Omaha Performing Arts Presents WICKED Anti-Bullying Summit at The Holland Center Tonight

Tonight, May 8, Omaha Performing Arts will present an Anti-Bullying Summit in partnership with WICKED, the Broadway touring production and the Anti-Defamation League-Plains States Region. Two-hundred sixty-five students and adults are expected to attend the Anti-Bullying Summit that will begin at 8:30 a.m. The day-long summit will include interactive anti-bullying workshops for students in grades 8 through 11.

Educators, youth group leaders, counselors and college education majors will also participate in anti-bullying workshops specifically tailored for adults who work with students. The morning summit will be followed by a matinee performance of WICKED at Omaha's Orpheum Theater. Summit participants will conclude the day by engaging in a Q&A talk-back discussion with WICKED cast members focusing on the anti-bullying themes portrayed in the show.

Drawing from the themes of WICKED, the summit will engage participants in anti-bullying workshops led by ADL facilitators. Adult workshops will provide professional development for preventing bullying in the classroom. Student workshops will focus on tools they can use to become anti-bullying advocates in their schools. Students will learn more about recognizing bullying, and exploring and promoting the themes of acceptance, friendship and empathy.

These are the same themes that are the foundation of WICKED's national emphasis on anti-bullying. WICKED'S support of Bully Bust®, the program from the National School Climate Center, fits well with the No Place for Hate® program developed by the Anti-Defamation League that is already being used in many Omaha schools and the basis for the Summit workshops.

Heisman Trophy winner and former University of Nebraska-Lincoln Cornhusker quarterback, and now No Place For Hate® sponsor Eric Crouch will deliver remarks at the close of the summit morning. He is expected to speak about the importance of leadership and responsibility and draw examples from his sports experiences.

As a follow-up to the Anti-Bullying Summit, participants will be encouraged to create a program or event that encompasses what they've learned in the summit and one they can implement at their own schools. The students or school submitting the best idea with proven results will receive free tickets to an upcoming Student Matinee Series performance presented by Omaha Performing Arts.

Winner of over 50 major awards including the Grammy Award® and three Tony Awards®, WICKED is the untold story of the witches of Oz. Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meets in the land of Oz. One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. WICKED tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

WICKED performances at Omaha's Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St., are Wednesday, May 7, through Sunday, May 25, as follows:

WEEK OF MAY 7:
Wednesday, May 7, at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 8, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Friday, May 9, at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 10, at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

WEEK OF MAY 11:
Sunday, May 11, at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 13, at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 14, at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 15, at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, May 16, at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 17, at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

WEEK OF MAY 18:
Sunday, May 18, at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 20, at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 21, at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 22, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Friday, May 23, at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 24, at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 25, at 1:30 p.m. (no evening performance on this date)

Omaha Performing Arts is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to enriching the lives of the citizens of Omaha and surrounding communities. In its two venues: the Orpheum Theater and Holland Performing Arts Center, the organization presents the best of Broadway, jazz, blues, dance, comedy, family and popular entertainment. Omaha Performing Arts also offers a range of educational programs and free community events that support, enhance and expand appreciation for the arts. In addition, the organization provides comprehensive ticketing services through Ticket Omaha, the official ticket retailer for the Orpheum and Holland.

For more information, visit OmahaPerformingArts.org.