Ultimate Omaha Theater Guide & Calendar (2026)

Those who know me, know I’ve long been a supporter of the local performing arts scene. I used to review live theater for a living, and I have many friends and family involved in local community theater. Given the success of the Omaha concert calendar I’ve maintained, I’m starting this Omaha theater guide and calendar in hopes that you all can attend more shows if you have enough advanced notice.

If I’ve missed a theater troupe or venue, it’s not intentional. Please let me know in the comments or at Kim (at) ohmyomaha (dot) com, and I’ll get them added to the list!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Calendar of performances

The theater community extends beyond Omaha’s borders, so this list will include performances that are located in other communities in Nebraska and Iowa. Ticketing details and theater information are provided in the section following this theatrical calendar.

October 2026

• “Rise: Songs of Resistance and Resilience,” Sept. 24-Oct. 18 at BLUEBARN Theatre | Tickets
• “Evil Dead The Musical,” Oct. 2-Nov. 8 at Omaha Community Playhouse | Tickets
• The Dinner Detective “A Noteworthy Crime,” Oct. 3, 21 and 31 (Oct. 31 is a Costume Party) at DoubleTree Hotel Omaha Southwest | Tickets
• “Pump Boys and Dinettes,” Oct. 10-18 at Wilson Performing Arts Center | Tickets
• Shelterbelt Theatre Branch Out Series featuring “Happy Accidents” with Monica Bauer, Oct. 16 & 17 at Shelterbelt Theatre | Tickets
• “She Kills Monsters,” Oct. 15-17 at Northwest High School
• “Mamma Mia!” Oct. 15-18 at Ralston High School
• “Lesser Detectives,” Oct. 15-24 presented by Florentine Community Theater at Florence City Hall | Tickets
• “Death Takes A Bow: A Most Unfortunate Evening at the Oft/Gordon House!,” (fundraiser) Oct. 16 & 17 at Bennington Little Theatre | Tickets
• “Six,” Oct. 16-18 at Mercy High School
• “Arsenic and Old Lace,” Oct. 16-25 at Lofte Community Theatre | Tickets
• “Bunnicula,” Oct. 16-Nov. 1 at The Rose | Tickets
• “Momentum,” Oct. 17 & 18 at Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center | Tickets
• “Mindgame,” Oct. 16-18 & 23-25 presented by Southwest Iowa Theatre Group at Park Playhouse | Tickets
• “Charlotte’s Web,” Oct. 22-24 at Duchesne Academy
• “Gentleman’s Guides to Love and Murder,” Oct. 22, 24 & 25 at Skutt Catholic High School
• “She Kills Monsters,” Oct. 23-25 at Papillion La Vista High School
• “Holes,” Oct. 23-25 at Bryan High School
• “Death Becomes Her,” Oct. 27-Nov. 1 at the Orpheum Theater | Tickets
• “Frozen,” Oct. 29 & 30 at Millard North High School
• “Rogue’s Gallery” Oct. 29-Nov. 1 at Burke High School
• “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” Oct. 29-Nov. 1 at Westview High School
• Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, Oct. 30-Nov. 1 at The Lofte Community Theatre | Tickets
• “Tombstone Terror Stories,” Oct. 30-Nov. 1 at Grist Mill McCready Theater | Tickets
• “Clue: High School Edition,” Oct. 30-Nov. 1 at Bellevue East High School
• “King Lear,” presented by Old School Shakespeare Omaha Oct. 30-Nov. 13 at various venues | Details
• “Gaslight,” presented by Brigit Saint Brigit Oct. 30 through Nov. 15 at First Central Congregational Church | Tickets

