Learning with UNO Jazz, Disney Musicals & LES MIZ

O-pa’s Education department has been busy with exciting learning events!

UNO Jazz Festival

O-pa is a partner of the UNO Jazz Festival. On Feb. 24–25, hundreds of festival attendees enjoyed professional performances and clinics, including a packed clinic with trumpeter Bria Skonberg and a performance by Metropolitan Area Youth Jazz Orchestra (MAYJO) and the UNO Jazz Ensembled featuring Bria Skongberg at the Holland Center. As one of the premier educational jazz festivals in the nation, O-pa is proud to play a part in this important annual event!

Disney Musicals in Schools

On March 6, hundreds flocked to the Holland Center for the Disney Musicals in Schools Student Share, the heartwarming capstone event of Disney Musicals in Schools. This education program, developed in partnership with Disney Theatrical Group, serves third through sixth graders in public elementary schools throughout Omaha, Council Bluffs, Lincoln and surrounding communities. Participating schools receive free performance materials and in-school support from a team of teaching artists to produce a 30-minute Disney KIDS musical at their school. Over 17 weeks, teachers learn how to produce, direct, choreograph and music direct their first school show and then get a chance to showcase their efforts on the Holland stage!

This year, over 250 students and teachers participated in the program. Falling Waters Elementary (Gretna), Jackson Elementary (OPS), King Science and Technology Middle School (OPS), Reagan Elementary (Millard) and Saddlebrook Elementary (OPS) performed in the Disney Musicals in Schools Student Share, hosted by Broadway Artist, Q. Smith.

LES MISÉRABLES NHSTA Workshops

With the touring production of Broadway favorite LES MISÉRABLES in Omaha March 7–12, students in the Nebraska High School Theater Academy (NHSTA) are getting some special behind-the-scenes learning opportunities!

On March 8, company members got technical with a Q&A about working backstage. Students heard from stage manager Ryan Gardner and two people with ties to Omaha: Megan Kraft who handles props and carpenter Mitch Chvala. Then on March 9, students attended an audition master class with company members!

Supporting learning through the performing arts is a key part of O-pa’s mission. Learn more about everything we do at o-pa.org/learn-engage!