Discipline and Dreams Take Center Stage
From audition to applause in just four weeks, students from 16 area high schools bring the production of “Footloose” to life as part of the UNOTheatre Summer Musical Theatre Academy.
by Bella Lockwood
In the heart of Omaha, where creativity meets education, the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s (UNO) College of Communication, Fine Arts, and Media (CFAM) creates a stage where Broadway dreams come to life for the city’s talented youth. This groundbreaking initiative is more than just a program – it’s a symphony of inspiration and opportunity, a harmonious partnership between UNOTheatre and local high schools.
The Summer Musical Theatre Academy (SMTA), which just completed its second annual production, offers students an array of training and educational opportunities featuring established professionals from the theatre world, including masterclass teachers, production designers, directors and choreographers. It is led by UNO musical theatre instructor, Hal France.
This year’s academy was comprised of 50 high school students from 16 area high
schools, all of whom have a devoted passion to theatre and the arts. Over an intensive four weeks, these students underwent rigorous training that closely mimics the inner workings of professional productions, all while rehearsing a full production of their own. Students have the opportunity to experience every aspect of what it takes to run a successful show from acting and dancing, to directing, to running lights and sounds.
Students participating in SMTA endure countless hours of training, honing their skills under the guidance of Broadway veterans and established theatre production professionals. From vocal exercises to dance rehearsals, they push their limits and embrace the discipline required for success in the theatre world.
Led by director Vincent J. Orduna, known for his work on productions in the Seattle, Wash. area, students hit the stage with their production of “Footloose” this summer.
“You could say that SMTA is life-changing,” said Mekhi Payne, a student at Omaha South who played the lead character of Ren. “It’s really helped me realize that I want to do more. I want to act, and sing and dance.”
The academy culminated in several performances, all of which were free and open to the public. Two of the performances were held at the Black Box Theatre located in UNO’s Weber Fine Arts building. To bring this summer’s session to a close, SMTA presented their production at the Gene Leahy Mall pavilion as a part of The RiverFront’s Fourth of July celebration. A staggering 4,000 community members showed up to support the students and the SMTA.
The impact of SMTA reaches far beyond the inner workings and teachings of the program. Drew Milburn, a music major at UNO, was so inspired by the program that it transformed both his views on higher education and his plans for the future.
“My college path completely changed after SMTA, and the help of UNO and CFAM. They have been nothing but nurturing to me since I’ve been here,” said Milburn.
At SMTA, students don’t just witness the magic of theater; they are the magic-makers, orchestrating every note, every scene and every performance in a professional, nurturing and immersive environment. This is the stage where stars are born, dreams take flight and the spotlight shines on tomorrow’s theater luminaries.
“I’m going to take this experience and keep it with me my entire life, no matter what I go in to,” said Payne. “SMTA has taught me so much more than how to read notes or how to sing. It’s gotten me lifelong connections with new friends, and given me so many life skills I wouldn’t have had if I wouldn’t have been here.”