For more than a century, the Omaha Community Playhouse has stood as a cornerstone of arts and culture in Omaha — and holds the distinction of being the largest community theater in the United States.
What makes the Playhouse truly special isn’t just its size or longevity. It’s the fact that everything you see on stage, from the acting performances to the hand-carved props, custom wallpaper and intricate set designs, is created entirely by local talent.
This is Omaha’s theater, built by the community for the community.
Here’s what makes the Omaha Community Playhouse one of the city’s most treasured cultural institutions.
What Is the Omaha Community Playhouse?
The Omaha Community Playhouse is a nonprofit community theater that produces professional-quality productions using local volunteers, designers and artists. Unlike traditional theaters that bring in touring shows or outside talent, the Playhouse operates on a distinctly local model.
“We are Omaha’s community theater,” says Mary Carrick, Director of Marketing and Public Relations at the Playhouse. “Everything from the performances to the sets, lighting, props and promotional artwork is created right here by people in our community.”
Founded over 100 years ago, the Playhouse has grown into a nationally recognized institution while maintaining its grassroots mission: providing exceptional live theater produced by and for the people of Omaha.
America’s Largest Community Theater
The Omaha Community Playhouse isn’t just large for a community theater — it’s the largest in the country.
Key facts about the facility:
- 560-seat main stage theater
- 220-seat second stage theater
- Ability to run two productions simultaneously
- Professional full-time staff supporting volunteer productions
- State-of-the-art technical capabilities
This scale allows the Playhouse to serve thousands of Omaha residents each year, both as audience members and as participants in productions.
What Makes Omaha Community Playhouse Unique?
Everything Is Made In-House
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Playhouse is its fully operational props department, which builds nearly everything used on stage from scratch.
What the props team creates:
- Hand-carved decorative elements
- Custom wallpaper and fabrics
- Period-specific furniture and set pieces
- Specialty items unique to each production
Beyond props, the Playhouse also designs and builds its own sets, creates original lighting designs and produces promotional artwork — all with local talent.
Behind-the-scenes at the Omaha Community Playhouse costume department
Exceptional Local Talent
The Playhouse draws from a deep pool of skilled performers, designers and technicians who live and work in the Omaha area. From actors to scenic artists to sound engineers, every production is a showcase of homegrown talent.
This local focus creates a unique connection between the stage and the audience. You’re not just watching a show — you’re supporting your neighbors, friends and community members bringing stories to life.
Omaha Community Playhouse Season & Productions
The Playhouse produces an ambitious lineup of performances throughout the year.
Annual production schedule:
- 10 main stage productions per season
- 2 youth theater productions
- Productions running simultaneously on both stages during peak season
Past seasons have featured everything from Broadway classics and contemporary dramas to family-friendly musicals and thought-provoking new works.
The season typically runs from fall through spring, with performances scheduled throughout the week and on weekends.
Omaha Community Playhouse Location & Tickets
Address:
6915 Cass Street
Omaha, NE 68132
The theater is located in central Omaha, easily accessible from downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.
Tickets for upcoming shows can be purchased online through the Playhouse’s website or by contacting the box office directly. Pricing varies by production and seating section.
A Theater Built by the Community
What truly sets the Omaha Community Playhouse apart is its mission: this is a theater created by the community, for the community.
Whether you’re watching a performance, volunteering backstage, auditioning for a role or supporting the Playhouse as a donor, you’re part of a tradition that has defined Omaha’s cultural landscape for more than a century.
It’s a place where neighbors become collaborators, where local artists refine their craft and where audiences experience world-class theater without leaving the city.
Why the Omaha Community Playhouse Matters
In an era when many arts organizations struggle to maintain community engagement, the Playhouse stands as proof that local, volunteer-driven theater can thrive at the highest level.
The Playhouse serves as:
- A training ground for emerging artists and performers
- A gathering place for theater lovers across the metro
- A source of civic pride and cultural identity
- A model for community-driven arts organizations nationwide
For more than 100 years, the Omaha Community Playhouse has proven that great theater doesn’t require a Broadway budget or imported talent — it just requires a community willing to show up, create and share stories together.
For show schedules, tickets and volunteer opportunities, visit the Omaha Community Playhouse website or follow them on social media.
The Omaha Community Playhouse is just one of many ways to experience live entertainment in Omaha. Discover local comedy clubs and karaoke venues or browse more things to do around the city with local guides from Hurrdat ONE.