November 2026

• “Last Summer At Bluefish Cove,” presented by Voices in Alliance Nov. 4-21 at Bancroft Street Market | Tickets
• “Mamma Mia!,” Nov. 5-8 at Millard West High School
• “Shrek The Musical,” Nov. 5-8 at Papillion La Vista South High School Theatre
• Central High’s Fall Musical is Nov. 6 & 7
• “Avenue Q,” Nov. 6-22 presented by SNAP! Productions at the Ghost Light Theater | Tickets
• “Some Days the Sky is Heavy” on Nov. 7 | Tickets
• Papillion La Vista Monarchs High School presents a new Stephen Gregg play, Nov. 7 & 8
• “Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic,” Nov. 7 & 8 at Lewis Central High School
• “Spongebob the Musical,” Nov. 12-14 at Iowa Western Community College Theater | Tickets
• “Starmites,” Nov. 12-15 at Roncalli Catholic High School
• “Thesby Showcase & Cabaret,” Nov. 13 at Burke High Theatre
• “La Boheme,” presented by Opera Omaha Nov. 13 & 15 at the Orpheum Theater | Tickets
• “Clue,” Nov. 13-15 at Millard South Patriot Theatre
• “Holiday Shorts: An Evening of Short Holiday Plays by Local Playwrights,” Nov. 19-Dec. 6 at Shelterbelt Theatre | Tickets
• “She Loves Me,” Nov. 19-Dec. 6 at UNO Theatre | Tickets
• “Silent Night of the Lambs,” Nov. 19-Dec. 19 at BLUEBARN Theatre | Tickets
• “A Christmas Carol,” Nov. 20-Dec. 20 at Omaha Community Playhouse | Tickets
• “Beetlejuice The Musical,” Nov. 20 & 21 at the Orpheum Theater | Tickets
• “Elf the Musical, Jr,” presented by BIG Inc. Nov. 21 at Benson Theatre | Tickets
• “Hana’s Suitcase,” presented by Circle Theatre Nov. 21 and 22 | Tickets
• “The Nutcracker,” presented by American Midwest Ballet Nov. 21 at Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center and Dec. 4-6 at Orpheum Theater | Tickets

December 2026

• “Christmas Jamboree,” presentented by Florence Community Theater Dec. 3-6 at Florence City Hall | Tickets
• “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” Dec. 4 & 5 at Bennington Community Theatre | Tickets
• “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Dec. 4-20 at Omaha Community Playhouse | Tickets
• “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer,” Dec. 4-20 at The Rose | Tickets
• “A Christmas Story,” Dec. 4-20 at Bellevue Little Theatre | Tickets
• “A Night With Mr. Wonderful,” Dec. 5 at Benson Theatre | Tickets
• “The Yellow Wallpaper,” Dec. 5 at Buena Vista High School
• “Nutcrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical,” Dec. 5-13 at Wilson Performing Arts Center | Tickets
• “Christmas at Leon’s,” Dec. 5-20 at Lofte Community Theatre | Tickets
• “Maybe Happy Ending,” Dec. 8-13 at the Orpheum Theater | Tickets
• “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” Dec. 10-20 at Chanticleer Community Theater | Tickets
• “Chairs,” “12 Angry Villains,” and “The Girl Who Cannot Be Hurt” Dec. 11 & 12 at Burke High School
• “Bluey’s Big Play,” Dec. 16 at the Orpheum Theater | Tickets
• “The Unauthorized Hallmark(ish) Parody Musical,” Dec. 16 at the Holland Center | Tickets
• “The Nutcracker,” presented by Backstage Dance Dec. 18 at Westside High School

Directory of Omaha theaters and performance groups

American Midwest Ballet

Location: Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center, 1001 S. Sixth St., Council Bluffs, Iowa and Orpheum Theater, 809 S. 16th St., Omaha, Neb.

About: American Midwest Ballet inspires people through dance programs of the highest quality: breathtaking performances, enriching education, and uplifting community engagement. The resident professional dance company, bringing work beyond words to audiences in Nebraska, Iowa, and beyond.

Upcoming shows:

• “Momentum,” Oct. 17 & 18 at Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center
• “The Nutcracker,” Nov. 21 at Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center and Dec. 4-6 at Orpheum Theater
• “Cleopatra,” April 10 & 11 at Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center and April 24 at Orpheum Theater

Area High Schools

Here’s a look at the shows some Omaha Metro high schools have scheduled for their 2026-2027 school year:

