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Education

WINTER ENROLLMENT IS OPEN!
SPRING & SUMMER ENROLLMENT OPENS JANUARY 3!

Welcome to the Shirlee & Henry Fonda Theatre Academy, the educational wing of the Omaha Community Playhouse. Here at SHFTA, our mission is to cultivate creativity and personal growth through theatre education and performance by offering theatrical opportunities for every age & experience level.

  • OCP’s Shirlee & Henry Fonda Theatre Academy (SHFTA) offers on-site classes, workshops, and camps year-round for youth and adults of all skill levels
  • Off-site SHFTA programming is offered in schools, after-school programs, and through community partnerships
  • OCP’s Theatre Technology Apprenticeship Program (TTAP) provides hands-on training in technical theatre in partnership with Metro Community College
  • Our Summer Internship provides paid opportunities to late high school & early college students
  • The OCP Directing Fellowship aims to develop early-to-mid-career directors while expanding Omaha’s director pool
  • OCP’s Corporate Improv Program offers professional development opportunities to Omaha’s businesses & corporations highlighting public speaking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
  • OCP’s Immersive Theatre Program partners with local schools bringing students right into the action of a show in our season
  • In the effort to make theatre education & experiences accessible to all, OCP offers scholarships for both youth & adult students interested in classes, workshops, and camps

ABOUT OUR CLASSES & TEACHING ARTISTS

At the Shirlee & Henry Fonda Theatre Academy, we want our students to have the best experience possible. We understand that every individual is unique and in a different part of their performing arts journey. This is why all of our classes are created to enrich both beginners & intermediate artists and why we say, “all experience levels are welcome!”

We are committed to engaging every participant right where they are.

  • All youth classes at SHFTA follow a curriculum ensuring that every week is full of learning & fun while leaving room for each of our teaching artists to add in their own talents and expertise
  • We monitor class sizes to allow more personalized lessons and ensure optimal participation opportunities for students
  • Our teaching artists must go through an interview process, background check, & onboarding process before teaching a class at SHFTA; and all of our teaching artists are educators, performers, and professionals in their fields