Season 35 Engagements Events

Engagement events are free and open to the public.

ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS SPONSOR

Current Engagement Events

Afterwords: Post-Show Chat with Cast & Creatives 

Friday, May 24th | On stage, directly following the show 

Moderator: Bindi Kang 

Step behind the scenes and join the Cast and Creatives from POTUS for a lively peek into the making of the play! Discover the juicy inspirations behind the characters, the hilarious mishaps during production, and the unexpected twists in the script that mirror today’s political atmosphere. Get ready to laugh, learn, and interact with the cast and creatives as we spill all the backstage secrets and share the joy of bringing POTUS to life! 

SARO Cider & BLUEBARN Theatre 

HERstory Themed Trivia Night 

Wednesday, June 5th| 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm 
Location: SARO Cider | 1012 S 10th St | Omaha | NE | 68108 

Step into the realm of untold narratives at HERstory Trivia Night, where the spotlight shines on the remarkable women who shaped history! From groundbreaking scientists to trailblazing activists, every question unveils a chapter of resilience, innovation, and empowerment. Join us for an evening of celebration and enlightenment, honoring the often-overlooked heroines who paved the way for change!

Book Talk & Signing with Eilleen Wirth  

“The Women Who Built Omaha” 

Sunday, June 9th | 5:15 pm– 5:45 pm | Location: Porch yard 

$20 cash or check only. No Cards 

 Dr. Eileen Wirth is a professor emeritus of journalism at Creighton University who writes books on  Omaha and Nebraska history. She was a reporter at the Omaha World-Herald and a PR Writer for Union Pacific before joining Creighton in 1991. The Nebraska Center for the book gave its 2023 Best Biography Award to  “The Women Who Built Omaha.” Wirth has been involved in numerous community groups, especially the Omaha Public Library. 

In “The Women Who Built Omaha,” Dr. Eileen Wirth, tells the fascinating stories of the women who founded or co-founded such signature Omaha institutions as Creighton University, Joslyn Art Museum, Mutual of Omaha, the Nebraska Furniture Mart, the Malcolm X Birth Site and many more. 

“We’ve had  madams and suffragists, nuns and business leaders to say nothing of artists, teachers, nurses, political leaders, doctors, lawyers and civil rights leaders.” said Wirth, a professor emeritus of journalism at Creighton. “Who would imagine that we had a national cycling champion in the 1890’s or women bootleggers in the 1920’s?” Yet these stories have largely gone untold in local history – until NOW. 

“The Women Who Built Omaha” received the 2023 Best Biography Award from the Nebraska Center for the Book. 

Afterwords: Advancing Gender Equity Locally with Women’s Fund of Omaha 

Thursday, June 20th | On stage, directly following the show 

Host: Executive Director, Jo Giles 

Bio for Jo: As executive director of the Women’s Fund of, Jo leads the organization’s work to address gender-based inequities in our community through collaboration that identifies, researches, and creates solutions to advance, educate, and fund lasting impact. These efforts align with the Women’s Fund values—equity, bold impact, collaboration, community voice, intersectionality, bodily autonomy—and is executed in coordination with 12 full-time staff members. 

Jo enjoys community service and is the current board member of several organizations including the Omaha Community Foundation and Omaha Public Library Foundation. She was a member of Leadership Omaha Class 37 and a 2012 recipient of the Midlands Business Journal 40 under 40 Award. Before joining the Women’s Fund, Jo was the Policy and Training Director for the Coalition for a Strong Nebraska, where she created training sessions for the nonprofit sector to be able to participate more fully in the public policy advocacy process. She is also a former award-winning media relation professional and journalist 

Brief Summary of remarks: Jo will speak briefly about local opportunities to protect, advance and advocate for gender equity. For more than 30 years, the Women’s Fund has been working on the most critical challenges facing those who experience gender-based oppression. These issues—economic security, freedom from violence, leadership, and sexual literacy and reproductive health care—are complex but not unsolvable. Now is the time to challenge systems and create effective solutions. Together, we can create communities where everyone can reach their full potential. 

 

This exhibit will be open to the public 45 minutes before each show and during box office hours Monday-Friday 10 am-4 pm in the BLUEBARN Lobby.

“EMPOWERHER: A Tribute to Female Strength”

BLUEBARN Mammel Lobby

Curated by: Jared Spence

MORE OF A HEART

AFTERWORDS: Post-Show Talkback w/ Cast and Creatives

Friday, March 29th | on stage, immediately following our 7:30 pm show

An intimate extension of the theatre experience, offering audiences a chance to connect with performers and creatives. It’s a heartfelt opportunity to dive into the emotions and insights sparked by the show, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art form and people behind it.

