About CommUNITY Connections

CommUNITY Connections is an ongoing project that was started to give young people a voice and a creative outlet to express themselves through theater arts.

It examines complex issues that are affecting young people in the Omaha metropolitan area, and its goal is to make a difference in the way youth in underserved communities view their opportunities in life; and to build self-esteem, discipline, high self-expectations, and community involvement.

CommUNITY Connections partners with local youth organizations that strive to create cultural equity in Omaha. We work with youth of all ages, to explore the five key principles of performing arts while creating and performing scenes and plays to encourage young people to stand up and speak out on challenges confronting their communities. In the process, students learn how important motivation, self-discipline, collaboration, and communication are in achieving goals.

History of CommUNITY Connections

CommUNITY Connections began in 2015 with the idea of the “transforming pain into power” theater-for-social-change programming model started by nationally known performer, activist, and writer Daniel Beaty. The original project led by Daniel examined the effects of gang violence in our community, and led many participants to say that they felt they were being heard for the first time. Subsequent projects examined the issues of teen pregnancy, mass youth incarceration, the foster care system, and DACA.

Each project included a series of workshops with Daniel and those directly affected by the selected issue; creation and performance of a play based upon the workshop stories; and a documentary by noted Omaha videographer Mele Mason that premiered at Film Streams combining workshop footage and interviews from participants and other stakeholders.

The Rose continues to grow and expand upon the model and foundation laid by Daniel, and use theater to shed light on social issues, call people to action, and celebrate our strengths as a community.