register
Second session — inclusive theater for participants of all abilities
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Hip Hop Dance Workshop
Second session — foundational hip hop dance for all levels
-
Baby ArtsPlay!™ Workshop
Second session — music and movement for the youngest learners | Ages 0–2 with a parent or caregiver
3:00 PM
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Broadway Audition Workshop with Q. Smith* | Register
Learn what casting directors look for and practice your audition skills | Ages 13+
3:30 PM
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Broadway Choreography Workshop with Ray Mercer* | Register
Second session — learn Broadway-style choreography from a working professional
-
Keyboard for Adults
Third session — hands-on intro to piano and keyboard | Adults
-
Hip Hop DJing Workshop
Second session — intro to DJing basics
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Dance for Older Adults
Second session — low-impact movement class | Adults
-
ArtsPlay!™ Workshop
Second session — creative arts play | Ages 3–6 with a parent or caregiver
4:00 PM
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Breakdancing Master Class with B-Boy Crumbs* | Register
An advanced breakdancing session led by acclaimed B-Boy Crumbs
7:00 PM
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Hip Hop Lab Block Party & Street Market | Tickets & More Info
The celebration continues in the FNBO Garden. Free and open to the community.
