Omaha Performing Arts (O-pa) has created a specialized Commercial Entertainment department, dedicated to the organization’s ongoing commitment to the live entertainment business.
The new department will focus on shows at Steelhouse Omaha and events that O-pa presents in partnership with commercial partners at the Orpheum Theater and Holland Performing Arts Center. The team is made up of booking, operations and marketing professionals.
“Over the years, we’ve developed robust relationships with a variety of booking partners to help O-pa present a wide selection of in-demand popular music artists, comedians and more,” said Omaha Performing Arts President Joan Squires. “As those offerings continue to increase, and with the addition of Steelhouse Omaha, we thought it was the right time to take this bold step, dedicating a team to this particular type of programming.”
These types of events at the Orpheum Theater and Holland Center can include everything from a rock concert or comedian to a family show. Steelhouse Omaha, which has an exclusive partnership with the promotor Live Nation, presents all genres of music, along with comedians, raves, special events and more.
“It’s unique for a performing arts center to be structured in this way, and I’m excited for this team to contribute greatly to our ongoing mission to present the highest quality arts and entertainment experiences,” said Erika Hansen, Vice President of Commercial Entertainment for O-pa. “This segment of the live entertainment industry also plays a large role in fulfilling our commitment to offer inclusive programming and reach diverse audiences, particularly with the addition of Steelhouse.”
Steelhouse Omaha, which will celebrate its one-year anniversary on May 17 with a special concert, has already received several prestigious awards and recognition. The venue was nominated as New Concert Venue of the Year by the major industry publication Pollstar, and the building has been recognized with a Build Nebraska Award (for Kiewit Building Group), an ACEC Texas Engineering Excellence Award (for Walter P Moore) and USITT Architecture Commission Architecture Merit recognition.
