Platte River Bard Podcast

We always look forward to talking with Fran Sillau, the talented and accomplished Executive Artistic Director of Circle Theatre.  This is Circle's 39th Season, and their first show of their season, "Stronger Than Strong!  Great American Tall Tale Heroines", will be held NOVEMBER 19th at 7PM and NOVEMBER 20th at 2PM at the Jewish Community Center.  This play is written by local playwright, Brian Guehring.  To add even more fun to the evening, there will be an opening act of actors from the Munroe Meyer Institute, who will tell us about the early life of Paul Bunyan.

And hear a little about their second production "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" which will be performed March 9th, 11th, and 12th with Audition dates happening yet this month on November 28th and 29th! 

Circle Theatre believes theatre is for everyone, and these hard-working Creatives are making that mission a reality. You’ll find out about this production - and more - here on the Platte River Bard.

CIRCLE THEATRE CONTACT INFORMATION:

For TICKETS and more information: https://circletheatreomaha.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/circletheatreomaha 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/circle.theatreomaha 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/circleomaha 

AUDITIONS: To reserve a space to Audition for "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" on November 28 and 29th:  Email Francis "" Sillau at Gmail "" com.  For more information see their website: https://circletheatreomaha.org.   Auditions will be held at the Hanscom Park United Methodist Church.

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We talked with Ron Zank, Ph.D., Director and Associate Professor of UNO Theatre, and Chloe Beltrand, the Actor who plays Little Red Riding Hood in their upcoming production, Into The Woods.  Production dates are NOVEMBER 17, 19-20, & DECEMBER 1-4, 2022.  We had an enjoyable conversation about this popular and fun musical written by James Lapine with music and lyrics by the legendary Stephen Sondheim. This is going to be a fun production and an opportunity to hear Sondheim's score by live musicians!  Hear how UNO is making this musical come alive, you won't want to miss it!

UNO CONTACT INFORMATION: 

Website:  UNO Theatre Website

Facebook: UNOTheatre on Facebook

Instagram: UNO Theatre on Instagram

Twitter: UNO Theatre on Twitter

For tickets at the door: 6505 University Dr S, Omaha, NE 68182

Walk up to the Box Office

Visit the Theatre Box Office, located on the first floor at the south lobby of the Weber Fine Arts Building.

The box office opens at 6:30 p.m. on performance nights.

To Call for Tickets: Box Office: 402.554.PLAY (7529)

Jillian Carter returns to Directing and Playwriting at OmniArts Nebraska in their new 2022-2023 season.  We talk with Jillian and Dustin Witte, co-founder of OmniArts Nebraska, and Managing Artistic Director about their upcoming shows and events!  The next show is Hunter Gatherers that opens November 2nd.  The next shows are Marjorie Prime and Happy Birthday Lily!.  Plus OmniArts Nebraska has two more events this year, Yuletide Fright Fest and YAAS Ghosts!.

In talking with Dustin and Jillian, we discussed the gamut of things such as human primal nature, nudity on stage, and artificial intelligence.  But it all totally makes sense to their season!

OmniArts Nebraska's season is focused on nature and technology, and they have some fascinating shows planned, so find out all about it here at the Platte River Bard!

OmniArts Nebraska Contact List: 

Website and Tickets: https://www.omniartsnebraska.org/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OmniArts 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OmniArtsNE 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omniartsne/ 

Chanticleer Community Theater at the Hoff Center at PACE present a staged reading of "Love Is ?" by Playwright Edie Goodwin.   Chanticleer is committing to helping local playwrights present their work and receive feedback and this is the first in their new series!

We talk to Mrs. Goodwin and the Director of this reading, Lori Lynn Ahrends.  Register now to attend on October 28 - the "Hoff Fourth Fridays" at PACE!  There is a lot going on - costume contests, pumpkin carving and more.  But at 8PM you'll get to experience this free and heartwarming play!

CHANTICLEER COMMUNITY THEATER AT PACE:

To register: https://111615.blackbaudhosting.com/111615/PACE-Special-Event---Staged-Reading-of-a-Play-by-Edie-Goodwin 

Website:  https://paceartsiowa.org

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chanticleertheater 

Chanticleer Community Theatre / Pace Arts Iowa 1001 S 6th Street, Council Bluffs, IA

PACE (Pottawattamie Arts, Culture and Entertainment):  https://www.paceartsiowa.org 

Getting it right is always important to us, and in this particular instance we took a bit more time to make sure we brought you the right podcast with all the right things.  Finally, we were able to meet Lauren Medici, Director of Engagement Programs, live and in-person after doing two years of podcasts remotely. And we had the pleasure of meeting Andrea Joy Pearson, Director of Belonging and Inclusion.  Together, we had a deep dive into their 2022-2023 Season and their new Opera, "The Life and Times of Malcolm X."  Opera Omaha is bringing this new work to the birthplace of Malcolm X:  here in Omaha.  And as always, they are working diligently to make sure that Opera is available to everyone. 

Join us for this deep dive and lovely conversation with Lauren and Andrea.  You won't want to miss it!

2022-2023 Season Shows: 

The Life and Times of Malcolm X

Suor Angelica

The Marriage of Figaro

OPERA OMAHA CONTACT INFO: 

Website & Tickets: www.operaomaha.org 

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/operaomaha/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/operaomaha/

Twitter:https://twitter.com/operaomaha

You Tube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/operaomaha

Opera Omaha, 1850 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 402.346.7372

Music is used with permission by ©Screaming Skull Productions

We open Season 4 with two incredible female entrepreneurs, Becky Boesen and Petra Wahlqvist have built the Blixt Storefront Theater!  Blixt brings the performing arts to not just the Lincoln area, but all across the state.  Petra and Becky are innovative and making their dream a reality by bringing the performing arts to kids and adults alike.  Don't miss this fun conversation about everything Blitx - plus we talk with them about their new season in their new space at 2626 N 48th Street in Lincoln!

