In Papillion, home extends beyond neighborhoods and schools. For nearly three decades, local theatre programs have helped residents of all ages find confidence, connection, and community through performance.
Two organizations anchor that experience: Papillion Area Community Theatre and Papillion La Vista Arts Network (PLAN). Together, they offer a rare continuum of theatre opportunities for all ages, making Papillion a true home for the arts.
Founded in 2006–2007, the Papillion Area Community Theatre, commonly known as PAC Theatre, began as the Papillion-La Vista Community Theatre, reflecting its close ties to the local school district. As the organization grew, so did its reach. “The name, PAC Theatre, not only points to our geographical roots in Papillion, but how we’ve grown to share our arts opportunities with all of our neighbors in Sarpy County,” says Celeste Pille, Board President of PAC Theatre.
The updated name also aligns with its role within the Papillion Arts Foundation, an umbrella for multiple arts organizations from the area.
PAC Theatre’s year culminates in a large-scale summer musical at SumTur Amphitheater, produced entirely by volunteers. This year’s production is Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Auditions will be announced in early spring, rehearsals begin in May, and performances take place in mid-July.
Accessibility is central to PAC Theatre’s mission, Celeste shares. Tickets start at $10 for green-space seating, with reserved seating ranging from $15 to $20. “It’s so great to get kids exposed to the arts and give them a live arts experience,” she says. “We work hard to keep ticket prices affordable, particularly for families.”
Participation goes beyond the spotlight, too. Ushers, stage crew, and behind-the-scenes helpers all play a role.
“It takes all different kinds of people and different kinds of talent,” says Celeste. “It’s a really unique hub for building relationships and community ties,” she says.
That intergenerational bridge begins early through PLAN. Founded in 1998 by Deborah Bowers Kippley, Ed.D., who serves as its Chief Creative Officer, PLAN focuses on elementary- and middle-school students as an avenue to explore theatre, music, and dance. “It’s the lives that have been changed, it’s the opportunity that it gives to kids,” says Deborah.
PLAN’s flagship Arts Camp runs July 13–24 this summer, producing an original musical—Creating Haley’s World, a sci-fi tween comedy—in just two weeks. Students rehearse each morning, attend breakout classes in the afternoon, and perform by the end of the camp. “It magically all comes together,” says Deborah.
In addition to its summer programming, PLAN produces an annual Winter Play, rehearsed over several weekends and performed in late February, giving students another opportunity to experience a theatrical production.
PAC Theatre and PLAN come together on the summer stage when PLAN students perform as the opening act for one night of the PAC Theatre production. “It’s such a cool opportunity to give our stage over to them,” says Celeste. Deborah adds, “A number of our kids stay and see whatever the play is. It’s become a great collaboration and good exposure for our program.”
In total, nearly 100 performers—from age seven to over sixty—take the stage in Papillion each summer. Together, they prove that theatre here isn’t just something you attend. It’s something you belong to.
Get Involved in Papillion Theatre
- Papillion Area Community Theatre:
Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame • July 10th-12th and 16th-18th at SumTur Amphitheater (Auditions are March 20th and 21st). Tickets and updates at pactheatre.org and on Facebook - Papillion La Vista Arts Network (PLAN):
Arts Camp (July 13–24) and Winter Play • Learn more at planartsnetwork.org or follow PLAN on Facebook