General Questions

Where is Metropolitan Community College?

Check out MCC’s website to learn more about the College! The Festival takes place at MCC’s Fort Omaha Campus – 32nd St. and Sorensen Parkway. All Festival activities are held in Building #22, the Institute for Culinary Arts- Swanson Conference Center (SCC). Rehearsals are held at the SCC, as well as other campus locations.

I’d like to attend a reading.  Do I need to pay/register online?

All GPTC events are FREE and open to the public. You do not need to register or pay a fee if you are planning to stop in and see a few readings or take a workshop.

I see you have a Registration page, what is that for?

That is for the New Play Festival! If you will be attending a number of Festival events, utilizing Festival transportation, and eating meals provided by GPTC, registration is required, especially for out-of-town visitors staying at the Festival hotel – our partner, Element Omaha Midtown Crossing.  See our Registration page for more details.

I’d like to be an actor, director or technician for the GPTC, how do I submit my name?

We keep a contact database of those who have expressed an interest in participating in the GPTC.  The database is located on our website, and to submit, you will be asked to provide a resume and/or bio, photo, and current contact information.  Returning participants are encouraged to login regularly to ensure that we have your most current information.

GPTC will assign PlayLab directors after plays are chosen (typically in March of each year) and directors will cast each play. We also use the database as a resource when casting Commons Season productions.

Visiting Guest Artists, Playwrights and Design Wing

What are the travel dates?

Unless you have made special arrangements with the GPTC staff, travel days will be May 23 (arrival) and May 31 (departure).  Playwrights, please only accept our invitation if you can make a firm commitment to attend the entire week.

Who coordinates my travel to Omaha?

If you are a Playwright, Guest Artist, or Design Wing participant, you will receive email instructions shortly after your selection about how to book your flight through GPTC’s travel agency.  GPTC will cover travel expenses.

Once you arrive in Omaha, we will do the rest!  GPTC provides transportation to and from the airport and to all Festival activities.

Where do I stay when in Omaha?

PlayLab playwrights will be housed at The Element Hotel Midtown Crossing, conveniently located less than 10 minutes from the GPTC’s home office at Yates Illuminates.

Guest Artists and Design Wing participants will stay in either the Guest Housing at MCC’s historic Fort Omaha Campus (where the Festival takes place) or at The Element Hotel Midtown Crossing. You will be notified of your lodging location a few weeks prior to arrival.

For those staying at the Festival’s partner hotel, GPTC will make a reservation for you!

What meals will be provided?

Breakfast will be provided for all participants, either at the hotel (free complimentary hot breakfast), in Guest Housing, or at the SCC. Lunch will be provided at the SCC as part of the Festival.  Dinner will be provided for those staying in Guest Housing only.  Participants who are staying at the Festival hotel are welcome to enjoy many nearby restaurants in Midtown Crossing. On select evenings, GPTC will host dinner for all. Details for hosted dinners will be provided upon arrival.

I have dietary restrictions, are you able to accommodate this?

Vegetarian and Gluten Free options are always available for meals served on campus.  If you have additional dietary concerns, we will do our best to work with you as long we are aware of your needs ahead of time.  Send us an email to tell us more.

What should I wear?

Nebraska weather is unpredictable! It is typically warm and humid during the week of the Festival, with daytime temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees.  GPTC is a casual/professional setting — dress for comfort (including footwear for walking). The SCC building can be chilly, so plan accordingly and dress in layers.

Spring rains are common, and evening thunderstorms are possible. Keep in mind that some evening performances may be held outdoors.

The Closing Celebration on the final evening of the GPTC is a dressy event, but not black-tie. This event may be outdoors, weather permitting.

What is a typical day like?

Every day is different. When you arrive, we will provide you with a Program Book containing daily schedules, participant bios, play descriptions, workshop information and much more. The daily schedule will also be posted to our website and updated as the Festival approaches.  We typically begin at 10am each day with PlayLabs and workshops and end around 5pm. Select evenings will feature GPTC’s Commons Season performances or other special GPTC events.

How do I sign up for a WorkShop?

We will contact you about the opportunity to sign up for workshops prior to your arrival. You may also sign up for workshops when you arrive at the GPTC is space is still available.

How is my play cast? 

Each director is responsible for casting, with the assistance of the GPTC artistic staff as needed. Omaha’s theatre scene is comprised of both large and small community theatres. Our actors offer a wide range of talent, from excited beginners to experienced professionals. Because Omaha is not New York City, our casting choices are not as expansive as you may be accustomed to – although over 200 extraordinary local theatre artists work with the Festival each year! Many people volunteer their time and talent because of their love of theatre. We ask you to reflect this same spirit of generosity.

Can I make changes to my script?

Yes! But please make sure GPTC has an updated copy. We will be sure to pass the changes along to your director if you have not already done so. We do ask that you refrain from making SIGNIFICANT changes (for example, removing all of Act Two in a two-act play).

I’ve never been to Omaha! What if I need help during the Festival?

We are here for you! GPTC staff is available each day at the registration center in the SCC, or by phone 24/7. Shuttles are available for short trips to the drugstore and other immediate needs. We also ask that all participants keep the highest level of respectful, creative dialogue. If you experience barriers to that, let us know so that we can quickly assist you.

Participating Directors, Actors and Technicians

What are the Festival dates?

The 21st New Play Festival will take place May 24 – May 30, 2026.  At the start of the Festival, be sure to check in at the registration desk at the SCC for your Festival Bag and program for the week.

What meals are provided?

Complimentary breakfast and lunch will be available for you each day at the SCC as part of the Festival.

How do I sign up for a Workshop?

You may sign up for workshops when you arrive at the GPTC. Sign-up sheets are located near the registration desk at the SCC.

Actors: I have been cast in a reading.  Now what?

You must upload your information to our participant database as soon as possible after casting. You have made a firm commitment to attend all of your rehearsals and readings. Check emails regularly for communication with your director – they will be your main contact for your GPTC experience.

Directors:  How do I schedule a room for rehearsal?

Contact the GPTC by email with your rehearsal date/time. Someone on our staff will get back to you with a room reservation.

Directors: What are my responsibilities as Director? 

You are responsible for casting the PlayLab and for scheduling rehearsal, with the assistance of GPTC artistic staff if needed. Playwrights are required to attend one rehearsal, and we request all of our directors to work with our playwrights in a positive, collaborative manner. Keep in regular contact with your cast – you are responsible for relaying important Festival details to them. Regularly check your email and respond as necessary. You must upload your information to the participant database and remind your cast to do the same. Communication between GPTC/Director/Actor is a critical step in keeping the Festival running smoothly.

What if I need help during the Festival?

We are here for you! GPTC staff is available each day at the registration center in the SCC, or by phone 24/7. We also ask that all participants keep the highest level of respectful, creative dialogue. If you experience barriers to that, let us know so that we can quickly assist you.