Teaching Artist Spotlight

Meet one of our newest teaching artists, Mandie Patsy!

Mandie in brand new to Omaha, but has already taught several classes here at the Omaha Community Playhouse this year. She grew up in Pittsburgh, doing shows since she was three years old. It started with ballet recitals and grew into pursuing her musical theatre dreams at Point Park University. She is new to the Omaha area, but if you saw the 2015/2016 national tour of "The Producers" at the Orpheum Theater then you got to see her in action in one of her favorite shows!

She also was in the international tour of "My Fair Lady". After her tours, she moved to Pittsburgh, PA where she performed, taught, and choreographed all over the city for seven years before moving to Omaha with her husband, Brady. Her first teaching job in Omaha was at OCP this summer with their amazing summer camp program! Mandie can't wait for her next role as Mom to hers and Brady's first baby, due October 2022!

Cast Announcement: THE CAKE!

 Congratulations to the cast of THE CAKE! Directed by Kim Clark-Kaczmarek!

Kathleen Combs | Della Doug Rothgeb | Tim Roz Parr | Jen Delaney Jackson | Macy

The Cake runs October 7 - November 6 in the Howard Drew Theater! Tickets are on sale now: https://bit.ly/OCPTheCake

Cast Announcement: SCHOOL OF ROCK!

Congratulations to the cast of SCHOOL OF ROCK Directed by Stephen Santa!  

Tom Gjere - Dewey Finn

Lauren Krupski - Rosalie Mullins

Jonathan Berger - Ned Schneebly

Elizabeth Avery - Patty Di Marco

Logan Graves - Theo/Mr. Noble/Ensemble

Brent Goetzinger - Doug/Mr. Green/Ensemble

Brenden Brown - Bob/Gabe Brown/Ensemble

Joey Galda - Snake/Mr. Hamilton/Teacher/Ensemble

Mason Jaeger - Stanley/Mr. Sandford/Mr. Sanders

Bob Gilmore - Mr. Mooneyham/Mr. Janes

Dana Smithberg - Mrs. Hathaway/Ms. Bingham

Alex White - Mr. Williams/Mr. Woodard

Justin Parsley - Mr. Spencer/Mr. Wagner

Kimberly McGreevy - Ms. Sheinkopf

Alicia Amedee - Ms. Gordan/Mrs. Turner/Ensemble

Victoria Krol - Ms. Macapugay/Jill Sanderson/Mrs. Travis/Ensemble

Vivian Rase - Summer Hathaway

Oakland Anderson - Zach Mooneyham

Zidyn Burton - Tomika

Liam Richardson - Lawrence

Whitney Ingvoldstad - Katie

Johnathon Kreiling - Freddie Hamilton

Lily Sanow - Marcy

Charlotte Ziegler - Shonelle

Cruz Martinez - Mason

Thomas Rogers - Billy

Samuel Jade Fong - James

Anina Frey - Sophie

Vienna Mass - Madison

Emmitt DeWater - Noah

School Of Rock runs September 16 - October 16 on the Hawks Mainstage! Tickets are on sale now: https://bit.ly/OCPSchoolOfRock

From Omaha to New York: TTAP Graduate Credits OCP Program for Career Choice

Written by Joe Scioli

Aja Jackson, a talented and up-and-coming lighting designer, credits her career choice to the Omaha Community Playhouse (“OCP”). Aja was born in Illinois and is a self-described “military brat.” She attended Bellevue East High School and performed in many shows there. From the start, Aja knew she was meant to work in theater.

Aja was recruited to join the TTAP program at OCP in 2009 while she was in high school. After joining the program, the theater staff told Aja that she would be a great fit for stage management. She is type A, friendly and organized so stage management seemed to be a likely fit. Aja also chose to learn more about lighting and electrics. Although Aja initially thought stage management would be her primary focus, she quickly realized lighting design was perfect for her. TTAP exposed her to this new and exciting field.