Saro Cider and BLUEBARN Theatre Present…

Video Game Themed Trivia Night

Wednesday, April 3rd | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Saro Cider | 1012 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68108

Gear up for a wild ride at our Video Game Trivia – the ultimate showdown for gamers of all levels! Dive into a world of nostalgia and excitement as we test your knowledge on everything from classic consoles, iconic characters, to epic storylines. Grab your 1337-team and get ready to level up your Wednesday evening with epic gaming trivia!

1st Place team: two single tickets for More of a Heart & one $50 gift card to SARO Cider

2nd Place team: $20 gift card to SARO Cider

Embracing Discovery: Autism and Late Diagnoses 

Saturday, April 6th| Directly following the show 

Location: BLUEBARN Theater  

Panelists: Amy Lane & Donovan Lane, Julien Wulfgar & Murphy Scott Wulfgar, Pegeen Reilly 

Directly following More of a Heart, join us in a vibrant conversation, aiming to articulate the play’s resonance within our panel’s personal experiences, familial perspectives, and the impact of autism in their lives through a late diagnosis. Through this dialogue, we hope to forge meaningful connections with those directly experiencing autism and those seeking insight. Please join us not merely to observe, but to immerse yourself into the complexities of human resilience, understanding, and acceptance. 

 

Partnership with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Sunday, April 14th | Table with presented information

Discover the intersection of theatrical arts and lifelong learning as we showcase the collaborative initiatives between these two organizations. Come down and immerse yourself in an enriching experience, gaining insights into BLUEBARN’s dynamic productions and OLLI’s commitment to lifelong education.

The “Beyond Boundaries: Navigating Independence” exhibit is on display to the public, 45 minutes prior to the show, M-F during Box Office Hours, 10 am-4 pm.

“Beyond Boundaries: Navigating Independence”

BLUEBARN Mammel Lobby

Curated by: Jared Spence

Works by Michael Zimmerman and artists from the Angel Guardians, Inc. ArtWorks program.

Beyond Boundaries includes artistic narratives of finding independence by artists of varying abilities and neurodiversity.

 

Pre-Show Art Chats with Curator, Jared Spence  

Sunday, April 7th with Angel Guardians, Inc. ArtWorks | 1:30 pm, before the 2:00 pm show   

Saturday, April 20th with Michael Zimmerman | 7:00 pm, before the 7:30 pm show  

Please join us for two pre-show conversations with Jared and our Beyond Boundaries artists. 

Autism Action Partnership’s Sensory Station

Location: North and South Hallways

We offer optional sensory stations in our hallways for guests seeking moments of relaxation or sensory stimulation. These stations provide an opportunity to unwind and engage with diverse tactile and visual experiences at their leisure, enhancing your overall stay with us.

Past Engagement Events

The Great Leap

“Curtain Call” Post-Show Talkback w/ Cast and Creatives

Friday, February 2nd | on stage, immediately following our 7:30 pm show

Immerse yourself deeper into the world of The Great Leap by participating in an enriching talkback session with our talented cast and crew! This experience offers a rare opportunity to connect with the individuals responsible for bringing the play to life, gain unique insights into the creative process and character development, and provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse that enhances your appreciation for the artistry and dedication involved in crafting The Great Leap! 

 

Saro Cider  and BLUEBARN Theatre present…
Basketball Themed Trivia Night

Wednesday, February 7th | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Saro Cider | 1012 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68108

Join BLUEBARN for a night of hoops and brainpower at our Basketball Trivia Night at SARO Cider! Score big with slam-dunk answers, compete for MVP status, and dribble through an evening of spirited competition! So, lace up, bring your A-game, and let the trivia madness begin!

1st Place team: two single tickets for The Great Leap & one $50 gift card to SARO Cider

2nd Place team: $20 gift card to SARO Cider & a Surprise Prize

 

*SOLD OUT*

Voices AMPLIFIED! Asian American Voices in Theater with Pre-show Lion Dance

Thursday, February 8th | 6:30 pm, starting in the BLUEBARN Lobby

Join us for a jam-packed night celebrating Asian American Voices in Theater with Omaha Performing Art’s Voices AMPLIFIED! Before watching BLUEBARN Theatre’s production of The Great Leap, experience a lion dance performed by members of the Asian Community & Cultural Center of Lincoln and a preshow discussion with Sarah Luo from the Nebraska Chinese Association, actor Jimmy Nguyen and actor/director Wai Yim.

