Will Meinen to start teaching at the Henry Fonda Theatre Academy

Will Meinen started his improv and comedy career in Omaha at the Backline Theater. In 2012, he moved to Chicago where he received improv training at the iO, Second City and Annoyance Theaters and acting training at Green Room Studio and Black Box Acting. Will was cast on a weekend house team at the iO Theater in 2014 and performed on The Armando Diaz Experience, the longest running long form improv show. Along with performing, Will has coached iO Theater teams "Carl and the Passions" and "2 Bed 3 Bath," as well as multiple independent teams. He has appeared at improv festivals across the U.S. and performed in New York TV and Film and SNL industry showcases. Will is excited to share what he has learned as a performer and coach in classes at the Omaha Community Playhouse. His classes and workshops focus on building the practice of "Yes And," listening and responding in the moment, using emotion and physicality to inform character and working at the height of your intelligence. Bonus content includes anecdotes about minor celebrities he met briefly at the iO bar or Old Town Ale House.

OCP announces the cast of The Color Purple

Congratulations to the cast of The Color Purple, directed by Denise Chapman and Kathy Tyree. Opening in the Hawks Mainstage Theatre May 29 through June 28! Tickets go on sale Tuesday, April 7.

Name – Role
TammyRa Jackson – Celie
Dara Hogan – Shug
Brandi Smith – Sophia (Understudy Celie)
Daisy Sudderth – Squeak
Brittney Thompson – Nettie
Justin Blackson – Mister
Anthony Holmes – Harpo
Brendan Brown – Grady/Ensemble
Eric Jordan – Old Mister/Ensemble
Raymond Butler – Adam/Ensemble
Lanaija Woodfolk – Olivia/Ensemble
Almeda Lopez – Church Ladies
Doriette Jordan – Church Ladies (Understudy Sophia)
Alicia Amedee – Ensemble
Serena Johnson – Church Lady
Kerri Forester – Church Lady