Music, dance, hip hop, Broadway and theater, expressive arts, and family classes for all ages
Turn searches like “adult dance classes near me,” “children’s acting classes, or “piano classes” into unforgettable learning experiences at the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement — where youth and adults are invited to explore everything from intro classes with local artists to preprofessional training for Broadway jobs and the entertainment industry.
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Omaha’s new home for discovery, creativity, and growth is officially open! Explore the building and everything that will happen inside. Learn More »
Summer is almost here! Fill those gaps on your calendar with a theater arts summer camp, hip hop camp, or elite dance intensive. Register »
Why learn with Omaha Performing Arts?
You won’t be sleeping in class here. As the largest performing arts organization in Nebraska, O-pa offers one of the region’s most dynamic collections of performing arts classes for adults and youth. From baby and toddler classes to audition workshops and acting camps for teens, to learning for adults and senior citizens, there is no age limit for creativity.
Whether you’re exploring summer camps, weekly classes, or specialty workshops, O-pa’s programs are designed to inspire confidence, build artistic skills, and create community through the power of the performing arts.
O-pa’s education programs are built around three core principles:
- High‑quality instruction — Programs are led by experienced teaching artists and arts and entertainment industry professionals. You’ll connect with working artists here at home and from across the country.
- A world‑class facility — Classes take place at the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement, a brand new, state‑of‑the‑art home for arts learning in Omaha.
- Access for all — Scholarships, payment plans, and veteran and military family discounts are available.
"My son absolutely loved Hip Hop Lab Summer Camp — he woke up excited every single day, ready to learn. That kind of enthusiasm doesn’t lie!"
— Marcela Morales
meet your class
Broadway and Theater
When O-pa brings touring Broadway to the Orpheum Theater in Omaha or offers other world-class performances, our mission is to give our community access to learning beyond the stage, as well as offering traditional and musical theater classes with Omaha’s own theater icons and working artists. Whether your passion is performing or you’d rather find your place behind the scenes, O-pa has an offering for every age and aspiration.
- Age range: Youth, teen, adult
- Benefits: Direct-to-Broadway connections, learning from professional artists, local community theater, beginner drama classes, play audition workshops, cultural storytelling
Dance and Movement
Emotion. Culture. Health. A language all its own. Dance classes in Omaha are outlets for self-expression, connection, wellbeing, and artistry. Whether you dance for fun or fitness or want to learn how to become a professional dancer, O-pa has camps and classes for every age, skill level, and ability as well as an elite summer dance intensive for preprofessionals.
- Age range: Youth, teen, adult
- Benefits: Arts and entertainment industry connections, dance technique and choreography training with professional dancers, casual all-age workshops to learn salsa and social dance, group exercise classes
Expressive Arts
What are expressive arts? They create a welcoming space where movement, music, and creativity help us connect, communicate, and shine. At O-pa, we believe everyone deserves the chance to explore the arts in ways that feel joyful and empowering. Our expressive arts classes are designed with accessibility at the center, offering supportive, sensory‑friendly experiences.
- Age range: 18 and up
- Benefits: Express emotions through art, gain social connections, communication skills, empower confidence
Family and Preschool
Looking for a class for kids and their grown-ups? Arts-based family and preschool classes like ArtsPlay!™ by Omaha Wolf Trap can give the whole family tools to navigate life with joy, creativity, and kindness. Explore our opportunities for children and their grown-ups to discover together, support children’s early development, and build strong foundations for lifelong learning.
- Age range: Infant, toddler, preschool–1st grade
- Benefits: Explore feelings, social skills, impulse control, language development, music, movement, imaginative play, research-based strategies for parents
Hip hop
Break down the culture and artistry of hip hop and discover new outlets for self-expression and creativity. O-pa’s Hip Hop Lab program includes camps and classes that explore DJing, MCing, dance, graffiti, and history. With youth and adult hip hop classes, and even hip hop dance fitness classes, this is a class schedule you don’t want to miss.
- Age range: Youth, teen, adult
- Benefits: Culture, confidence, self-expression, health and wellbeing, history, community connection
Music
Music defines so many big moments in our lives and fills the day-to-day with a soundtrack that keeps us moving and inspired. Learning to make music is a powerful outlet for self-expression, culture, connection, development, and teamwork. O-pa offers instrument lessons, intro classes, music production classes, and jazz classes for beginners, veterans, casual listeners, and aspiring professional musicians.
- Age range: Youth, teen, adult
- Benefits: supportive environment, opportunities for all skill levels, network with local musicians
"I got to challenge myself, and I surprised myself with how much I achieved."
— Dance Intensive Participant
Registration and enrollment
O-pa makes it easy to explore and register for programs through our Camps & Classes Portal. Enrollment opens seasonally, with summer camps typically filling quickly. Support is available to make camps and classes financially accessible to all.
Class registration is online at o-pa.asapconnected.com.
- Browse current offerings
- Filter by age, interest, or instructor
- View schedules and pricing
- Register online
Financial support is available.
- Scholarships for qualifying participants
- Payment plans
- Discounts for active military, veterans, and their families
How to request financial aid
Fill out the request form before registering through the Camps & Classes Portal. If your request is approved, a representative from the O-pa Education Department will contact you to provide a code to offset some or all tuition costs when you register online.
Meet the teaching artists
O-pa offers an unparalleled and continually expanding lineup of local and national teaching artists.
