Theater is taking center stage again in Omaha with the opening of the new Rose Studios for Youth Artists. Here, kids can explore their creativity with painting, sewing and music. Jackie Kappes, director of education at The Rose Theater, said that the arts – and especially theater – can have lifelong impacts.
“[There are] a lot of things going on in the world right now, and if we can give kids space to practice their humanity and see others’ humanity, and to have fun and connect with others, and have a real sense of mastery, I think it’s really powerful,” Kappes said.
If kids develop the creative side of their brain before age 8, they are more likely to perform better in both school and work, Kappes said. However, many kids may not have access to a creative outlet.
When it comes to funding for the arts, Nebraska ranks 33rd in the nation at only $0.80 per capita. Iowa is lower, ranking 44th at just $0.39.
To offer more creative opportunities in Omaha, the Rose Theater opened Rose Studios for Youth Artists, complete with dance studios, vocal studios and a stage dedicated to non-professional plays. Nik Whitcomb, Broadway at the Rose manager, is eager to get students in.
“It is so great to have a space like this in Omaha where an artist can learn and grow. We also have this awesome performance space for our students to get a chance to have a space of their own where they get to mount their sharings and their shows and kind of get to own that,” Whitcomb said.
The Rose Studios for Youth Artists is the largest studio of its kind in America at 27,000 square feet. It is located at 120th and Center.
