Omaha Performing Arts' Student Program Sets Record, Spans Entire State

More Nebraska high school students than ever before are participating in Omaha Performing Arts' Nebraska High School Theatre Awards (NHSTA) program. The program that began with 22 schools in the Omaha metro in 2013 is celebrating a record-breaking 2017/2018 year - reaching 7,000 students at 76 schools in 41 cities and towns across Nebraska.

The NHSTAs have become a signature education program at Omaha Performing Arts. The program is designed to celebrate, support and advocate for middle and high school theatre education. Culminating in a Tony Awards-inspired showcase, the program offers free Broadway master classes and workshops, feedback from performing arts professionals, tickets to touring Broadway shows when available, performance and audition experiences, distance learning opportunities, the chance to compete at the Broadway League's National High School Musical Theatre Awards in New York City.

"Our annual showcase allows students across the state to come together and share their passion for musical theatre," said Omaha Performing Arts Education Manager Kathleen Lawler Hustead. "They make life-long friendship and gain valuable skills that help them succeed in college and their careers."

The Nebraska High School Theatre Awards provides schools with resources year-round. Each fall, schools are invited to register their theatre productions to be adjudicated by a team of performing arts professionals. Adjudicators attend schools' theatre productions and provide educationally focused feedback on the performances. Throughout the school year participants also have the chance to attend free master classes led by professional teaching artists and cast members from Broadway.