DIRECTOR SPOTLIGHT | Tomica S. Jenkins

Meet our Chicken & Biscuits Director, Tomica S. Jenkins!


Tomica S. Jenkins is a Chicago-based director/actor/producer and is thrilled to be working with the Omaha Community Playhouse. 

Currently a managerial staff member at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace, IL, Ms. Jenkins spent most of the pandemic teaching acting as a visiting assistant professor at Georgia Southern University in Savannah.
As a director, her favorite productions include School Girls; or, the African Mean Girls Play (Georgia Southern), The Gospel at Colonus (ACT-Seattle) where she worked as assistant to Lee Breuer, Fourth Date (Chicago Dramatists), the world premiere of Lovin’ You Ain’t Easy (Attic Theatre-Los Angeles) and Clybourne Park (Concordia University Chicago).

Last seen onstage in Boy Gets Girl (Beck) with Saltbox Theatre Collective, her favorite performances include Intimate Apparel (Mamie) and Diva Battle: The Last Audition – a self-penned, cabaret duo act, at Davenport’s Piano Bar & Cabaret. Professional acting credits include April Fools, Early Edition, Family Matters, Moesha and Undercover Brother: The Animated Series.

Tomica earned her Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in theater and radio/television from Bradley University and an M.F.A. in directing from the University of Southern California School of Dramatic Arts.

DIRECTOR SPOTLIGHT | Breanna Carodine!

 

We are thrilled to introduce you to the brilliant mind behind our latest show. Meet Breanna Carodine, director of PIPELINE!
Breanna brings a wealth of experience and a unique artistic vision to the pieces she directs, with a passion for storytelling and an eye for detail.
A member of the Omaha Community Playhouse directing fellowship inaugural class, Breanna Carodine made her directorial debut during the 2018/19 season with OCP’s staged reading of Lasso of Truth before serving as assistant director for Shrek The Musical. Most recently she directed Pretty Fire at OCP, What A Time to Be Alive at GPTC and Black Women Rebel with Radio Theatre Omaha at the Benson Theatre. Other directing credits include serving as the director for the staged reading of Women Laughing Alone with Salad and assistant directing The Color Purple (2022) at OCP and directing Down the Rabbit Hole with Radio Theatre Omaha.

Breanna last appeared on stage as Bradley in Men on Boats at OCP. Other acting credits include Minnie in Parade at OCP— a performance that earned her a Bill Bailey Debut Award — and Felice Ward in Gumbo (Lied Center for Performing Arts “Grow-A-Show” workshop.) Currently, she serves as the People Operations Generalist at Growth Ops Advisory. In her spare time, she enjoys making commentary on Bravo TV shows, raving about local restaurants on her Instagram @eatlocalomaha and hosting her own podcast @queensized.


Melodies Of Tomorrow Singer/Songwriter Showcase!

We’re thrilled to announce the individuals who will perform in the MELODIES OF TOMORROW Showcase!

  • Dmitrii Shaposhnikov
  • Lily Sanow
  • Emily Cross and Memphis Bohrer-Arnold
  • Arianna Calero-Anthis
MELODIES OF TOMORROW is a captivating singing/songwriting showcase exclusively for individuals 18 and under, dedicated to nurturing and showcasing the budding musical talents of our future generation. These five aspiring singer/songwriters will perform their original compositions on the Hawks Mainstage after the matinee performance of Beautiful The Carole King Musical this Sunday, Sept. 17!

Dmitrii Shaposhnikov: “Dancing with the Sun” Dmitrii is a classically trained piano player and composer. He loves to play jazz, rock, and blues music.

Lily Sanow: “Bullies”
Lily is so excited and grateful for this opportunity to sing her original piece, “Bullies.” She loves performing and is so excited to be on the OCP stage singing her original song! She would like to thank her family and everyone she has met that has impacted her.

Emily Cross and Memphis Bohrer-Arnold: “I Had to Be Her”
Emily and Memphis are part of a new up-and-coming two-person band, “2stars.” They are so grateful for this opportunity! You can find more music and updates at @2stars_music on Instagram.

Arianna Calero-Anthis: “Things I Still Can’t Say” Arianna is a senior in high school and has been jotting down lyrics since her first "sun" and "fun.” Most of the time, Ari can’t quite get her words out right or say how she feels. She’s learned through her love of singing over the years, and a few dissonant guitar chords thrown in, that writing songs is the easiest way to get it out!

Beautiful The Carole King Musical
Sept. 15 - Oct. 15, 2023 | Hawks Mainstage Theatre
*This showcase will take place immediately after that evening's matinee performance, and is FREE & open to the public! You do not need to see Sunday's performance to attend the showcase!*


Clyde's Partnership & Panel Discussion | Aug. 26!

