402 Acting Academy

We’re growing and moving forward, and we want you to come with us! 💛
This account is now inactive, but you can find us over at 402 Arts Collective for all our latest classes, events, building updates, and more.

Stay connected. Stay creative. Stay part of the Collective. 🎭🎶🎨

📢 We’re moving!
The 402 Acting Academy account is officially closing and moving to 402 Arts Collective s starting November 1st!
Follow us there for all updates on classes, instructors, events, building closures, and more.
We can’t wait to continue sharing our creative community with you — just in a new (digital) home! 🎭

✍️✨ Step into the Writer’s Den! ✨✍️
This 90-minute weekly group is a safe, supportive space for writers of all kinds—fiction, poetry, plays, screenwriting, and more.

📖 Share your work
💬 Get feedback & coaching
📝 Spark creativity with prompts & readings

Perfect for both new writers and seasoned storytellers starting fresh projects!

Step into the world of acting through the fun and energy of improv and theater games! Each week, students will build essential improvisational skills while also growing confidence, quick thinking, and creativity—skills that shine both on and off the stage.

Perfect for anyone curious about acting or looking to build valuable life skills in a playful, supportive environment! 🌟

📅 Tuesdays | 6:00–7:00 PM

Calling all budding writers! This weekly class is a space for young creatives to share their work, receive coaching, and get feedback from fellow artists.

🎭 Writers can present up to 5 minutes of material—whether it’s poetry, theatre, essays, or other creative writing—and take part in fun writing exercises to grow their skills.

📅 Mondays, 6:00–7:00 PM
📖 Sign up month-to-month (4 workshop sessions each!)

🎨✨ Move, groove, and paint! ✨🎶
Join us for a one-of-a-kind class where music, movement, and visual art come together. Kids will use their bodies, popular rhythms, and vibrant paints to explore how sound can be expressed on canvas. It’s all about creativity, self-expression, and having fun!

🗓 Saturday, October 4th from 10:00 – 11:30 AM
👧 Ages 5–12

Level up your improv game in this high-energy Improvised Musical Theatre Masterclass!
🎤 Create songs & scenes on the spot, strengthen comedic instincts & ensemble skills, and end with a fully improvised musical packed with big laughs & bold choices.

📅 Thursdays: Oct 2, 9, 16, 23
🕕 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 402 Arts Collective

For experienced improvisers ready to sing, play, and surprise themselves! 🎵

🎭 The Actors Sandbox: Build Your Acting Skills! 🎭

Looking for a fun, supportive space to sharpen your craft? In this 4-week course, actors of all levels will:
✨ Learn a quick, effective method for script analysis
✨ Discover techniques for creating nuanced characters
✨ Gain skills that shine in auditions, TV, film, and more

Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned performer, this class offers a safe space to experiment, grow, and take your acting to the next level!

📅 October 6, 13, 20, 27, 2025
📍 402 Acting Academy

🎙️ Step Into the World of Voice Over! 🎙️
Join comedian, actor & voice artist Matt Geiler for an immersive Voice Over class! Learn script interpretation, expand your vocal range, and deliver compelling reads for a variety of styles.

🎧 Hands-on studio work + real-time feedback = confidence behind the mic.

📅 Tuesdays Sept 16, 23, 30 & Oct 7
🕡 6:30–8:00 PM
📍 402 Arts Collective

We’re thrilled to spotlight Coffee Tonk Presented at Fringe Festival 2025, a brand-new production inspired by the music of singer-songwriter Ben Danaher. This original play makes its premiere at the Omaha Fringe Festival this August at the Shelterbelt Theatre.

On today’s podcast, we welcome several incredible guests from the Coffee Tonk team: Jill Engelstad, the playwright; Steve Hydeen, the director of Coffee Tonk and Program Director & Chief Admin Director of the 402 Arts Collective; Brigette Chizek, who plays dual roles as singer Jonelle and bar owner Olivia; and Mark Drendt, who portrays the lead character, Daniel West.

This production is truly a collaborative effort. The 402 Arts Collective provided the acting talent, and the River City Shakers bring energy and movement through dance. The Great Plains Theatre Commons supported playwright Jill Engelstad in developing the script. And, of course, the Omaha Fringe Festival and Shelterbelt Theatre provide the platform and venue to bring it all to life.

All Omaha-based. All incredible creatives. All working together to tell new and meaningful stories.

Tune in to the podcast to hear behind-the-scenes insights and enjoy a taste of Ben Danaher’s inspiring music featured in Coffee Tonk.

The Omaha Fringe Festival runs August 8–10, 2025, featuring 20 original productions, each no longer than one hour. Performances will take place at three venues: Shelterbelt Theatre, two stages at the UNO Theatre, and the Blackstone Theater.

Don’t miss this celebration of new work, local artistry, and collaborative storytelling!

CONTACT INFORMATION:
🎟️Tickets: Omaha Fringe Festival https://www.omahafringe.org/
🎭402 Arts Collective: https://402artscollective.org/
Ben Danaher: www.BenDanaher.com
River City Shakers: https://www.facebook.com/p/River-City-Shakers-100064757254152/
Coffee Tonk at the Omaha Fringe Festival Page: https://www.facebook.com/CoffeeTonkFringeFestival

HOW TO LISTEN TO THE PLATTE RIVER BARD PODCAST
🎧Listen at https://platteriverbard.podbean.com or anywhere you get your podcasts.
🎧We are on Apple, Google, Pandora, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Podbean, Overcast, Listen Now, Castbox and anywhere you get your podcasts.
🎧You may also find us by just asking Alexa.
🎧Listen on your computer or any device on our website: https://www.platteriverbard.com.
🎧Find us on You Tube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCPDzMz8kHvsLcJRV-myurvA.
💙Please find us and Subscribe!💙

Your first 10 pages can make or break your play. If you don’t hook a producer or director early, they may never read the rest. In this 4-week in-person course, you’ll learn the essential tools of playwriting. By the end, you’ll walk away with the first 10 pages of a full-length, one act, or short play—and a clear path forward.

This course is great for beginners and also serves as a helpful reset for seasoned writers.

🗓 Thursdays: August 21st, 28th, September 4th & 11th from 7:00–8:30 PM

Join us and start writing the story only you can tell. 🎭