Omaha Performing Arts Launches Nebraska High School Theatre Awards

By: Aug. 12, 2013
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Omaha Performing Arts announces the start of the new program, the Nebraska High School Theatre Awards, sponsored by Wells Fargo. The program is designed to celebrate, support and advocate for high school theatre education.

This annual program launches in the metro area this fall with plans to expand statewide within the next several years. The program will feature several components. Kendra Whitlock Ingram, Omaha Performing Arts vice president of Programming & Education, explains: "The Nebraska High School Theatre Awards will provide high-quality learning, performing and creative experiences to high schools and students interested in musical theatre. This new program is designed to serve Nebraska's growing community of young theatre artists."

High schools register their musical theatre productions to be adjudicated by a team of industry professionals. Adjudicators will provide valuable feedback to teachers on various aspects of the production and performance. During the spring of each adjudication period, Omaha Performing Arts will host a Tony Awards-style showcase to recognize the outstanding achievements of high school musical theatre productions and students. Students will be honored for demonstrating artistic excellence in performance and technical theatre. The awards showcase will feature performances by participating high schools. This season's awards showcase takes place on Friday June 13, 2014 at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St.

Participation in the program also includes access to discounted tickets (when available) and opportunities for students to engage in pre-professional training with Broadway professionals. Throughout the school year, OPA will host free master classes and workshops in acting, singing, dance and technical theatre. These workshops will be led by faculty from the Broadway Dreams Foundation and cast members from the touring productions of ELF THE MUSICAL, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, War Horse, SISTER ACT and WICKED.There are 35 similar programs produced at performing arts centers and theaters across the nation. The 2013/14 Season marks the first year of Omaha Performing Arts' Nebraska High School Theatre Awards program. Wells Fargo Foundation is sponsoring. High schools who produce an annual musical must register for the program by Monday, October 28. Registration is available on a first-come, first serve basis and the program will be limited to 20 high schools in the inaugural year.

For more information about the Nebraska High School Theatre Awards, visit http://www.NebraskaHSTA.org.



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