We’re excited to share some incredible partnerships and events that embody the true spirit of transformation and second chances, two themes that are highlighted by the first play of the season: CLYDE’S.

























By partnering with RISE, Fermented Felon Kombucha, and Anastasis Theatre Co. for the duration of the run, OCP hopes to facilitate a collaborative space for art and rehabilitation, breaking down barriers, and the celebration of resilience!

RISE's Mission: To break the generational cycles of incarceration. RISE's Vision: That all people find freedom from cycles of incarceration. Learn more: https://www.seeusrise.org/what-we-do/

Fermented Felon Kombucha: Since beginning production in 2020, Fermented Felon has had the opportunity to mentor several entrepreneurs through the Rise Business Academy, and has supported individuals that are awaiting release, helping them get better employment, fair housing, and reunite with their families. Learn more: https://www.fermentedfelon.com/our-story

Anastasis Theatre Co.: The Mission of the Anastasis Theatre Co. is to lift unheard voices in our community. Our plays bring together diverse groups to highlight the beauty of our differences and reveal the common thread of our humanity. Learn more: https://anastasistheatre.org/

JOIN US! On Aug. 26, as part of this partnership OCP will be hosting a post-show panel discussion in the Howard Drew Theatre at 9:15PM, following the performance. The panel will feature representatives from RISE, Anastasis Theatre Co. and CLYDE’S.

This event is FREE and open to the public. We hope to see you there!

OCP Welcomes Becky Noble!


OCP has selected Becky Noble as interim executive director. She will lead OCP as the organization conducts a local and national search to select the next permanent executive director.

Becky is a longtime Omaha singer/actress and has performed at OCP numerous times. She served in a leadership position as Visual and Performing Arts Curriculum Specialist for Omaha South High School for 13 years; she retired last year. She also served as executive director for the Dundee Dinner Theatre. In 2020, Noble received the Governor’s Arts Award for Excellence in Arts Education. “We believe that Becky’s knowledge of and passion for OCP and the Omaha theatre community coupled with her leadership experience make her an ideal candidate for this interim position,” said OCP Board President Camille Metoyer Moten.

 Please join us in welcoming Becky!

OCP'S 2022|2023 AWARDS NIGHT WINNERS!


Announcing the 22/23 winners! Thank you to everyone who made the 98th season possible!

FONDA MCGUIRE AWARD
for the most outstanding performances of the season

  • Thomas Gjere, School of Rock
  • TammyRa’, Pretty Fire

MARY PECKHAM AWARD
for a memorable performance in a feature role    

  • Zhomontee Watson | Dreamgirls (musical)
  • Paul T. Hanson | Little Shop of Horrors (musical)
  • Ryan Eberhart | The Legend of Georgia McBride (play)
  • Kerri Forrester | August Wilson’s Fences (play)

BARBARA FORD AWARD
for outstanding performance in a supporting role

  • Wayne Hudson II, RENT (musical)
  • DJ Tyree, RENT (musical)
  • Josh Peyton, Little Shop of Horrors (musical)
  • Dennis Collins, The Legend of Georgia McBride (play)
  • L. James Wright, August Wilson’s Fences (play)

ELAINE JABENIS CAMEO AWARD
for a memorable performance in a small role

  • Logan Graves., School of Rock (musical)
  • Xavier Carr, RENT (musical)

JIM EISENHARDT OUTSTANDING YOUTH AWARD
for the most outstanding performance by a youth in the season

  • Vivian Rase, School of Rock
  • Zidyn Burton, School of Rock

OUTSTANDING DEBUT YOUTH AWARD
for outstanding performance in a first appearance on an OCP Stage

  • Oakland Anderson, School of Rock
  • Thomas Rogers, School of Rock

BILL BAILEY DEBUT AWARD
for outstanding performance in a first appearance on an OCP Stage

  • Isa Gott, RENT (musical)
  • Karissa Denae Johnson, Dreamgirls (musical)
  • Ryan Figgins, The Legend of Georgia McBride (play)
  • Anthony Montegut, August Wilson’s Fences (play)

DICK BOYD AWARD
to recognize exceptional contribution to the stage

  • Cullen Wiley
  • Tabor Cross

CHARLES JONES AWARD
to recognize excellence in performance at the discretion of the artistic director

  • Jerry Longe, A Christmas Carol

TRUSTEES AWARD
In recognition of special distinguished service to the Omaha Community Playhouse

  • Lindsay Lundholm

DEE AND ED OWEN AWARD
for corporations, foundations and individuals whose partnership and contribution have nurtured and sustained ongoing development of the Playhouse

