The mission of the Benson Theatre is to enhance, engage and enrich the community through educational and artistic experiences. It is dedicated to fostering the success of artists, entrepreneurs, nonprofits and underserved populations in Omaha, Neb., by creating a shared community space for education and artistic performance. Now open, the theatre will provide independent programming and serve as an alternative stage in north Omaha for existing nonprofits, performing arts organizations and schools. Its goals are: - To improve the quality of life for residents of north Omaha - To provide educational programming for artists, entrepreneurs, nonprofits and the underserved that gives them the skills they need to be successful in today’s marketplace - To preserve a piece of Omaha’s architectural and cultural history in an underserved area of the city - To enhance collaboration among Omaha’s existing nonprofits, performing arts organizations and schools - To increase exposure and build new audiences for our community partners The facility at 6054 Maple Street was built in 1923 as a vaudeville theatre and is currently open to public assembly. A capital campaign is under way to raise funds to provide programming for years to come.
