Pivot: Romantic Comedy from the Heartland

August 25th, 2025

Pivot is an original script by Nebraskan playwright Alex Libscher. Set in the fictional farm town of Milton, Nebraska, and staged at the Shelterbelt Theatre, this romantic comedy explores how people respond when life takes an unexpected turn. Deeply rooted in Nebraskan culture, the show strives to authentically reflect life in the state.

Director Daena Schweiger explains, “The actors are so authentic in the roles. It’s funny without being campy—it stays true to the characters.”

Inspired by the real town of Humphrey, Nebraska, the story follows Levi and Kara on their wedding day. In a classic city-girl-meets-farm-boy tale, the couple navigates how their contrasting upbringings clash with different ideas that resonates with different parts of the family.

“This play was part of [Alex’s] thesis at Yale University,” says Schweiger. “The producer, Jennifer…, is from a small town in Nebraska. She read the script and said, ‘I know these people.’”

This show aligns closely with Shelterbelt’s core mission: uplifting Nebraskan playwrights and sharing Nebraskan stories. “I always think it’s exciting to be on the ground level of a play as it’s coming into fruition,” Schweiger says. “As a director, you’re guiding this piece for the first time. As an actor, you’re breathing life into this character for the first time.”

Pivot runs August 28–September 14 at the Shelterbelt Theatre. More information is available at shelterbelt.org.