Your guide to the Omaha Community Playhouse
ABOUT
The Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP) has been a staple of Omaha’s arts scene for nearly a century! Founded back in 1924 as part of the nation’s Little Theatre movement, the Playhouse has grown into one of the largest nonprofit community theatres in the country. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life in Omaha through live theatre, professional touring, and arts education. But beyond that, it’s a place where generations of families, friends, and neighbors have come together to enjoy thought-provoking stories, memorable performances, and the magic of live entertainment.
OCP first opened its doors at 40th and Davenport, but with time and growing community support it moved to its current location on Cass Street in 1959, expanding even further in 1986. The Playhouse is also known nationally for its annual production of A Christmas Carol, adapted by long-time director Charles Jones, which has been a holiday tradition both in Omaha and across the country for over 40 years. Whether you’re stepping into the theatre for the first time or carrying on a family tradition, OCP offers something for everyone.
PRODUCTIONS
The Omaha Community Playhouse features two unique performance spaces, each offering a different theatre experience. The Howard and Rhonda Hawks Mainstage Theatre is the larger of the two, with seating for 558 guests. This is where you’ll find some of the Playhouse’s most popular productions, running for about a month with five performances each week.
For a more intimate setting, there’s the Howard Drew Theatre, a flexible black box space that seats between 200 and 230, depending on the show. The Howard Drew Theatre allows for more experimental and progressive productions, making it a favorite for those looking for something a little different. Productions in this space typically run for a month as well, with four performances per week.
OCP offers a full season of shows each year, with everything from classic plays and musicals to bold, contemporary works. For a full schedule and ticket information, you can always check out their official website or contact the box office!
LOCATION & HOURS
The Omaha Community Playhouse is located at 6915 Cass Street. Their production hours are Tuesday-Wednesday 10am-5pm, Thursday to Friday 10am-6:30pm, Saturday 12pm-6:30pm and Sunday 12pm-4pm. Their between production hours are Tuesday to Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday 12pm-3pm.