• Thomas Jefferson High School presents “Little Shop of Horrors,” Fall 2026
• Northwest High School presents “She Kills Monsters,” Oct. 15-17
• Ralston High School Theatre presents “Mamma Mia!” Oct. 15-18
• Mercy High School presents “Six,” Oct. 16-18
• Duchesne Academy presents “Charlotte’s Web,” Oct. 22-24
• Skutt Catholic High School presents “Gentleman’s Guides to Love and Murder,” Oct. 22, 24 & 25
• Papillion La Vista Monarchs High School presents “She Kills Monsters,” Oct. 23-25
• Bryan Drama presents “Holes,” Oct. 23-25
• Marian presents “Cinderella,” Oct. 23-26
• Millard North High School Drama presents “Frozen,” Oct. 29 & 30
• Burke High Theatre presents “Rogue’s Gallery” Oct. 29-Nov. 1
• Westview High School presents “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” Oct. 29-Nov. 1
• Bellevue East Theatre presents “Clue: High School Edition,” Oct. 30-Nov. 1
• Millard West High School presents “Mamma Mia!,” Nov. 5-8
• Papillion La Vista South High School Theatre presents “Shrek The Musical,” Nov. 5-8
• Central High’s Fall Musical is Nov. 6 & 7
• Papillion La Vista Monarchs High School presents a new Stephen Gregg play, Nov. 7 & 8
• Lewis Central High School presents “Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic,” Nov. 7 & 8
• Roncalli Catholic High School presents “Starmites” on Nov. 12-15
• Burke High Theatre presents “Thesby Showcase & Cabaret” Nov. 13
• Millard South Patriot Theatre presents “Clue,” Nov. 13-15
• Buena Vista Drama presents “The Yellow Wallpaper,” Dec. 5
• Burke High Theatre presents “Chairs,” “12 Angry Villains,” and “The Girl Who Cannot Be Hurt” Dec. 11 & 12
• Millard North High School Drama presents “The Somewhat True Tales of Robin Hood,” Jan. 28 & 29, 2027
• Millard South Patriot Theatre presents “Elephant’s Graveyard,” Jan. 29 & 31, 2027
• Millard South Patriot Theatre presents “The Yellow Wallpaper,” Feb. 26-28, 2027
• Benson High School presents “Annie,” March 5 & 6, 2027
• Bellevue West High School presents “Come From Away,” March 4-7, 2027
• Millard West High School presents “The Living Dead In Denmark, March 18-21, 2027
• Papillion La Vista South High School Theatre presents “Urinetown: The Musical,” March 18-21, 2027
• Elkhorn North Spring Musical, April 1-4, 2027
• Buena Vista Drama presents “Cinderella,” April 2-4, 2027
• Central High’s Spring Play is April 9 & 10, 2027
• Burke High Theatre presents “Anastasia,” April 9-11, 2027
• Lewis Central High School presents “The Addams Family, A Musical Comedy,” April 9-11
• Millard North High School Drama presents “Radium Girls,” April 29 & 30, 2027
• Papillion La Vista South High School Theatre presents The One Act Play Festival, April 29-May 1, 2027
• Millard West High School presents “Unified Musical: Newsies Jr.,” April 29 & 30 and May 2
• Burke High Theatre presents “Pixar’s Finding Nemo KIDS Rockstar Style Unified Musical,” April 30
• Buena Vista Drama presents “Dine-In Shakespeare,” April 30
• Millard South Patriot Theatre presents “Anastasia,” April 30-May 2, 2027
• Westside High School presents “Complete Works of William Shakespeare [Abridged] [Revised] [Again],” TBA
• Westside High School presents “Anastasia,” Spring 2027
• Thomas Jefferson High School presents “Arsenic and Old Lace, Spring 2027

Arts Center

Location: Iowa Western, 2700 College Road Arts Center, Council Bluffs, Iowa

About: The Arts Center presents performances by national touring artists as well as students at Iowa Western. Main stage theater has a capacity of 663 and the black box theater has a capacity of 125.

Ticket types: Reserved seats, season subscriptions

Upcoming shows:

• “Spongebob the Musical,” Nov. 12-14

Bellevue Little Theatre

Location: 203 E. Mission Ave., Bellevue, Neb.

About: The only performing arts center in Sarpy County, Neb., Bellevue Little Theatre‘s season consists of five productions: Two musicals and three plays. Their season runs September and June.