Learn with:
- Programs developed with national partners like Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts
- Working Broadway and commercial entertainment professionals
- Local legends
Faculty Highlights
Shawn Bell
Shawn Bell is an Omaha-based trombonist, composer, and educator. A dedicated teacher, he runs Bell Tone Brass Studio and serves as the teaching artist for O-pa’s Jazz Academy, helping expand high‑quality Jazz education throughout the region.
Ray Mercer
Ray Mercer is an acclaimed NYC-based dancer, choreographer, and educator best known as a longtime ensemble member and fight captain in Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, he has toured internationally, worked with Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, and created award-winning choreography for companies like Alvin Ailey.
Q. Smith
Originally from Omaha, Q. Smith grew up performing throughout the community before studying musical theater at Ithaca College. She has toured extensively across the US, Central America, and Europe, and made history on Broadway as the first African American actress to play a leading role in Disney’s Mary Poppins. Her Broadway credits also include Les Misérables and the Tony Award–nominated Come From Away.
Kathy Tyree
Kathy Tyree has been a member of the performing arts community for 40 plus years as a singer, actor, producer, and director. Her most recent credits include Three Little Birds, Respect, Dream Girls, The Color Purple, and Ain’t Misbehavin. As a creative artist Kathy also serves as a leader in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility throughout Omaha.
Rayneesha Yvonne
Rayneesha Yvonne is an Omaha-based dancer and choreographer known for her precision, versatility, and powerful stage presence. Trained in multiple styles, she has become a dynamic force in the local dance community, performing, teaching, and creating work that uplifts and inspires.
Hugo Zamorano
Hugo Zamorano is an Omaha-based visual artist whose work explores identity, culture, and the layered stories found in everyday environments. Known for his bold use of color and mixed media, he creates pieces that challenge perspective and invite reflection. His work has been featured in exhibitions throughout the region.
FAQs
Where do Omaha Performing Arts classes take place?
Most camps and classes take place at the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement (1115 Dodge St.) on the Dick & Mary Holland Campus. Some learning may also take place elsewhere on campus or at the Orpheum Theater. Check your Know Before You Go communications for your class details.
How do I register for O-pa camps and classes?
Class registration is online at o-pa.asapconnected.com.
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Create your account.
- Click My Cart or Login to create an account for you or your student.
- Enter your information. Questions with * are required.
- You can include additional family members on one account.
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Find a camp, class, or workshop.
- Use the search bar to look for something specific, browse by type of class, or filter by specific instructor, day, time, or age.
- Click the Register Now button to add a course to your cart.
- You’ll be prompted to select if you’re enrolling yourself or another family member.
- Some classes require an audition video for placement as part of the registration process.
- Continue shopping or check out.
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Complete your registration.
- Review the selections in your cart and click Continue Checkout when you’re ready to pay your fees.
- Choose to pay in full or use a free payment plan. Note: If you choose a payment plan, you are required to save your credit card so we can process your future payments.
- Enter any applicable promo codes in the discount code box.
- Click Process Payment. Congrats, you’re officially enrolled!
How do I find the right camp or class for me?
Omaha Performing Arts offers camps, classes, and workshops for every age, ability, and skill level. Most classes are tailored so participants will be able to jump in and be challenged no matter their skill level. Most classes don’t require any prerequisites, though some may require an audition for placement. Any required experience or audition will be noted in the course description.
If you’re unsure where to start, use the Camps and Classes Portal to browse by interest area, specific instructor, day, time, or age. O-pa’s teaching artists and staff can also help guide participants toward the best fit! education@o-pa.org | 402.661.8503
When are O-pa classes scheduled?
- Most classes meet weekly for 8–12 weeks and culminate in a showcase, concert, or “share out” for family and friends.
- Day camps and workshops are single day events scheduled throughout the year.
- Summer camps run all day for 3 to 5 days in July or August. Most culminate with a showcase, recital, or “share out” for family and friends.
- Each new year of classes will typically be announced in July.
How do I pay for my class?
Payment for tuition and fees should be made online by credit or debit card. MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover are all accepted. Cash and checks are not accepted.
Choose to pay in full or use an interest-free payment plan. Note: If you choose a payment plan, you are required to save your credit card so we can process your future payments.
To request financial aid, fill out the request form before registering through the Camps & Classes Portal. If your request is approved, a representative from the O-pa Education Department will contact you to provide a code to offset some or all tuition costs when you register online.
Where do I drop off, pick up, or park?
- There is a drop-off and pick-up lane on Dodge St.
- Select classes will have parking available in the Arrival Plaza, others will utilize street parking or the nearby Park 8 garage (13th & Dodge Street).
- ORBT has a stop conveniently across from the Tenaska Center on Dodge St.
- Check your Know Before You Go communication for details about your class or camp.
What accessibility resources are available for students participating in Omaha Performing Arts classes and camps?
All spaces at the Tenaska Center are accessible for students and educators, including accessible entries, restrooms, event spaces, performance spaces, and green rooms. Let us know any additional resources you will need when you create your account on the Camps and Classes Portal.
What should I wear to class? Do I need to bring anything with me?
Wear comfortable clothing suited for whatever activity you’ll be doing! You may want to bring a water bottle, towel, or notebook. There are vending machines and water filling stations available at the Tenaska Center. Check your Know Before You Go communication for specific details about your class or camp.
Volunteer at the Tenaska Center
Our Education Ambassadors help learners navigate the building and check in and out of class.
