The New Omaha Works Lab (NOW Lab) is dedicated to supporting local playwrights in the Omaha metro area who are developing new stage works.
For the inaugural 2023 NOW Lab, the Omaha Community Playhouse selected the script “Sergei and Tasha” by Ben Beck. This script underwent an extensive development process over eight months. The goal of this process is to provide compensation, facilitate meaningful discussions, conduct table reads, and offer workshop opportunities that help playwrights gain a deeper understanding of their scripts. Additionally, playwrights receive rehearsal space, a director, a stage manager, and a dramaturg.
For the 2024 NOW Lab, the musical “Kings, Queens, and Unruly Peasants” by J. Isaiah Smith was selected as our first musical to enter the program.
New Omaha Works (NOW) Launch Event
The New Omaha Works Lab (NOW Lab) culminates with the NOW Launch, which features a public staged reading that is free for all attendees. Following the reading, there will be a question-and-answer session with the playwright and creative team. In previous years, we have also hosted playwriting workshops and 10-minute new play festivals during the NOW Launch events.
Mission Statement
The mission of the NOW Lab is to develop, support and encourage new playwrights as they share their art through live theatre experiences. Our goal is to grow and diversify the Omaha pool for playwrights in a way that reflects and benefits the entire theatre community.
Inclusion & Equity Statement
OCP will be a creative home that is for the community, by the community. We will use theatre to break down barriers to ensure we reflect on our past, genuinely listen in the present and step into the future, together, to create a space of belonging for all individuals who share their valuable time and extraordinary talents with our community.
Program Breakdown
The selected playwright(s) participated in a development period of 6 to 8 months – similar to the below.
June– Playwrights finalize their most recent draft for the development period.
July– Closed meeting with playwright cohort, director, dramaturg, and artistic staff to discuss current draft and to identify development goals for each piece.
August– Table reading of each piece with discussion and feedback session afterwards.
September/October– Playwrights will continue work on their draft and will participate in an exploration workshop with actors and a director.
November – Final workshop draft is rehearsed leading up to the NOW Launch.
* Artists involved in the NOW Lab will receive compensation for their efforts/talents.
Qualifications to Apply
Applications will OPEN in Spring of 2026.
Qualifications:
Applicants must reside in the Omaha metro area.
Applicants must be willing to meet the responsibilities set forth above.
Submissions must be previously unproduced and unpublished.
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