After assisting with light production, everything changed for Aja, and she knew lighting design would be her future. “I can express myself and my thoughts of the show with lights,” Jackson stated. Careers in lighting are dismal. Prior to her apprenticeship in the TTAP, Aja did not know it was possible to have a career in the lighting field. TTAP presented Aja with opportunities and a career path that she had never imagined.

TTAP helped Aja understand how a show is put together. It also taught her important job skills such as being on time, asking questions and resolving conflicts.

Jackson credits her success in the program to John Gibilisco. “Gibilisco was my first mentor. I would not be where I am without John Gibilisco, and I owe so much to him and am forever thankful to him.” Aja is also incredibly grateful to OCP for helping her find her passion and career path.

When asked what people may not know about her, Aja said that some people do not realize that she is also a dancer in addition to a lighting designer. Aja studied modern dance and the Lester Horton style of dance. The technique is based on "Native American dances, emphasizes a whole body, anatomical approach to dance that includes flexibility, strength, coordination and dramatic freedom of expression."

Aja obtained a master’s degree in Fine Arts from Boston University in 2018.

Currently, Aja is the associate lighting designer for Goddess at the Berkeley Repertory Theater. She works closely with a Tony award-winning lighting designer, and recently helped with lighting for “Fences” at the Shakespeare Festival in Pennsylvania and “On Your Feet,” in Long Island, NY.

If Aja could work with any lighting designer, she would pick Jen Schriever. Schriever is a Tony-nominated designer whose work gives hope to Aja. Aja said Schriever is kind, has a great attitude and treats people well.

Interested in learning more about TTAP? Contact the Theatre Technology Apprenticeship Director by email at ttap@omahaplayhouse.com or visit our website: https://bit.ly/OCPTTAP

OCP'S 2021|2022 AWARDS NIGHT WINNERS!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2021|2022 AWARD WINNERS!!
OCP's annual Awards Night celebration honored cast and crew members in the 2021/22 season!

FONDA/MCGUIRE AWARD
For the most outstanding performances of the season:
TammyRa’, The Color Purple
Roderick Cotton, Kinky Boots

MARY PECKHAM AWARD
For a memorable performance in a feature role
Musical:
Angela Jenson Frey, Bright Star
Billy Ferguson, Kinky Boots
Play:
Josh Peyton, Dear Jack, Dear Louise
Sarah Schrader, Dear Jack, Dear Louise

BARBARA FORD AWARD
For outstanding performance in a supporting role 
Musical:
Brandi Mercedes Smith, The Color Purple
Dara Hogan, The Color Purple
Jon Hickerson, Kinky Boots
Play:
Judy Radcliff, Outside Mullingar
Don Keelan-White, Outside Mullingar

ELAINE JABENIS CAMEO AWARD
For a memorable performance in a small role
Musical:
Eric L. Jordan Sr., The Color Purple
Sarah Ebke, Kinky Boots
Play:
Sue Mouttet, The Giver
Brennan Thomas, Murder on the Orient Express

JIM EISENHARDT OUTSTANDING YOUTH AWARD
(Formally the Outstanding Youth Award) 
For the most outstanding performance by a youth in the season:
Stella Clark-Kaczmarek, The Giver
Jane Rohling, The Giver

OUTSTANDING DEBUT YOUTH AWARD
For outstanding performance in a first appearance on an OCP Stage.
Liam Richardson, The Giver
Courtney “CJ” Jackson Jr., Kinky Boots

BILL BAILEY DEBUT AWARD
For outstanding performance in a first appearance on an OCP Stage.
Musical:
Doriette L. Jordan, The Color Purple
Ashari Johnson, The Color Purple
Play:
Seth Maisel, Murder on the Orient Express
Kara Davidson, Stick Fly

CHARLES JONES AWARD
To recognize excellence in performance at the discretion of the artistic director.
Camille Metoyer Moten, Christmas in My Heart

EDWARD F. OWEN AWARD
For corporations, foundations and individuals whose partnership and contribution have nurtured and sustained ongoing development of the Playhouse.
Anne and David Rismiller

PRESIDENT’S AWARD
Given in recognition for extraordinary leadership and work for the Playhouse in areas or activities excluding performance or production.
Lanelle Poole, Kyle Bell, Jennie Mathisen & Amanda Seuss