Ticket types: General admission, season tickets

Typical showtimes: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Upcoming shows:

• “Cry-Baby,” Sept. 18-Oct. 4
• “A Christmas Story,” Dec. 4-20
• “Murder on the Nile,” Feb. 5-21, 2027
• “Finding Neverland,” April 9-25, 2027
• “Father of the Bride,” June 11-27, 2027

Bennington Community Theatre

About: Founded in 2023, Bennington Community Theatre is driven toward creating and implementing cultural and educational activities for the public benefit by providing theatrical arts opportunities for community participation.

Upcoming Shows:

• “Nunsense,” Sept. 25-27
• “Death Takes A Bow: A Most Unfortunate Evening at the Oft/Gordon House!,” (fundraiser) Oct. 16 & 17
• “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” Dec. 4 & 5

Benson Theatre

Location: 6054 Maple St., Omaha, Neb.

About:  Benson Theatre‘s mission is to engage, enhance and enrich the community through educational and artistic experiences. The theater host stage plays, musical concerts, film events, workshops, seminars, networking events, forums, fundraisers, creative performances, receptions, private events and more.

Upcoming shows:

• “Elf the Musical, Jr,” presented by BIG Inc. Nov. 21
• “A Night With Mr. Wonderful,” Dec. 5

BLUEBARN Theatre

Location: 1106 S. 10th St., Omaha, Neb.

About: BLUEBARN Theatre is a professional contemporary theatre company bringing shows to the Omaha stage that are entertaining as well as thought-provoking. It’s an intimate venue, seating is for 96 people.

Ticket types: General admission, season tickets

Typical showtimes: Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 6 p.m.

Upcoming shows:

• “Rise: Songs of Resistance and Resilience,” Sept. 24-Oct. 18
• “Silent Night of the Lambs,” Nov. 19-Dec. 19
• “On the Verge; or, The Geography of Yearning,” Feb. 18-March 14, 2027
• “An Iliad,” April 1-25, 2027
• “Liberation,” May 27-June 27, 2027

Brigit Saint Brigit Theatre Co.

Location: No permanent home, various locations in Omaha, Neb.

About: Brigit Saint Brigit has a mission to present “the highest quality, professional theatre, meant to engage, educate and entertain, stimulating both feeling and thought.”

Upcoming shows:

• “Gaslight,” Oct. 30 through Nov. 15 at First Central Congregational Church

Chanticleer Theater

Location: Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center, 1001 S. Sixth St., Council Bluffs, Iowa

About: Chanticleer Theater‘s mission is “to provide an educational, entertaining, cultural, and historic experience for the greater Council Bluffs Community through the performing arts.” It recently relocated to the new Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center.

Ticket types: General admission, season tickets

Upcoming shows:

• “The Wizard of Oz,” Sept. 17-27
• “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” Dec. 10-20
• “Murder Mystery at the Murder Mystery,” Jan. 15-24, 2027
• “Wait Until Dark,” March 12-21, 2027
• “The Unsinkable Molly Brown,” May 13-23, 2027

CHI Health Center Omaha

Location: 455 N. 10th St., Omaha, Neb.

About: CHI Health Center Omaha typically hosts large concerts and sporting events, but occasionally, there are large productions and ice shows. Tickets are sold through Ticketmaster. Save on online ticketing fees by purchasing tickets in person at the box office.

Upcoming shows:

• TBA

Circle Theatre

Location: Various venues in Omaha, Neb.

About: Circle Theatre‘s mission is to “engage individuals of all abilities in creative opportunities on and off stage.”

Upcoming shows:

• “Hana’s Suitcase,” Nov. 21 and 22
• “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe,” March 20 and 21, 2027

Creighton University

Location: Creighton University’s Lied Education Center for the Arts

About: The Creighton University Fine and Performing Arts Department puts on a variety of productions each year. Tickets are usually $10 for general admission, $5 for seniors, and free for Creighton student, faculty and staff.

• TBA

Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show

Location: Double Tree by Hilton Omaha Southwest, 3650 S. 72nd St.

About: Performers are dressed just like everyone else, leaving all of the guests to suspect who is a part of the show and who is not. The murder mystery show is paired with a four-course plated dinner. Coffee and tea are included, and there is a cash-only cash bar available as well. Note: Strict age limit of 15 years old, due to mild adult content, loud noises, and swearing.