  • Security National Bank

BACKSTAGE AND COSTUME VALUABLE SERVICE AWARD

  • Emma Aldrich
  • Ashley Clem
  • Emma Evans
  • Elizabeth Greer
  • Megan Grisinger
  • Karen Hector
  • Jack Lammers
  • Angela Leuschen
  • Madeline McCrae
  • Mike Neeson
  • Nora Roberson
  • Kevin Study
  • Roger Downer
  • Shelby Cervantes-Sheard
  • Bethany Siedenburg
  • Cecily Zdan
  • Sam Girouex
  • Jo Jensen
  • Katelyn Means 

STAGE MANAGER RECOGNITION

  • Melissa Linn, Georgia McBride
  • Jeanne Shelton, A Christmas Carol
  • Maggie Carolus, Sister's Christmas Catechism
  • Andrea Haney, Fences
  • Jeanne Shelton, Rent
  • Steve Priesman, Dreamgirls
  • Alex Konczey, Little Shop of Horrors
  • Andrea Haney, Pretty Fire
  • Jeanne Shelton, Respect
  • Page Amick, The Cake
  • Steve Priesman, School of Rock

 

Announcing the 2023/24 OCP Directing Fellows!

Meet the 2023/24 Directing Fellows

The Omaha Community Playhouse is excited to announce the recipients of the 2023/24 OCP Directing Fellowship.


 This year’s OCP Directing Fellowship Class includes:

  • Hannah Barnes: Clyde's - Assistant Director 
  • Shannon Chinn: Beautiful The Carole King Musical - Assistant Director
  • Jackson Newman: Pipeline - Assistant Director
  • Justin Parsley:  The Play That Goes Wrong  - Assistant Director
  • Madison Roman: Cabaret - Assistant Director-Choreographer
  • Charles Wilke: Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery - Assistant Director
  • Allana Pommier: Chicken & Biscuits - Assistant Director
  • Beth Leona King: Hello, Dolly! - Assistant Director

 The OCP Directing Fellowship was established in an effort to support the development of future Omaha directors. It provides early and mid-career directors the opportunity to develop their skills by assistant directing a regular season show.

Hannah Barnes (She/her)
Hannah is thrilled to be working with Omaha Community Playhouse for the first time! Raised in Omaha, she is a graduate of Bethel University, Minnesota with a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance. Hannah has been on both sides of the curtain starring as “Cherubino” in Le nozze di Figaro and assistant directing Next to Normal. Hannah would like to thank her family and Alex Rodriguez for all their support, wisdom, and encouragement.

Shannon Chinn (She/her)
Shannon has previously participated in OCP’s 2022/2023 Directing Fellowship as the Assistant Director for Pretty Fire. She has also directed STUPID F##KING BIRD and Spoon River Anthology both at Nebraska Wesleyan University and the 146th Point Flame at Raymond Central High School, which placed runner-up at the NSAA Class B Capitol Conference. Shannon has also helped create various immersive productions inspired by classical works such as In Sorrow’s Guise: An Immersive Medea and Lest Faith Turn: An Immersive Romeo and Juliet. She currently works as one of the theatre program directors at Raymond Central High School. You can find Shannon anytime by listening closely for her signature goose-like laugh.

Jackson Newman (He/him)
Jackson is excited to be a 2023/24 Directing Fellow at the Omaha Community Playhouse. An Omaha-based artist, his directing work has included classic, contemporary, new works, and everything in between. Previous directing credits include Mother Night, Transportations, Twelve Angry Jurors, and Tartufe. Most recently, he helped create and co-directed Perdido en Mi Cabeza last summer at the BlueBarn Theatre and Meet Me in St. Louis at the Bellevue Little Theatre last fall.

Justin Parsley (He/they)
Justin Parsley (he/they) – Justin is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join OCP’s Directing Fellowship during its 2023-2024 season.  He is an aspiring director and can’t wait to learn from, and collaborate with, the amazing talent that Omaha has to offer. This will be his first time jumping “behind the table” and he looks forward to working as an Assistant Director for The Play That Goes Wrong.  Justin has had a passion for theater since a young age and has spent most of his time working on shows as an actor/performer.  He was last seen on the OCP Stage as Mr. Spencer/Mr. Wagner in School of Rock.  Other recent productions include PLVCT’s The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Vice Principal Panch*), Chanticleer’s A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Inspector/Ensemble) and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Asher), and Ralston Community Theater’s Something Rotten!** (Brother Jeremiah). He has also performed with the Omaha Symphony as part of the vocal ensemble, Résonance.  Outside of theater, Justin spends his time directing healthcare providers as a leader and educator. A registered nurse by background, he holds a Doctorate in Nursing Administration and Leadership (Creighton ’22).  Much love to his husband James for the constant love and support, and a “pspspsps” to his cats Miss Honey and Georgie. 