BACKSTAGE VALUABLE SERVICE AWARD
In recognition of outstanding backstage work .
Roger Downer, Emma Evans, Josh Isaac, Megan Krenkel, Angela Leuschen, Madeline McCrae, Mike Neeson, Nora Roberson, Kevin Study, Bethany Van Den Top, Lisa Wisnia, Christa York

STAFF ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Katie Broman, 10 Year Anniversary

 

Theater Tech Apprenticeship Program Spotlight: Bradley Pesarchick

Written by Joe Scioli

Meet Bradley Pesarchick! He's from Bellevue, Nebraska, and currently serves as the costume coordinator at the Omaha Community Playhouse. Bradley enjoys dying fabric, sewing, and altering clothes. What makes him stand out from others, he likes doing laundry and getting stains out of clothes (can you believe that?). He also enjoys watching television and movies (especially musicals).

Bradley's experience with the Theater Tech Apprentice Program (TTAP) helped him earn his fabulous job as costume coordinator for the hottest shows in town. Through TTAP, Bradley was given insight into the technical careers of the entertainment industry through a blend of classroom and hands-on shop training. TTAP trains its trainees in the following areas: box office, carpentry, costuming, electrics and sound, props, scenic painting, and stage management. 

Bradley's love of theater developed in high school at Bellevue East. He worked as a lighting and sound tech and worked on costumes for many musicals such as Our Town and Honk the Musical.

After high school, Bradley applied for TTAP. He was attracted to the program because he knew he would receive training in a variety of theater areas, and he was not sure what aspect of theater he liked the most.

Bradley was accepted into the TTAP program. During his first year, he learned about stage management, electrics, and costuming. He also learned about paints and props. Training in these areas made him realize he was meant for costuming.

The TTAP program provided Bradley with an amazing learning experience. For example, Bradley learned how to wash and care for costumes properly. Although Bradley knew how to sew, TTAP taught him many skills he could bring to other jobs. When he worked on costumes for Papillion-LaVista Community Theater's summer musicals, Bradley helped them implement a schedule for fittings, organize wardrobes, and launder costumes. He also learned how to teach a person wearing a wig to properly put it on their head and how to keep the wig on during a performance. 

Although Bradley worked with so many different, talented people in TTAP, he especially loved working with the costume director, Lindsay Pape. Bradley said she is an amazing teacher for many reasons. She taught Bradley the importance of making the actor/actress feel like the costume is made for them. Lindsay gave Bradley many opportunities and much responsibility. For example, Lindsay tasked Bradley with making the dancing dolls costumes after a redesign for the Christmas Carol. Bradley worked hard on this creation and felt he earned Lindsay's respect upon completing this important project. 

Bradley's participation in TTAP gave him the necessary skills to excel in his job as the costume coordinator at the Playhouse. He learned many skills at TTAP that prepared him for this job. TTAP improved his ability to sew, fit and store fabric. TTAP allowed Bradley to meet and build strong relationships with leaders in Omaha theater. 

What's next for Bradley? Bradley is incredibly excited to be designing costumes for the Playhouse's upcoming show, Little Shop of Horrors. Our community is fortunate to have Bradley costuming our actors and actresses, and we cannot wait to see his creations next season!

Interested in learning more about TTAP? Contact the Theatre Technology Apprenticeship Director by email at ttap@omahaplayhouse.com or phone at (402) 661-8518.

Meet the 2022/23 Season Directors

The Omaha Community Playhouse is excited to announce our directors of the 2022/23 Season. This year’s OCP Director’s include:

The Legend of Georgia McBride - Brady Patsy 

School of Rock - Stephen Santa

The Cake - Kimberley Clark Kaczmarek

August Wilson’s Fences - Brady Patsy

RENT - Stephen Santa

Dreamgirls - Kathy Tyree

Little Shop of Horrors - Stephen Santa

Pretty Fire - Breanna Carodine

In The Heights - Brady Patsy

Congratulations to the 2022/23 OCP Directors.