OMAHA PERFORMING ARTS

Yellow buses, aisles stocked with crayons, backpack-toting children – all signs that it's back-to-school season! 

At Omaha Performing Arts, we're gearing up for another school year full of educating and inspiring. Did you know we reach more than 45,000 students and community members each year through our education programs? And we continue to grow! Here are a few highlights for the year ahead. 




Disney Musicals in Schools program expands to 15 schools
Five more public elementary schools will participate this year in our Disney Musicals in Schools program, which now reaches seven districts in the Omaha area and Council Bluffs. Developed by Disney Theatrical Group, the after-school activity builds sustainable theater programs. Teachers receive all the resources and training needed to produce a Disney KIDS musical with their students in grades 3-6.  View the full list of schools>> 



Students dance along to music in their classroom during a Musical Explorers lesson.

3,300 K-2 students to participate in Musical Explorers 
Musical Explorers for grades K-2 will reach 3,300 students this year from Omaha and Council Bluffs. They will learn about three music styles from the community in their classrooms: West African, Mexican and folk. Developed by Carnegie Hall’s Weill Institute, the program ends with a concert at the Holland Center featuring local artists representing each music style. Learn more about this year's curriculum >>

Nebraska High School Theater Academy grows to include middle schools
The Nebraska High School Theater Academy is expanding to include 70 high schools and 10 middle schools from in the 2018/2019 school year. Presented in partnership with the Broadway League, NHSTA celebrates theater programs while connecting schools to Broadway resources. Students can take advantage of workshops with Broadway touring artists, feedback on performances and more!  Learn more about the program >>



Student Matinee Series brings classroom lessons to life on stage
The series is is one of our largest and longest-running education programs. These daytime shows are designed to connect to classroom lessons and state standards. This year, more than 10,000 students in grades K-12 will enjoy events by Black Violin, Dorrance Dance, American Midwest Ballet, Damien Sneed and National Geographic Live. Learn more about the series>>


To explore more of our Education and Community Engagement programs, visit the Learn & Engage page on our website.