Ticket type: General admission tickets

Upcoming shows:

• “A Noteworthy Crime,” Oct. 3, 21 and 31 (Oct. 31 is a Costume Party)
• “A Noteworthy Crime,” Nov. 7, 14, 21 and 28

Elkhorn Community Theatre

Location: Elkhorn Valley Community Theater, 101 E. Gardiner St., Valley, Neb.

About: According to the theatre, “Elkhorn Community Theatre was founded on the objective to involve as many members of the community of Elkhorn as possible by participation in committees, by performing, or by attending the productions.”

Upcoming shows:

• “Frozen,” June 2027

Florentine Community Theater

Location: Florence City Hall, 2864 State St., Omaha, Neb.

About: The Florence Community Theater – home to The Florentine Players – has been staging productions in the Florence area since 1964. Known for the annual melodrama, the nonprofit theater stages four major stage productions per year plus a number of other community entertainment events such as the Annual Battle of the Improv All Stars and Breakfast With Santa.

Ticket types: General admission tickets are $12

Upcoming shows:

• “Lesser Detectives,” Oct. 18-24
• “Christmas Jamboree,” Dec. 3-6

Great Plains Theatre Commons

Location: Various locations

About: The mission of the Great Plains Theatre Commons is to strengthen community by supporting the creation and sharing of diverse new stories.

Ticket types:

Upcoming shows:

• TBA

Grist Mill McCready Theatre

Location: 313 Main St., Macedonia, Iowa

About: Grist Mill Fine Arts Council was formed in 1977 to provide a means to bring the arts to southwest Iowa.

Upcoming shows:

• TBA

Lofte Community Theatre

Location: 15841 Manley Road, Manley, Neb.

About: Lofte Community Theatre and Born-In-A-Barn Players are dedicated to providing opportunities for all ages to participate in the creative process and to enjoy the social, artistic, and educational benefits of all art forms.

Upcoming shows:

• “Arsenic and Old Lace,” Oct. 16-25
• “Christmas at Leon’s,” Dec. 5-20

Mills Masquers

Location: 56543 221st St., Glenwood, Iowa

About: Mills Masquers is a community theater based in Glenwood, Iowa

Typical showtimes: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Upcoming shows:

• “A Streetcar Named Desire,” Oct. 2-11

Omaha Community Playhouse

Location: 6915 Cass St., Omaha, Neb.

About: The mission of the Omaha Community Playhouse is to enhance quality of life through live theatre, professional touring, and arts education. The nonprofit is dedicated to enriching the lives of audiences and participants through entertainment, thought-provoking stories and first-hand involvement.

Ticket types: Reserved seats, season subscriptions

Typical showtimes: Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Upcoming shows:

• “Come From Away,” Sept. 11-Oct. 11
• “Evil Dead The Musical,” Oct. 2-Nov. 8
• “A Christmas Carol,” Nov. 20-Dec. 20
• “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Dec. 4-20
• “Dear Evan Hansen,” Jan. 15-Feb. 7, 2027
• “Pride and Prejudice,” Feb. 12-March 14, 2027
• “Into The Woods,” March 5-27, 2027
• “Noises Off,” April 16-May 9, 2027
• “The Roommate,” May 7-June 6, 2027
• “Mean Girls,” May 28-June 27, 2027

Omaha Fringe Festival

Location: UNO Mainstage, UNO 006, Blackstone Theater, Benson Theatre

About: The Omaha Fringe Festival strives to bring the different members of the Omaha theatre community together for one open access and inclusive festival where theatre artists can experiment with new works and audiences can experience new theatrical movements. 

Ticket type: The Fringe Button and All Fringe Pass

• TBA

Omaha Performing Arts’ Broadway Series & Season Specials

Location: Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St., Omaha, Neb.

About: Omaha Performing Arts (O-pa) brings Broadway shows, live music, comedy and more to the Holland Performing Arts Center, Orpheum Theater and Steelhouse Omaha (opening May 12, 2023). The nonprofit also offer a broad range of education and community engagement activities that reach a wide and diverse audience across the state. Ticket Omaha is the official ticket retailer.

Ticket types: Reserved seats, season subscriptions. ** Purchase tickets through TicketOmaha.com, not through third party ticket re-sellers.

