Igniting Creative Power: Benson Theatre’s Artist Showcase Lab Ushers in a New Era of Local Artistry
At Benson Theatre, we believe that art is more than performance—it’s a powerful force for change, connection, and community. That’s why we’re proud to introduce the Artist Showcase Lab, a bold and transformative initiative designed to elevate local artists—particularly those from historically marginalized communities—and position them as leaders, storytellers, and changemakers in Omaha’s ever-growing creative landscape.
More than just a stage, the Showcase Lab is a launchpad. It provides the resources, mentorship, and production support artists need to turn bold ideas into fully realized, impactful performances. In doing so, the Lab not only supports the development of individual artists but also reinforces Benson Theatre’s role as a cornerstone of creative innovation within Omaha’s growing Creative District.
Empowering Artists at Every Stage
The Artist Showcase Lab operates with a two-pronged approach, ensuring that artists at all levels of experience have access to the tools they need to succeed:
1. Showcase Lab: Full-Scale Production Support
For artists ready to bring a completed vision to the stage, the Lab offers comprehensive production support, including access to a fully equipped theatre space, a dedicated production team, and a stipend to fairly compensate collaborators. This track also includes:
- Strategic mentorship and project guidance tailored to each artist’s needs.
- Monthly progress meetings, rehearsal time, and marketing support to help productions shine.
2. Solo Production Workshops: Pipeline for Emerging Artists
For those still developing their craft, the Lab offers an incubator program that nurtures new talent and prepares them for future full-scale productions. This track includes:
- A workshop that equips artists with professional skills to sustain their creative careers.
- A built-in community of peers to encourage collaboration and shared learning.
This dual approach ensures that the Showcase Lab isn’t just a program—it’s a sustainable ecosystem for artistic growth and opportunity.
Centering Diverse Voices and Building Community
At the heart of the Showcase Lab is a commitment to inclusivity and representation. By prioritizing voices that are often overlooked, we’re building a more vibrant, diverse, and equitable arts community that reflects the richness of Omaha itself.
The featured artists and groups selected for our 2025 Solo Production Workshops exemplify this mission. Chosen from a competitive pool of 23 applicants, their projects blend artistic excellence with meaningful social impact:
- Aaron Derell Gregory, a Black dancer and NYU Dance alum, returns to Omaha to curate a BIPOC-focused choreographer showcase featuring hip hop, jazz, heels, burlesque, and more—creating space for emerging dance voices to thrive.
- Darci Gamerl, a Latine musician, will combine live performance with original documentary film to explore Nebraska’s sandhill crane migration and the intersection of nature and modern life.
- Olajide Cooper, one of Omaha’s leading Black burlesque performers, debuts Encyclo-Tease-ia: A Deep Dive into the Variety of Burlesque. This expansive production includes performances by 10 local artists, mentorship from 12 visiting experts, and community workshops on dance, stage presence, and costume design.
Each of these works demonstrates the incredible potential that emerges when artists are given the freedom, support, and encouragement to share their truth.
Strengthening the Creative Infrastructure of Omaha
The impact of the Showcase Lab extends beyond the stage. By investing in our local artists, we’re also investing in the local economy, fostering cultural exchange, and amplifying Omaha’s reputation as a destination for the arts. This program is creating real momentum—strengthening partnerships between artists, businesses, and audiences while inspiring a new generation of creatives to dream big.
From script to spotlight, Benson Theatre’s Showcase Lab is building the infrastructure necessary for local artists to achieve regional and national recognition—and to do so on their own terms.
Stay tuned as these incredible artists take the stage and bring their stories to life. To support the Showcase Lab, donate to our program fund, attend upcoming performances, follow our featured artists, follow BT on social media, sign up for our newsletter, and help us spread the word: the future of Omaha’s arts scene is being written right now—and it’s more inclusive, more innovative, and more inspiring than ever.