Amy Ryan’s Legacy at Benson Theater: A Model for Community-Driven Change. PT 1

August 12th, 2024

Throughout history, many women have made a lasting impact on the arts—painters, writers, and more—often working harder to stand out and bring about change. In Omaha, Amy Ryan is one such figure. She embarked on a journey to reopen the Benson Theater, creating a model that other communities can follow. Ryan considers her work a new art form, one she calls entrepreneurship.

Ryan began her career as a journalist, driven by a desire to create meaningful change in society. Her career took a new direction when she found herself aligned with her core values and principles differently. From 1995 to 2018, she ran a pizza shop and expanded it by adding an entertainment venue next door, known as “The Collective.” This venture set the stage for her next big project.

When the Benson Theater became available, Ryan saw it as a fantastic opportunity. The early ’90s had left the Benson area quiet, with little in the way of live entertainment. Ryan’s vision was to revive the area and create a space for community sharing and a platform for artists to showcase their work. Once the theater opened, she had accomplished her mission.

In 2016, Ryan purchased the building, with an initial restoration budget of $2 million. However, as the project progressed, costs soared to nearly $7 million. Despite the challenges, including a grand opening during the pandemic, Ryan refers to the theater’s journey as its “beautiful own restoration history.” Now, Benson Theater is in its third year of operation, thriving as a community hub.

A few weeks ago, Ryan stepped down as executive director but will continue as an advisor. She believes it’s time to pass the torch to new leadership. In the next edition of Arts Today, we’ll continue our conversation with Ryan as she shares her future career plans and her hopes for the Benson Theater.