Upcoming shows:

• “Death Becomes Her,” Oct. 27-Nov. 1
• “Beetlejuice The Musical,” Nov. 20 & 21
• “Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol,” Nov. 25
• “Maybe Happy Ending,” Dec. 8-13
• “The Unauthorized Hallmark(ish) Parody Musical,” Dec. 16
• “Bluey’s Big Play,” Dec. 16
• “Beauty and the Beast,” Jan. 20-27, 2027
• “Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding,” Feb. 10-14, 2027
• “The Phantom of the Opera,” Feb. 17 – 28, 2027
• “The Great Gatsby Musical,” March 30 – Apr. 4, 2027
• “The Sound of Music,” April 27-May 2, 2027
• “The Book of Mormon,” May 18-23, 2027
• “Hell’s Kitchen,” June 22-27, 2027

Opera Omaha

Location: Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St., and other venues as noted

About: Opera Omaha‘s mission is to produce opera performances in multiple formats and styles and co-creating artist-led programs for a variety of community service organizations. 

Ticket types: Reserved seats, season subscriptions

Upcoming shows:

• “La Boheme,” Nov. 13 & 15
• “The Pigeon Keeper,” Jan. 28-30, 2027
• “Ariadne Auf Naxos,” March 19 & 21, 2027
• “Alessandro,” April 30, 2027

Papillion Area Community Theatre

Location: SumTur Amphitheater, 11691 S. 108th St., Papillion, Neb.

About: The Papillion Area Community Theatre aims to produce high quality productions in unique settings, which will enrich the Papillion, La Vista, and surrounding communities.

Upcoming shows:

• “Fiddler on the Roof,” Summer 2027

Popcorn Productions Melodramas

Location: Kountze Memorial Theatre located inside Mahoney State Park, 28500 W. Park Highway, Ashland, Neb.

Ticket types: Individual tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for children (ages 12 and under); Family Package is $28 (2 Adults, 2 Children). Tickets can be reserved by calling (402) 944-2957.

Typical showtimes: 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. on Sundays

Upcoming shows:

• TBA

Ralston Community Theatre

Location: Ralston Performing Arts Center located inside of Ralston High School, 8969 Park Drive, Ralston, Neb.

About: Ralston Community Theatre is a performing arts organization operating to provide quality entertainment at competitive prices. RCT’s specific intents are to further the Ralston and Greater Omaha community’s involvement in theatre, to provide an extension of the Ralston Public Schools performing arts program, and to foster public relations for the Ralston community.

Typical showtimes: Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Upcoming shows:

• “In The Heights,” Summer 2027

Rave On Productions

Location: Various venues around Omaha

About: Rave On Productions created the Omaha Series to produce unique theatrical shows in untraditional venues. They also founded the McGuigan Arts Academy for students of all ages to learn about theatre, art and music through hands-on studies with professional teaching artists.

Ticket types: General admission tickets, reserved seats

Upcoming shows:

• “Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience,” Nov. 27-Dec. 29 at the Slowdown

The Rose Theater

Location: 2001 Farnam St., Omaha, Neb.

About: The Rose Theater is committed to inspiring young people and their families to discover the magic of theater, to find their voices and to enrich their communities.

Ticket types: General admission tickets, premium show tickets with reserved seats, subscriptions (includes four tickets to each of the six member shows)

Typical showtimes: Fridays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays & Sundays at 2 p.m. (but not always)

Upcoming shows:

• “Just Ask,” Sept. 11-27
• “Bunnicula,” Oct. 16-Nov. 1
• “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer,” Dec. 4-20
• “A Year With Frog & Toad” (Theater for Young Audiences)  Feb. 12-28, 2027
• “Shrek The Musical” (Theater for Young Audiences) March 19-April 4, 2027
• “Giraffes Can’t Dance,” April 16-May 2, 2027
• “How To Train Your Dragon The Musical Jr.,” June 4-27, 2027

Shelterbelt Theatre

Location: 4383 Nicholas St., Suite 204, Omaha, Neb.

About: The theatre’s mission is “to provide a safe and nurturing environment in which to focus the development of original work and to provide for the practical education of writers, performing artists, creative and technical staff, and the general public in the art and science of moving an idea from the mind to the stage.” They work to develop, workshop and produce new works by local and regional playwrights.

