Celebrating 15 Years and Announcing a New Direction

Since its beginning in 2006, the GPTC has helped develop hundreds of new American plays while serving our local, regional and national communities.

In looking to the future, on July 1, the Great Plains Theatre Conference will become an independent, nonprofit theatre arts organization.

“Metropolitan Community College has been an extraordinary home for the Conference for the first 15 years of its life,” said Kevin Lawler, Producing Artistic Director for GPTC. “The new organizational structure will allow us to expand our programming from a week-long conference to year-round programming for the Omaha, regional and national communities that we serve.”

With these changes, the GPTC and MCC will continue to maintain a strong partnership, and the annual conference will continue to be held on the MCC campus. “We are thrilled to continue to partner with MCC to host the national conference,” said Lawler.

The new structure includes a name change to the Great Plains Theatre Commons. The word “Commons” illustrates the expanding community-based programming and service that the GPTC will pursue in this new phase of the organization’s journey.

With this new direction, in addition to the annual conference, the GPTC plans to expand its offerings to include year-round productions, more community outreach programs, support for local playwrights, online classes, and more.

We will keep everyone closely updated as we move forward. As always, we are only an email away if you have any questions.  (theatreconference@mccneb.edu)