Conference Location
All conference activities will be held at The Omaha Theater Company (Rose Theater), 2001 Farnam Street, Omaha NE. The Rose Theater originally opened its doors in 1927 as "The Riveria;" a Vaudeville house that boasted 2,776 seats and featured beautiful, Mediterranean-inspired decor. The building experienced its first threat with the stock market crash in 1929, but was saved by new owners who developed a mini-golf course in the lower lobby of the theater to attract new customers.
After changing owners, names, and function several times over the next several decades, the building was at risk of being demolished in the early 1980's until Rose Blumkin, founder of Nebraska Furniture Mart, intervened and purchased the building. After careful consideration, she donated the building to the Omaha Theater Company for Young People and contributed the first $1 million to the building's renovation on the condition that the Omaha Theatre Company for Young People secure the remaining funds for full restoration and an endowment for maintenance and repairs. The building was renamed "The Rose Theater" in her honor and the building continues to be restored in the spirit of its original design.
After changing owners, names, and function several times over the next several decades, the building was at risk of being demolished in the early 1980's until Rose Blumkin, founder of Nebraska Furniture Mart, intervened and purchased the building. After careful consideration, she donated the building to the Omaha Theater Company for Young People and contributed the first $1 million to the building's renovation on the condition that the Omaha Theatre Company for Young People secure the remaining funds for full restoration and an endowment for maintenance and repairs. The building was renamed "The Rose Theater" in her honor and the building continues to be restored in the spirit of its original design.
Lodging Options
The Magnolia Hotel is a lodging partner for this conference and has arrange for a special rate of $119 per night. This rate is subject to room availability, so please reserve your room early. The Magnolia is only 5 blocks away from the conference location - easily within walking distance. To book at this hotel, click here or call 888-915-1110 and book with the rate code ROSE.
While we recommend the Magnolia Hotel for lodging as they have arranged for special rates for our conference attendees and they are convenient to the conference location, there are many hotel options in the downtown Omaha area that are within a short walk or quick drive to the theater. A quick search on your favorite travel website will provide you with many suitable choices.
While we recommend the Magnolia Hotel for lodging as they have arranged for special rates for our conference attendees and they are convenient to the conference location, there are many hotel options in the downtown Omaha area that are within a short walk or quick drive to the theater. A quick search on your favorite travel website will provide you with many suitable choices.
Dining
A light breakfast (pastries, coffee, and juice) as well as a sack lunch is included in the conference registration fee. Both meals will be provided by The Omaha Theater Company and will be served on-site. Conference attendees will be emailed with food choices closer to the conference date and may note any allergies or dietary restrictions at that time.
Conference schedule
Saturday, February 8th, 2014
8:00 - 9:00 am - Gathering and Breakfast
8:45 - 9:00am - Greeting and overview
9:00 - 10:15am - Session #1 - Jeff Church and Coterie Theater: Adapting Full Musicals into 75 minute TYA Musicals
10:30 -11:45am - Session #2 - University of Northern Iowa: Student devising for plays for
students on the autism spectrum
12:00 - 1:15pm - Session #3 - Kevin Lawler: Grass-Roots and Community-Based Theater
1:15 - 2:00pm - Lunch at the theater
2:00 - 3:15pm - Attend Omaha Theater Company's production of Grocer's Goblin and
The Little Mermaid
3:30 - 4:45pm - Session #4: Omaha Theater Company's New Play Development process for
Grocer's Goblin and The Little Mermaid
4:45 - 5:00pm - Reflection
8:00 - 9:00 am - Gathering and Breakfast
8:45 - 9:00am - Greeting and overview
9:00 - 10:15am - Session #1 - Jeff Church and Coterie Theater: Adapting Full Musicals into 75 minute TYA Musicals
10:30 -11:45am - Session #2 - University of Northern Iowa: Student devising for plays for
students on the autism spectrum
12:00 - 1:15pm - Session #3 - Kevin Lawler: Grass-Roots and Community-Based Theater
1:15 - 2:00pm - Lunch at the theater
2:00 - 3:15pm - Attend Omaha Theater Company's production of Grocer's Goblin and
The Little Mermaid
3:30 - 4:45pm - Session #4: Omaha Theater Company's New Play Development process for
Grocer's Goblin and The Little Mermaid
4:45 - 5:00pm - Reflection