Ticket types: Three tiers of tickets: Patron (suggested $25 for regular shows, $35 for musicals); Pay What You Can; and Pay It Forward (Add some additional funds to help keep theater accessible to all)

Showtimes: Thursday and Friday performances are at 7 p.m., Saturday performances are at 2 p.m., and Sunday performances are at 6 p.m.

Upcoming shows:

• “35MM: A Musical Exhibition,” Sept. 17-Oct. 4
• Shelterbelt Theatre Branch Out Series featuring “Happy Accidents” with Monica Bauer, Oct. 16 & 17
• “Holiday Shorts: An Evening of Short Holiday Plays by Local Playwrights,” Nov. 19-Dec. 6

SNAP! Productions

Location: Ghost Light Theatre, 2221 Thurston Circle, Bellevue, Neb.

About: Originally founded to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, SNAP! Productions has grown to become a respected institution in the city’s cultural landscape. Their mission is to produce thought-provoking, socially relevant theater that challenges both performers and the audience. In 2023, they rebranded as Ghost Light Theatre, home of SNAP! Productions.

Ticket types: Individual tickets

Upcoming shows:

• “Avenue Q,” Nov. 6-22

Southwest Iowa Theatre Group

Location: Park Playhouse, 604 Sportsman Park Road, Shenandoah, Iowa

About: The mission at the Southwest Iowa Theatre Group is to continue the tradition of producing quality amateur theatrical productions, and to promote all of the arts for the entertainment, education, and development of patrons and participants.

Ticket types: Individual tickets, season tickets

Typical showtimes: Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Upcoming shows:

• “Mindgame,” Oct. 16-18 & 23-25
• “Lucky Stiff,” March 12-14 & 19-21, 2027
• “Lickety Split,” April 23-25, and 30 and MAY 1-2, 2027
• “Alice in Wonderland,” June 18-20 & 25-27, 2027

UNO Theatre

Location: University of Nebraska at Omaha, 6505 University Drive S., Omaha, Neb.

About: At the UNO Theatre, all productions involve both University of Nebraska at Omaha students and others from the greater metropolitan Omaha area. The theater deliver performances live on stage, as well as on different virtual platforms including video and streaming video on demand.

Ticket type: Individual tickets (students receive free tickets)

Upcoming shows:

• “Dead Man’s Cell Phone,” Oct. 1-11
• “She Loves Me,” Nov. 19-Dec. 6
• “Athena,” Feb. 25-March 7, 2027
• “You Can’t Take It With You,” April 15-25, 2027

The Union For Contemporary Art

Location: 2423 N. 24th St., Omaha, Neb.

About: The Union for Contemporary Art strengthens the cultural and social landscape of the community by using the arts as a vehicle to inspire positive social change. The Union uses the term “social change” as a broad umbrella to encompass a range of social and civic outcomes from increased awareness and understanding, to attitudinal change and increased civic participation.

Recognizing that change on the individual level is directly linked to the building of public will and the development of policy that corrects injustice, The Union embraces the opportunity to foster social change every day through programs, partnerships, and commitment to North Omaha.

Upcoming shows:

• “A Way Back Home,” TBA

Voices in Alliance

Location: Flixx, 1019 S. 10th St., Omaha, Neb.

About: The mission of Voices in Alliance (VIA) Theatre Company is to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride through inspiring, inclusive, diverse, provocative, and complex stories that explore both the ordinary and extraordinary of the queer experience.

Upcoming shows:

• “Last Summer At Bluefish Cove,” Nov. 4-21 at Bancroft Street Market

Wilson Performing Arts Center

Location: 300 Commerce Drive, Red Oak, Iowa

Website

Upcoming shows:

• “Pump Boys and Dinettes,” Oct. 10-18
• “Nutcrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical,” Dec. 5-13
• “Proof,” Jan. 29-31, 2027
• “The Trial of Goldilocks,” Feb. 26-28, 2027
• “James & The Giant Peach,” June 11-20, 2027

Omaha and the surrounding areas offer a diverse range of theater experiences for both locals and visitors. From large-scale productions in renowned venues to intimate performances in community theaters, there is no shortage of opportunities to experience the magic of live theater. Whether you’re a fan of musicals, dramas, comedies, or experimental theater, you’re sure to find something that speaks to you.