Shelterbelt Theatre Finds Permanent Home After 5-Year Hiatus

September 24th, 2024

For 25 years, just a few blocks from the popular Cali Tacos near California and 32nd Streets, Shelterbelt Theatre provided a stage for Omaha’s local artists and performers. That all changed when the theater lost its building in 2018, leaving the community without this essential space. Now, after years of searching, Shelterbelt Theatre is ready to make a triumphant return to a permanent home, marking a new chapter for Omaha’s vibrant theater scene.

Dan Wach, Shelterbelt’s Executive Director since 2014 and a seasoned figure in Omaha theater, led the organization through difficult times when they were forced to operate without a physical venue. “We kept going, finding ways to perform and stay connected while we searched for a new space,” Wach said. “It was a long journey, but the wait has been worth it.”

The theater’s survival over the past five years is a testament to the passion and dedication of its supporters. Wach credits volunteers who kept the theater alive, contributing time and resources despite the absence of a stage to call home. Artistic Director Daena Schweiger, who began her involvement with Shelterbelt as a writer, highlights the generosity of local performers. “Some actors are compensated, but so many have offered their talent without pay,” Schweiger shared. “They do it because they believe in what we’re doing.”

Excitement is building for Shelterbelt’s grand reopening, with the inaugural production set to be *Lizzie: The Musical Whack Pack*. “It’s going to be an impressive beginning,” Schweiger said. “We have a talented cast and are ready to hit the ground running.”

The production will begin on October 11 and run until October 31. For more information, visit shelterbelttheater.org.

With a permanent home secured, Shelterbelt Theatre is ready to reclaim its role as a cornerstone of Omaha’s local arts community, providing a stage where creativity can thrive again.