NOW Lab

In an effort to support local playwrights and their developing works, we are excited to launch the New Omaha Works Lab also known as the NOW Lab.

This program provides playwrights the opportunity to submit new works (plays/musicals) to the Omaha Community Playhouse, and if selected participate in an eight-month residency to enhance their production and prepare for a public debut performance.

Selected playwrights will work alongside and collaborate with OCP’s Associate Artistic Director, local directors, dramaturgs, and OCP fellows.

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.

OCP will be a creative home for everyone. We will use theatre to break down barriers rather than to build them up. We will listen to those who have been systematically oppressed and felt excluded in order to better serve our community.

The selected playwright(s) will participate in the following program from November 2022 – June 2023:

November Workshop
-The goal is to dive into the piece, characters, relationships, and overall message of the story with the associate artistic director, a director, dramaturg, playwright, and OCP directing fellows

December
-The playwright will have the opportunity to adjust their script

January 2023
-Table reading #1 (not a full workshop)—the cast, director, dramaturg, and playwright will come together to read through the script

February
-The associate artistic director, director, dramaturg, and playwright will meet to discuss the table read

March
-Workshop #1: designers of all disciplines will be invited to hear the play and give insight into the production side of the piece

April
-Table reading #2 with the actors, playwright, and dramaturg

May
-Cast rehearsals

June
-Public debut performance and talkback with the audience

Participants involved in the NOW Lab will receive compensation for their efforts/talents.

• Applicants must reside in the Omaha metro area.
• Applicants must be willing to meet the responsibilities set forth above.