A Q&A with OCP's new Artistic Director, Stephen Santa

This past November, OCP welcomed a new artistic director, Stephen Santa. A seasoned director, educator and arts advocate, who has dedicated much of his career to creating accessible theatre experiences for neurodivergent youth. We are so excited to have Stephen join our theatre community!

Q. How did you get started in theatre?

SS. I was hit with the “theatre bug” early and I started performing when I was eight. One of my first professional productions was an annual production of A Christmas Carol like ours here at OCP. Being a young performer on stage next to adults with snow falling, fog flowing and carols in the air are some of my fondest memories from my childhood.  

Q. Tell us about your work with Jumping Jack Theater?

SS. I co-founded Jumping Jack Theater so that everyone can have an opportunity to experience live theatre experiences in a safe, non-judgmental and welcoming environment. JJT creates sensory oriented theatre experiences for young audiences with developmental disabilities and sensory sensitivities. All our shows were conceived within Autism Support classrooms with students who were able to provide feedback so that we could work towards creating theatre that was as accessible as possible. I’m so proud of my time with Jumping Jack and I hope to continue this type of programming in the future here at OCP.  

Q. Who are your biggest influences in theatre?

SS. I think about the teachers, directors and friends who’ve championed me throughout my career. I think about the Artistic Director at my local community theater in my hometown of Pittsburgh who took a chance on me to direct my first musical ever. I think about my theatre teachers who spent that extra ten minutes with me to really make sure I understood. I think of all those people who told me not to give up. These are the most important influences. I’ll have to add Susie Baer Collins to this list as well. In just a few short months she’s gifted me with so much knowledge and kindness that I’ll carry with me forever. 

Q. What is your directing process like?

SS. I’m a director who thrives in collaboration. The entire process from the first production meeting to the final curtain excites me! When you walk into a rehearsal room with me, you’ll find a warm, safe, constructive, efficient and most importantly fun environment where we can create something magical together. Community theater is about finding where you belong and hopefully through hard work, discovering something new about yourself. It’s my true honor to be here at OCP and to help create these long-lasting memories for our community. 

Q. What is your favorite part about Omaha so far?

SS. I’ve loved exploring the diverse food scene here. There are so many options and I feel like I’ve just hit the tip of the iceberg. I love eating at local restaurants and trying something new and exciting. Look for me at Lola’s or Hardy Coffee Co. on the weekends enjoying a coffee drink and reading plays. 

Q. What was it like observing the A Christmas Carol rehearsal process?

SS. It was such a joyous experience. I loved watching the talented cast work so hard but always leave with smiles on their faces. It was also a wonderful opportunity for me to listen and learn about the extensive history and tradition of OCP and A Christmas Carol in particular. I look forward to continuing the tradition and bringing families together in our audience for years to come. 

Q. What are you looking forward to the most in your new position?

SS. I’m so excited to continue the long-standing tradition of exceptional community theater here at OCP! It’s certainly a goal of mine for everyone in our community to be able to come to a show and see a bit of themselves up on the stage. Theatre certainly entertains but it can heal as well. I want to program a diverse group of plays and musicals that will spark conversation for our audiences long after the curtain has come down.