Madison Roman (She/her)
Madison is ecstatic to be a directing fellow and assistant director-choreographer for Cabaret at the Omaha Community Playhouse. As a professional actor of 12 years she is delighted to be able to expand her artistry through directing. Madison has performed across the Midwest and was previously based out of New York City before the pandemic brought her back to Omaha. She holds a Bachelor's of Music in Musical Theatre with specific training in Vocal Pedagogy. Some of her favorite credits include: Gingy in Shrek the Musical at both Black Hills Playhouse, and Crane River Theatre, Urleen in Footloose at Crane River Theatre, Sally in Cabaret at Chanticleer Theatre (OEA nominee), and Hope in Urinetown at UNK (Irene Ryan Award Winner). Madison now can be found choreographing at Elkhorn North High School, auditioning, and giving music lessons in her spare time. I would like to thank my family for all their help, God for his blessings, and OCP for this opportunity. Finally, to my husband and daughter, thank you for sharing me with the theatre and supporting my passion. You two are the loves of my life.

Charles Wilke (He/him)
Charles, originally from Chicago, now calls Omaha home. An alumnus of Northern Illinois University, he's known for his diverse directing background, from short films to video game motion capture performance. While attending the Groundlings School for Improv in Los Angeles, Charles collaborated with many talented rising stars. His 2017 short film French Kitty stars Chloe Fineman and is distributed by Troma Entertainment. At the Omaha Community Playhouse, Charles plans to use his keen attention to detail and empathetic approach to enrich the local theatre scene. When he's not directing, you might find Charles practicing his juggling skills.

Allana Pommier (She/they)
Allana is a Black creative from Omaha, Nebraska who has been passionate about performing arts for as long as she can remember. Some of her favorite roles as an actor have been Agent Smith in Dinner with the MacGuffins, the Narrator, and STD student in She Kills Monsters, and Danielle in Language of Angels. Allana had her directorial debut with Creighton’s student production Riot, Repeat written by Viv Parr. Allana directed a play she wrote titled I Am a Black Woman for the 2022 Omaha Fringe Festival in August and again at Benson Theatre in November 2022. Allana also completed her first year with Omaha Performing Arts as a Disney Musical in School Teaching Artist where she helped King Science put on Lion King as their very first production at the school. Allana performed in a radio theatre production titled Black Women Rebel where she read Kim Louise’s play Alexa, Cortana, and Siri Walk Into a Juke Joint and Riot, Repeat. Allana did readings for three plays in the Great Plains Theatre Conference (Clytemnestra in Without a Formal Declaration of War by Anya Pearson, Aisha in What a Time to Be Alive [You Say That Every Time] by Paul Michel Thomson, and In the Basement by Bailey Williams). Additionally, Allana performed in a production of Significant Other as Vanessa with Voices in Alliance. Currently, Allana is working towards her Master's in Fine Arts for Playwriting as well as a certification in Dramaturgy at Hollins University. Additionally, Allana is the director of a play called Text Me Tomorrow by Shelby Love. Whether it is through writing, performance, or directing, Allana hopes to continue on this path of artistic endeavors and live out loud with the world around her as she works to amplify the visions of Black women in theatrical spaces.

Beth Leona King (She/her)
Beth is overjoyed to join the Omaha Community Playhouse Directing Fellowship Class of 23/24! Beth has a B.A. in Vocal Music Education from Dana College, M.M. in Vocal Performance and M.F.A. in Theatre Arts from The University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Beth has spent 7 years working as an actor/singer/director in the Twin Cities and is fortunate enough to have worked with the following companies: Skylark Opera, Minnesota Orchestra, Bloomington Civic, The Guthrie, Gilbert and Sullivan Very Light Opera Company, The Day Tippers, SOAR Arts, Lyric Arts Anoka and The Seasons Dinner Theater. Some of Beth’s favorite roles include: Reggie Fluty in The Laramie Project, Dolly Levi in Hello Dolly! The Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Sibella in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. Some of Beth’s favorite directing credits include: Beauty and the Beast Jr, Elf Jr and 101 Dalmatians Jr. Beth is currently a member of the Voice/Acting/Directing Faculty at SNJ Studio in Omaha. Beth would like to thank her husband Travis for encouraging her to follow her dreams.

Congratulations to the 2023/24 OCP Directing Fellows!