BLIXT CONTACT INFORMATION:

Website & Tickets:  https://blixt.info/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blixtartists 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlixtArtists 

It's always great to talk to young actors - and their Director!  Join us for this lively interview of Aladdin Jr. with the main cast:  June Gentry, Korbin Horton and Gabe Russell, along with their Director, Denise Putman.  Denise is the President of the Chanticleer Advisory Committee and also serves on the PACE Board (Pottawattamie Arts, Culture and Entertainment).  Aladdin Jr. opens September 15th and runs through the 25th.  There are costumes, magic, smoke machines, and a family friendly show that adults and young ones will appreciate.

This show has a large cast of 45 young people, so there will be lots of singing, dancing and high energy in this fun production! Break all the legs kids! 

CHANTICLEER CONTACT INFO: 

Website: https://www.paceartsiowa.org/theater/chanticleer-community-theater

For Tickets: https://ci.ovationtix.com/35635/production/1125073 

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chanticleertheater 

Chanticleer Community Theatre / Pace Arts Iowa 1001 S 6th Street, Council Bluffs, IA

PACE (Pottawattamie Arts, Culture and Entertainment):  https://www.paceartsiowa.org 

Join us for a fun and interesting conversation about how this new play came together! Local playwright, Brigid Amos premieres her new play, Dove, with the Angels Theatre Company.  We also talk with Director of Dove, Jamie Bullins, who is also the Associate Professor of Theatre for the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film, and we talk with Timothy Scholl, the Executive Artistic Director of the Angels Theatre Company.  Angels Theatre Company cultivates local playwrighters and Brigid Amos has been working on this play in conjunction with ASOTO (A Stage Of Their Own) as well as her collaboration with Angels and Jamie Bullins to bring Dove to us! 

Dove is a heartfelt story that beautifully deals with the process of grief.   In addition, Angels will host a "talk back" and resources with their community partner, Mourning Hope, a local non-profit in Lincoln.

The cast of the play consists of Brenna Thompson as Effie, Eric Moyer as Grant, and Hannah Tewes as Dove. 

Dove opens September 14th at the Johnny Carson Theatre at the Lied Center for Performing Arts and runs September 14, 15, 16, & 18th.

Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.liedcenter.org/event/dove or call the box office at 402-472-4747.

Find out more about Brigid Amos' work on her website:  http://www.brigidamos.com/   Brigid has written many full length plays such as Losing the Ring in the River, Listen, and Heart of Gold, as well as many One Act Plays.

ANGELS THEATRE COMPANY:

Website:  https://angelscompany.org/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angelstheatrecompany/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelstheatreco_lincoln/ 

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/angelstheatreco 

You Tube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXh2ka43c4WQp_5AdAyRIYg 

We have been wanting to talk to the Omaha Mobile Stage for quite some time and are really happy to bring this episode to you.  The Omaha Mobile Stage revives the Good Fellows Show Wagon and their Youth Auditions and Youth Shows - plus much more!  We speak with Founder and Executive Director Jessica Scheuerman with Partners for Liveable Omaha, and local talent and Event Manager for the September 18th Event, Keiria Marsha.  There will be three events in September for the Youth Auditions in three different locations. Find out all about how the Omaha Mobile Stage came about, how you can get involved, plus hear about Keiria's journey in singing and songwriting.  This episode is proof that projects like the Omaha Mobile Stage bring Creatives together!  Both of these talented women are making a difference for Creatives in Nebraska.  

PARTNERS FOR LIVEABLE OMAHA: https://partnersforlivableomaha.org/ 

OMAHA MOBILE STAGE:  https://omahamobilestage.org/ 

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/omahamobilestage

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/omahamobilestage/?hl=en 

To Register for Youth Auditions:https://omahamobilestage.org/talent/ 

KEIRIA MARSHA: 

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/keiriamarsha.1 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keiriamarsha/ 

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/KeiriaMarsha 

Apple Music:  https://music.apple.com/us/artist/keiria-marsha/1058453620 

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/keiria-marsha 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3WRAt2SxMOKavBxV3AIxVJ?si=FV4-HFqETpm-8_tRgDUtaQ 

We talk with Troy Gagner, Executive Director of the Lincoln Arts Council, and Dr. Genna-Styles-Lyas, Director of AEP6 Community Engagement & Equity with the Americans for the Arts (AFTA).  They are launching the Arts and Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) Survey.  This survey will be held all around the nation with 387 participating communities - and Lincoln is one of them!  Find out all about it here and if you go to a Lincoln venue and see someone talking with others with a clipboard, they just might be doing the AEP6!  

Of particular interest to this survey is broadening the focus on communities of color and identify organizations that has a CEO who identifies as BIPOC/ALAANA (African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, Native American), so that they are engaging BIPOC/ALAANA organizations, managing local research, creating training opportunities, and evaluating progress.

Find out all the details here and congratulations to the Lincoln Arts Council for being one of the organizations to conduct this survey in Nebraska!

LINCOLN ARTS COUNCIL:

Website: https://artscene.org/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/LincolnArtsCouncil

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lincolnartscouncil/ 

AMERICANS FOR THE ARTS (AFTA):

AEP Information:  https://www.americansforthearts.org/by-program/reports-and-data/research-studies-publications/arts-economic-prosperity-6 

AFTA Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/americans4arts

AFTA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americans4arts/