 *The first 35 registrants will get a free ticket to The Great Leap. One ticket per registration, only valid for the Feb. 8 performance. *SOLD OUT*

 

Partnership with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Sunday, February 18th | Table with presented information

Discover the intersection of theatrical arts and lifelong learning as we showcase the collaborative initiatives between these two organizations. Come down and immerse yourself in an enriching experience, gaining insights into BLUEBARN’s dynamic productions and OLLI’s commitment to lifelong education.

 

The “A Moment in Time” exhibit is on display to the public, 45 minutes prior to the show, M-F during Box Office Hours, 10 am-4 pm.

“A Moment in Time” Art Exhibit

BLUEBARN Mammel Lobby
Curated by: Jared Spence

The exhibition focuses on the dynamic nature of human movement and the lasting impact it creates. The artwork narrates the collective power of people in driving change, illustrating how their strides resonate across the fabric of time.

All art proceeds go directly to participating artists.

Pre-Show Art Chats with Curator, Jared Spence 

February 11th with Anthony T. Peña| 1:30 pm, before the 2:00 pm show

February 17th with Lew Lunbeck| 7:00 pm, before the 7:30 pm show   

Please join us for two pre-show conversations with Jared and the “A Moment in Time” artists.

A Very Die Hard Christmas

The Giving Hearts Tree Campaign

Community Collaboration with the Eastern Nebraska Office of Aging

BLUEBARN is proud to continue its partnership with Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging (ENOA), now it its 16th year! Ornaments bearing the names of local elders in need will be on sale on the Giving HeARTS Tree located in the lobby. Become an elf for the elderly by fulfilling holiday gift needs for seniors in the region.

Macbeth

Throne of Blood

Community Collaboration Screening in Partnership with Film Streams
Tuesday, September 26th | 6:oopm
Location: Ruth Sokolof Theatre | 1340 Mike Fahey St, Omaha NE

Tickets Available Through Film Streams
$7 Film Streams Member | $9 Special | $12 General Admission

Please join us for a screening of Throne of Blood  followed by a post-screening panel discussion with Film Streams and BLUEBARN Theatre.

Returning to their lord’s castle, samurai warriors Washizu and Miki are waylaid by a spirit who predicts their futures. When the first part of the spirit’s prophecy comes true, Washizu’s scheming wife, Asaji, presses him to speed up the rest of the spirit’s prophecy by murdering his lord and usurping his place. Director Akira Kurosawa’s resetting of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth in feudal Japan is one of his most acclaimed films.

Shakespeare Trivia Night:
To Trivia or Not to Trivia

In Partnership with Saro Cider
Hosted by Theresa Sindelar and Bill Grennan
Wednesday, October 4th | 7pm – 9pm 
Saro Cider | 1012 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68108

Hark! Lend thy ears and open thy hearts, for a night of merry-making awaits at our Shakespeare Trivia Night! “All the world’s a stage,” and on this night our stage (bar) shall be filled with laughter and camaraderie, as we engage in friendly rivalry. From star-cross lovers to mischievous fairies, we shall venture through the realm of the Bard’s timeless tales. Gather your wittiest comrades for the ‘game is afoot’, and only the sharpest minds shall emerge victorious. So ‘come what come may,’  ‘speak what we feel, not what we ought to say’, and embark on a night of merriment!

1st Place team: 2 single tickets for Macbeth and 1 $50 gift card to SARO Cider
2nd Place team: Surprise Prize

Art in the Blue

BLUEBARN Mammel Lobby

“Entangled”

Curated by Jared Spence

Entangled draws its inspiration from Shakespeare’s tragic masterpiece, Macbeth. This captivating exhibition delves deep into the intricately dark realms of a tormented psyche, entwined by overwhelming guilt and paranoia. Through its art, Entangled explores the exquisitely brutal essence of a mind ensnared in its own web of emotions and consequences.

 All art proceeds go directly to participating artists.
The exhibit will be open to the public 45 mins before each performance of Macbeth and during box office hours (M-F, 10am-4pm).

 

Opening Reception

Sunday, September 24th | 3:00pm – 6:00pm

Join us to celebrate the opening of Entangled, the first ART IN THE BLUE exhibition of BLUEBARN’s 35th season of theatre programming: SPARK!

Pre-Show Art Chats

Sunday, October 1st | 1:30pm, before the 2:00pm show
Guest Artist: David Manzanares
Saturday, October 7th | 7:00pm, before the 7:30pm show
Guest Artist: Mark Sabaliauskas

Join us for two pre-show conversations with Entangled curator Jared Spence and guest featured artists.